I was lucky enough to discover Emma Miller a few months ago, writing about ‘Sick & Tired’, a stunning single described by me as “nuanced and soothing as it could, slowly developing into a cathartic, evocative anthem.” I stand behind that: the Scottish songstress has certainly developed a knack for poignant, expansive pieces, drenched in a myriad of textures and intimate instrumentations.
Calling alt-folk her home, Miller also looks at her work holistically, incorporating a distinct pop flair in everything she writes. It works; ‘Downstairs’ is the strongest evidence of it. Emma’s latest single, the track is hazy and elegant, built over a ballad-like skeleton which grows in intensity as it goes along. Beatless, the record finds its identity in a thousand soundscapes and immersive vocal harmonies, wrapping the listeners in overwhelming musical magic.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Downstairs’, she explains: “Downstairs is a song about the discomfort of being in limbo, of not choosing a fork in the road and instead sitting for too long in the headspace of fear: fear of the future, fear of the unknown and the fear of what it could mean if you don’t push yourself.” Lucas Mendes and Dave Holden can be found alongside Miller on production duties – look out for the project’s upcoming EP.
Recommended! Discover ‘Downstairs’ on Spotify:
