The Refrain Interview: Embers

Embers. The remnants of the fire that continue to burn. That refuse to die. That prevail, and glow, long after the flames subside. It’s also an apt moniker for the groundbreaking artist behind the forthcoming album: EMO SZN. Plenty of trends arrive hotter than hell and quickly turn to ash. But on Embers’ debut EMO SZN, the artist mines, illuminates, and transfigures only those elements of the last quarter century of pop music that have endured and maintained heat, rekindling them into a wide-ranging, genre-melding inferno that is at-once powerful, beautiful, vulnerable, courageous, and raw.

We had the chance to ask Embers a few questions as part of The Refrain Interview Series. Check it out below.

Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have a new single out now. Tell us about it? What’s it called?

Embers: My first single off my debut EP EMO SZN is called Last Call.

RMB: What’s the single about?

Embers: Last Call is about finding ways to distract yourself from the things that haunt you. In this case it’s a direct metaphor to using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded? The Who, When, Where etc. Was it a long process or quick? Any good stories about the recording process?

Embers: I wrote and recorded the single at my home studio over Covid. Having a lot of time due to the music industry collapsing, I spent a lot of time in that room finding myself. The lyrics came to me rather quickly reflecting on the loneliness and isolation that a lot of us experienced during that time.

RMB: Is it part of a larger album?

Embers: Yes! Last Call is from my EP EMO SZN which I recorded all during the year of Covid. I took advantage of the extra time and emotional insecurities that came with that challenge.

RMB: How does this single differ from your previous work?

Embers: The first few singles I released were more aggressive and high energy based on a lot of my earlier pop punk influences. This track stands as my first dive into a slower, more emotional version of myself

RMB: Tell us a little bit about yourself. When did you start pursuing music?

Embers: I picked up a guitar shortly after my brother passed away when I was only 8 years old. I was driven to accomplish what he never had the chance to. I started my first band in my early teens and haven’t stopped writing since.

RMB: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Embers: Growing up I was listening to Blink 182 and the emo scene of Taking Back Sunday, Saves The Day and others of that style. Lately I’ve been more influenced by hip hop and emo rap artists like Guardin, Nothing Nowhere, and rap legends like Mac Miller.

RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?

Embers: Performing at my hometown venue Middle East Downstairs meant a lot to me. Performing my EP release with a full band to a crowd of new fans was amazing. Some knew the words only a few days after the release and seeing them rock out to my set felt amazing. The venue is where I first got involved in music in 2010 so it felt really surreal and full circle.

RMB: What artist would you love to tour with in your future as an artist?

Embers: Touring with an artist whose music helped me through a difficult time would be amazing. Someone like Nothing Nowhere, Taking Back Sunday, or Hot Mulligan. Hearing those sets every night and sharing the stage would feel both cathartic and inspirational.

RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?

Embers: If you have ever struggled with mental health and use music as an outlet to tap into your feelings, give EMO SZN a listen front to back and you may relate.

RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?

Embers: Live now how others won’t so you can live later how others can’t. I try to stick by that mantra.

RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?

Embers: You’ll be ok. Just breathe and walk forward head high.

RMB: What’s coming up next for your musical project?

Embers: Now that the EP is released and I’ve had a strong run of amazing shows I’m going back into the studio to finish some singles I had started a while back. I have so much music I’m excited to get out into the world.