Manhattan native Emily King isn’t yet 30 years of age, but she is a certified music business veteran. She got her first record deal (with J Records) in 2004, a few years after dropping out of high school to pursue her music career, although her debut album East Side Story was not released until 2007. That album earned a Grammy nod for Best Contemporary R&B Album and led to performing alongside John Legend, Floetry, Alicia Keys and Nas.
Emily moved on from J in 2008, returning to the independent ranks, and released the Seven EP in 2008. The acclaim of this release led to her touring with Maroon 5 and winning the Holly Prize from the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Shortly after winning that award, Emily toured the U.K. with Emeli Sandé and then did a run as Sara Bareilles’ opener.
Moving ahead to 2015, Emily’s The Switch album was released back in June and Switch tracks “Distance” and “The Animals” already have people talking – praise has already come from media outlets as diverse as the BBC’s Radio 1, Okayplayer, The Wall Street Journal and NPR. Her headlining tour launches on July 20th and comes through town on July 27th with a stop at The Bowery Ballroom.
Emily kindly answered some questions for Downtown, revealing both a sense of humor and positive attitude beyond the skilled and rising singer/songwriter.
What do you wish more people knew about Emily King?
Emily King: I love jelly donuts and extra mayo on my sandwiches.
Was there a moment in which came to the realization that you could be doing this — making a living as a performer — for the rest of your life?
E: I was raised by performers so I always assumed I’d be doing the same thing as my parents when I got older. I tried basketball and thought I might be a doctor for a little while until realized you had to be in school for a long time and I couldn’t make the layups.
Having grown up on the Lower East Side, where do you stand on the New York City that we have today? Do you hate how “clean” it’s gotten, or do you enjoy the changes and overall evolution?
E: I used to rebel against it. When people started moving into my neighborhood I felt territorial and didn’t like the new buildings and stores very much. I felt like an outsider in my home. Then when I started to grow up, there was so much change all the time and I think I got used to it. I stopped seeing myself as different from the change around me and began to enjoy some of the new cafes and markets. But there are so many more people living in the city now, it’s hard not to be affected by that energy and that’s usually when I leave town and take a break.
There always seems to be pressure about writing the second full-length album. Did you feel that coming into “The Switch?” Or did having “The Seven” EP out a few years ago change that dynamic?
E: I felt a lot pressure from myself. I wanted to be excited about the album I was making and of course it took a lot of bad music to find the good stuff. My producer and collaborator Jeremy Most was always pushing me to be my best. Working with him made me work harder. I couldn’t be lazy and settle for less around him. I think the Seven EP was the first project I made without filters from the outside world. It gave me confidence to continue and forced me to try for something better on the next round.
For the existing fanbase, how would you compare The Switch to your first album?
E: I’ve always liked albums with a variety of feelings and grooves. I think the first album had a lot of musical variation. That was definitely a goal with The Switch album as well. My tastes and my standards have changed a lot since my first album. But I’m still the same person in many ways.
Did getting a Grammy nomination change your life in any way?
E: It was really exciting at first. Then it gave me a kind of bittersweet feeling. Like an “almost” that floated around in my brain and sort of plagued me for a while. It was strong reminder not to put too much importance on these kinds of things. To stay focused on the art always.
For those coming to see you at The Bowery Ballroom later this month, what’s to be expected?
E: I want to have fun! It’s one of the first times we’ll be playing the album live and I’m excited to play all the new grooves and up tempos. To dance and have a good time with the audience. The band and I have a few tricks we’ve been working on, you’ll have to wait and see!
Finally, Emily, any last words for the kids?
E: Share a smile today.
Check out the video to her single, “The Distance” HERE:
-by Darren Paltrowitz
