LA based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Emily James releases her new EP Wanted You to Know, Pt. I. The collection of six thoughtful and romantic compositions highlight the breadth and tenderness of first love and the emotional growth of a young woman. The enchanting EP of dream-pop delight was written, recorded, and co-produced by James. A prime example of James’s songwriting prowess is “don’t fall on me”, from the new release, which can be heard, here. The full EP can be found, here.
Reflecting on her newest song James shares, “When writing “don’t fall on me,” I really wanted to capture the emotional conflict of the song’s lyrics through the production. I felt it was important to express that simultaneity of vulnerability and apprehension.” She adds, “To me, the song feels like it’s forewarning a relationship that’s destined to end in heartbreak. I love that the song leans in a more rock direction, setting it apart from the other songs on the EP.”
James co-wrote the EP’s lead single “back in the summer” with Evan Klar (Mallrat) and Justin Lucas (Khalid) who also co-produced the song. “It’s a fun and upbeat song,” James says. “Every time I listen to it, I feel a little sense of freedom, so I wanted to do that for others.” The thoughtful second single “that’d be alright” was co-written by James and Brian Brundage (Rhys Lewis). “We wrote the song this past summer after a long talk about everything that’s been going on in the world. It highlights my hope for a better world.” And the gentle, contemplative “the list” is a solo composition/production by James. “If I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious, I make a list and that makes me feel better. So with this song, I listed all the things I needed to get off my chest about a certain situation so I can close that chapter.” With these three tracks and the rest of the songs on Wanted You to Know, Pt. I , “I feel like this project is completely where I want to be creatively,” James says. “It’s a combination of songs that I wrote solo and self-produced, and then some that were collaborations.” James’ music has been included on playlists from Alternate Root to LA Weekly. InFocus Visions said, “Her songs have a Jack Johnson meets Carly Rae Jepson kind of vibe that immediately puts you in a relaxing mood..” Rock at Night wrote “Writing songs since she was 10 years old, Emily composes lyrics with a mature sensibility and reveals life experiences that belie her tender age of 21…With a soft pop and rock influence and lots of beautiful hooks in her songs–think of a beautiful melange of sound from perhaps early Carole King and Jack Johnson performing together.”