May 13, 2018
Emily Atkinson, aka E M I L I E, burst onto the scene in 2016 with the single ‘Eyes For You’, quickly followed by debut EP I See You In Darkness. Warmly received by critics, who praised her ethereal vocals in particular, I See You In Darkness was followed by 2017 single ‘Never Enough’ and a string of live dates; including a slot at the Electric Fields music festival.
Atkinson’s brooding take on electro-pop is sure to make a splash on the 26th of May, when she will open for Sylvan Esso alongside Glasgow-based synth pop duo Happy Meals. We were fortunate enough to catch up with the young singer-songwriter to talk about how she’s feeling ahead of her performance and what Hidden Door means to her.
Your sound has been characterised as ‘dark electro pop’ and compared to the likes of Broods and London Grammar. How would you personally describe your music?
I think dark electro pop is a fairly accurate term with what I’ve already released. I’ve been working on new material for just under a year now though and the mood of it is a little lighter so I think the direction of the sound can be subject to change, but it does always have a bit more of a dark edge.
You’ve already had considerable experience playing live music — appearing at festivals such as Electric Fields and for the BBC at the Edinburgh Festivals. How do you prepare yourself for a live show?
I spend a lot of time with my band working to re-create all the sounds used when I write in the studio, and just get everything as accurate as possible so I can feel satisfied we’ve caught the essence of the tracks live.
As part of the Hidden Door programme, you’re playing support for Sylvan Esso alongside Happy Meals — what about this slot is most exciting to you?
It’s so flattering to be asked to support a band or artist that I’m a fan of, so it’s quite special for me to be in a position to be offered to support Sylvan Esso. I went to school with Lewis from Happy Meals as well and have always admired their work so it’s really nice to have a chance to be on the same line up.
What do you think makes Hidden Door a unique live music experience?
I think just the festival as a whole celebrating so many different kinds of art is unique in itself. It’s also really great be part of the revival of the Leith Theatre after it lay dormant for so many years up until last year’s Hidden Door.
E M I L I E will perform on Saturday 26th May. Tickets are on sale now – £20, £17 concessions.
