Emma Elisabeth grew up by the Swedish ocean, surrounded by musicians. Indeed, her mom was part of a blues-rock band while her dad was playing flamenco and classical guitar. It is then no coincidence that the instrument became one of her favourite ones. “I definitely have a thing for reverberating guitars. Maybe it’s because I’m so influenced and inspired by people who make music in that vein,” Emma says. “But when I create songs, I don’t really think about that. The song gets a life of its own and I kind of follow.”

Taken from her brand new album Melancholic Milkshake, a project that she mostly produced on her own, her new single “Cavalry” doesn’t really sound like Scandinavia or 2019. Written and recorded in collaboration with Petter Ericson Stakee (Alberta Cross, Brynäs) and Earl Harvin (AIR, Tindersticks) on drums, the gentle, Southern-esque track relies on Emma Elisabeth‘s warm croon and jangly, rustic guitars recalling Fleetwood Mac and the oldies goodies of 70s folk-pop to mind. About the track, she stated:

[su_quote]’Cavalry’ is a song about longing, restlessness and daring to go for it. And it’s about giving in to what you feel, because you can’t force someone out of your thoughts anyway. No more waiting around. It’s about the feeling that nothing/none can scare me off, even if they tried. So send in the Cavalry and point arms at me – it still won’t stop me from thinking about you.[/su_quote]

Before adding:

[su_quote]Sound wise the song is, like the rest of the album, very organic, and has a classic band setup. Drums, bass, keys, electric and acoustic guitars matched with my dearest 80’s synthesizers, those are the key instruments, and on top of that the vocal arrangements which I love to nerd out on.[/su_quote]

This nostalgic vibe is particularly palpable in the accompanying video, which was directed by Damian John Harper and shot on Super8 in Joshua Tree National Park CA, Marfa TX and Glivarp, Skåne. Watch below.

[su_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhtu9MyES74″]

Swedish artist Emma Elisabeth is now relocated to East Berlin where she has been crafting her debut album for months in her bedroom-studio. In the intimacy of her human-size laboratory, the artist has tested combinations of synthesizers, organs and guitar to write and compose timeless jangle pop songs. In her task, she was assisted by some famous musicians and technicians, including her long-time collaborator Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey) who mixed her LP.

The first offering of this project is the genuine indie pop song “Soul Traveller” which depicts a strong connection between two human beings. A special link that people around might never understand. The track is definitely a grower and it’s sad we can’t start a romantic campfire in our office cause this is definitely the kind of recomforting ambience the song reminds us of.

Emma Elisabeth will also play a series of shows for SXSW 2018:

– Barracuda Backyard on Monday, March 12 from 8:30 PM to 9:10 PM

– Esther’s Follies on Friday, March 16, Time TBA

– Barracuda, German Haus Event, March 10 from 22.10 PM to 22.50 PM

– Second Play Stage – SFA / Thursday 15th / 4:00pm (stripped back set)

– Second Play Stage – Hilton Cannon + Bell / Friday 16th / 6:00pm (stripped back set)

Keep things fresh with Emma Elisabeth over Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Inspired by strong female rock models such as Stevie Nicks, Dolly Parton or Patti Smith, among others, she puts all of her influences in just one track. It might sound messy, but it’s all incredibly put together, with still giving an impression of something unfinished, not fully realized. About the track, Emma Elisabeth explained:

[su_quote]

This song has been messing with me from the start. I was at home in Höllviken looking after my parents house and I did an all-nighter. I hammered on my dads classical guitar and drank wine and wrote it in solitude. No, Ozzy the pug was there too. Then I re-wrote the melody, the lyrics, the middle eight, changed the structure, asked a friend to help me out. And in the studio we tried out so many ideas, changed sounds, arrangements, vocal takes. It’s a real bastard. But I love it. It’s another bitter sweet story of mine.

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You can follow Emma Elisabeth over Facebook and Soundcloud.