With country music dominating the better part of the 2020s, we’ve seen all types of musicians incorporate country and its subgenres into their music. Sometimes, it’s not the music that changes, but it’s the Western wear they’ve incorporated into their style to give the illusion that they’re going to pivot artistically. However, with musicians like Emma Ogier, it’s not a costume or a career pivot, it’s authentic to her culture and upbringing. Her fourth single of 2026, “Keep You”, lyrically delves into the whims of desire in the modern age, accompanied by earnest songwriting and catchy earworms.
The Houston native, yet Nashville based singer-songwriter delivers a beautiful homage to Joni Mitchell’s “The Coyote” with “Keep You”. Despite being an homage, Emma Ogier makes the song her own by driving the slowly unfolded story with sharply veiled writing. “I’ll always be your statue in the hallway.” “I call to sing you back to sleep but you’re a prisoner of the night and she gets to keep you.” From glances to half-truths to negotiations, the song leaves you sitting in the middle of the chaos you willingly participated in making it all the more resonant with its audience. In a world full of reticent people, she captures the global loneliness that plagues us all.
As an impressive new artist, Emma Ogier combines earnest songwriting with acoustics, drums, and production that are textured, yet quiet. This allows her bright twang to shine especially in the chorus. Combining country and alternative indie pop with addictive hooks, she reimagines the familiar through a satirical lens that sparks innovation. Known for her songwriting efficiency, she has received a lot of praise from different publications as one of this year’s best new artists. Recently, she performed on stage with Dominic Fike in Bend, Oregon. From now until the end of October, she is touring with indie rock band, Whitney, and pop duo, Hovvdy, across North America.
“Keep You” is the fourth single from Emma Ogier in 2026. Preceded by “Rocksteady/HeavyMetal”, “Believing”, and “Baby Don’t Hurt Me”, she is hard at work on her debut album. Receiving recognition left and right, Emma Ogier is a unique rising star worth checking out.
Written by Jazz Williams
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