Q: First off I want to say I’m a big fan, I love the soothing, soulful, nostalgic voice you produce when you sing, who have been your biggest influences?
EMANUEL: My biggest influences would have to be my high-school heros Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar. Those artists really exemplify how I want my music to feel. The wisdom on every song, the raw truth, the hard questions. The quest for truth, everything falls in to place on that quest.
Q: I see that you are signed by Motown Records, what did you take away from your experience of getting signed?
EMANUEL: It is definitely a wild experience. Something I thought might not be written for me. The support and belief in my music is source of pride. It’s also quite humbling to have the opportunity to add to such a legendary legacy.
Q: “Worldwide” is a song of celebration and a prayer for the future, what are you praying for?
EMANUEL: I’m praying for success, I’m praying that my songs resonate and I’m praying that I’m able to embark on this journey and live according to my purpose. I believe I was put in this earth in part to travel to world many times over, singing these melodies and stirring the spirits of the people I have the blessing of crossing paths with. Worldwide is this prayer on wax.
Q: What has been one of the most significant moments of your musical journey so far?
EMANUEL: I think the most significant moment was the moment I decided to believe in myself, the moment I chose to chase something I wasn’t tangibly seeing yet. There’s nothing I can’t achieve if I believe in myself like I did while cleaning at the hospital and using all my other time to sow into this dream
Q: What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?
EMANUEL: I believe what sets my music apart from others is my story and my perspective. Also I believe people are stirred by truth, I know that’s what attracts me to my favourite music. When I sing of my sorrow and my happiness I believe people can relate. I think the best songs are just peoples stories.
Q: What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?
EMANUEL: God willing, some shows and some new music
Interviewed by Jaye Maverick
FOLLOW EMANUEL:
