Emily Victoria Humming Heart

Enter into the lush and mysterious realm of Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Emily Victoria, with her brand new track Humming Heart making its way into the world today. Also accompanied by an immersive and intriguing music video, Humming Heart murmurs with rich instrumentals and effortless charm like a hazy twilight spell.

Inspired by the likes of Hatchie, Kate Bush, Caroline Polachek and The Sundays, Humming Heart is a layered, bold and dreamlike affair, equally warm and beguiling with a retro undertone amidst Emily's textured vocals. Recorded to tape at Soundpark Studios with producer Nao Anzai, who has previously worked with Mildlife and The Teskey Brothers, Humming Heart hums along with synthesisers and production by Lewis Moody, additional vocal production provided by Hamish Patrick, guitars by Anthony Farrugia, Jacob Long on drums and Sam Clarke on bass, while also contemplating the unknown and existence in general, as Emily explains, "The lyrics for Humming Heart are quite abstract, like the video. It's ultimately about having curiosity and intrigue, exploring the unknown and encountering the supernatural. It's also about considering the cause of our existence and trying to make sense of one's experience".

The accompanying music video for Humming Heart seamlessly adheres itself to the absorbing and curious nature of the overall track, with Emily teaming up with Jeff Andersen Jnr on directing and editing duties to bring the luminous yet moody clip to life. Featuring Emily and contemporary dancer and artist Nikki Tarling, the clip ultimately evolved from an eccentric idea revolving around limbs into a full-blown narrative, and painstakingly timed lights, as Emily reveals, "Jeff thought of the idea for this video. In its early stages the concept was close up shots of limbs doing peculiar things at different angles, e.g. a pair of hands tidying with a dustpan and shovel. Then Jeff suggested that I act as a cautious hotel manager who sees unusual limbs in rooms with eerie lighting. We both liked there being unity at the end point of the video. The video was so much fun to make! We were a team of six filming the video at St George's Inn in Thornbury over two nights. It was all very thoughtfully planned, however there were some last-minute changes with the crew, which gave it a very spontaneous feeling! The lighting setup was extensive, thanks to Mike Ridley. We were able to sync the lighting with the rhythm of the song".

A lover of busy cities, the creative process, Gustav Klimt and the colour red, Emily's enchanting flair as an artist ultimately stems from her love for life and a constant pursuit to challenge herself, and Humming Heart is a sublime and elegant addition to her ever-evolving journey.

Humming Heart is out now

Interview with Emily Victoria

How would you describe your music?

Lush layered Dream Pop. The use of layering creates a closeness and more distant dreamlike landscape. Wider intervals throughout the melody and guitar lines also contribute to the expansive sound. A unique combination of sounds from varying musical influences and experiences that support one another. . 

Can you tell us about your new single Humming Heart 

Humming Heart is about curiosity and wonder about the world. It is about reflecting on all the experiences we can remember , repetitive, unusual, beautiful . . and considering the cause of our experience. The song challenges what a mind likes to consider 'normal' and is an introduction to some supernatural themes that I'd like to explore in future music.

What inspired Humming Heart?

Humming Heart is inspired by dreams that feel both familiar and strange at the same time. So many times I have woken up trying to make sense of the dream. I have been unable to describe a feeling or sequence of events in words. I wanted the sounds and visuals of this song to show this. 

Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

There is no particular message. I would like listeners to enjoy the listening experience and step out of their world into an unfamiliar one. Ultimately the listening experience is very personal. 

How has a person or place influenced your music?

Places influence my music a lot. At the moment I would say I visualise the low lying mossy forests near Cradle Mountain a lot. I love quiet places that I haven't been before and taking in new atmospheres. Sydney is a place I haven't visited in quite awhile that I would like to discover again. I am amazed by all the hidden beaches and rock pools there!! When I am writing music I visualise these places.

Do you prefer performing live or recording?

I prefer recording. It's so much fun to be in a space where you can experiment and bring a group of people together, to create a world around what you are doing. I also love recording in my own space and hearing songs I have written in a different way when I arrange songs with synth.

Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

I love performing Humming Heart. When the guitar harmonics echo throughout the room it is really beautiful. The verse connects to the chorus quite effortlessly and it works so well in a live setting.

If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Caroline Polachek. I would love to discuss my songwriting and production style with her afterwards too!!

What motivates you most when writing music?

Discovering new things. Usually I write music in clusters that follows a thread of thought or approach that is working. It is really exciting when I find a new pathway and find new ways to write that I hadn't considered before!

Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

At the moment I am listening to Kate Bush's album Lionheart, Sofia Portanet, Caroline Polachek's new song Sunset, Hatchie's album Giving the World Away, Anri and Nilüfer Yanya. 

What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

When I was young, I purchased a selection of CDs including Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush and David Bowie's Greatest Hits at Dixons Recycled Discs which was a second hand CD store in Camberwell, Melbourne. I studied the CDs for ages and it inspired me to go into the music industry. 

If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Hatchie. I would love to learn more about how she constructs a track and more specifically how she records guitars and what her home studio setup is like.

How does it feel to hear your song played all over the airwaves?

Incredible. The song is going really well! I feel very encouraged to continue releasing music. 

: )

What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Accepting when something hasn't unfolded the way I anticipated and adapting in the production / post production phases. It is now something I really enjoy though as the element of unknown that comes with the process makes it exciting!

What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

There are two - self discovery and connecting with people. The process of creating a body of sound from start to finish and then creating a visual world around it and sharing it with people has allowed me to see myself in so many different ways and connect with people who I never would have encountered otherwise. 

What's a typical day like?

My days never look the same. This year I have been juggling this release and future releases creatively and logistically, studying Jazz part time, teaching 40 students, working another part time music job and travelling also. There hasn't been a spare moment!! As much as I love this way of life, I would like to plan for some free time this year and have more of a schedule with days off.

What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?

Everything you do needs to come from a place of love. The process of writing and releasing a song is a process with different phases. It is worth understanding this process by doing it once and hopefully you love it!

What's next, for you?

More travelling, writing and music releases. Keep in touch with me on Instagram and please send me a message!! I am always interest to meet new people : )

Can you share your socials? (links please)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emvictoria___/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086141994043

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1jSs3WE8jq9DkCoLVzbRPB?si=h3x2tvQMRxOyAEdXT79nyA

Humming Heart Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa_Me5MpNQM