Emily Litta: "You have to be vulnerable or what’s the point?"
Since releasing her single 'Tomboy' in 2017, Emily Litta has been hard at work with banger after banger.
The London-based singer/songwriter, of Kiwi and Italian heritage, is inspired by a multitude of genres and sounds - creating some of the most exciting 90's-infused R&B bops of the past few years.
From her latest single 'Not A Love Song', to her collaboration with Duccio on 'What If', Litta has exhibited a clear experience in playing around with a range of styles. Still, what always remains is her fierce and self-assured voice - which she's not afraid to use.
We caught up with her to get a sneak peek into her life, inspirations, and new music:
What’s been bringing you joy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
I think as tough as this year has been for all of us, it really shook me up in many ways and made me want to make the most of the time we have. I had a chance to focus on the little things a bit more! Like playing a record for the first time, dancing, writing music… those have pretty much been the healing forces!
Your latest track, ‘Not A Love Song’ is really raw - but also snappy and powerful. How do you navigate writing music which is energetic and exciting like that, but also includes very personal, difficult emotions?
I love the snappy and powerful combo! I think there is a misconception that hard truths and sad topics go hand in hand with writing sad songs. But really, I think it’s much more fun to make the track a little more upbeat and a bit more like “fuck you, I’m better off without you” with an angry pop. As far as lyrics go, you have to be vulnerable or what’s the point?
Your own music floats between soulful, 90’s R&B-inspired sound; while your collaborations, such as with Duccio on ‘What If’ hold a house and electronic feel – what is the process like when moving between those styles?
The track with Duccio was a very spontaneous collaboration since we have been friends for a while! It just sort of happened naturally and I’m so happy it did! I listen to so many genres and techno is definitely one of them, so to explore that world was really cool. It’s also good practice to switch and create melodies that might not usually work on an RNB track, but fit well with this kind of stuff.
What drew you towards making R&B music?
I think it has a lot to do with my love for strong bass lines and groovy tracks! I grew up listening to a lot of disco, funk, soul, and old-school hip hop so it was natural for me to fall back into a blend of all those genres! Anything that has a fat bassline and I’m hooked!
You’ve shared with fans that your musical inspirations range from the Sex Pistols to Daft Punk to ACDC – that’s quite a range! Who would you say is a big musical influence on your artistry?
Definitely a huuuuge range! It can be very frustrating at times when you’re trying to make music, because some days I’ll be wanting to make something a little more rock and roll, like Joan Jett, and other days I want it to be more like a Daft Punk record. I can only say sorry to my producer for being all over the place - but he’s super supportive of all my different moods!!! I think my biggest inspirations would be The Doobie Brothers, Prince, and Diana Ross, but there are too many to choose from!
What music are you really loving at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Anderson .Paak, old school French techno like Cassius, and also Doja Cat (I’m slightly obsessed with her I think she’s so cool!)
Are there any artists you’re dying to watch perform when it’s safe to do so?
If Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars go on a joint tour I’ll be right below the stage, no doubts about that!
Have you done any virtual performances in the past year? How did you find those experiences?
I have done a few Instagram lives and other mini live shows on YouTube. It was definitely a different experience! As much as I love the opportunity to still perform in some ways, it’s just not the same feeling as being in a live venue. There’s so much energy and anticipation (and nerves) when you play for a live audience, and to see them vibe to music you wrote in your room is like something out of a movie! Best feeling ever.
Are there any dream venues you wish to perform at?
I mean, can I say Madison Square Garden, or is that too much?!
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
I am working on new stuff and I’m sooooo psyched! But it’s a little bit of a secret! I can’t wait to share it with you!
You can check out Emily's music here:
https://open.spotify.com/artis t/45xWZLrADMtB4FYuYcDykK
https://soundcloud.com/emilyli tta
To stay up to date with her, visit her social media:
https://www.instagram.com/emil y.litta/
Words: Seeham Rahman