Feautured Songbay Artist: Emma Chute

This week we take a look at the work of Emma Chute, a talented lyricist who has recently licensed her first lyric at Songbay

“How did you get in to songwriting?”

I think I have always been writing something. As a child,  I would write short stories and I read poetry from a young age. The words of Kahil Gibran  touched me. At school, we were asked to to make Poetry Anthologies. I won the prize for best Anthology and had my work put on display in the library at Penhros College  (Perth Australia).  In another task, I was required to deconstruct Hotel California by the ‘Eagles’. I grasped what they were saying,  all the metaphors and double references. This got me really interested in writing.

So, a love of music from a young age, some praise and a few shoves in the right direction set me on my path!

“Where did you study songwriting?”

I have had no formal training except the study of English Literature and Music at High School, and taking piano lessons to help with my songwriting. I had straight A’s in English all through my school years but when I was 18,  my life changed, I contracted Bacterial Meningitis and woke out of a coma with no recollection of anyone or anything. I couldn’t read, write or even tie my shoelaces.

What followed, was a long and difficult recovery, that took me to some very dark and far away places. While I was there, I wrote about it, and when I was returned, I wrote about how it had been, and also what I had seen and all my broken heart experiences in between.

” What are your musical influences?

I used to sit in front of my Mum’s tape player and just play whatever for hours. Cat Stevens , Billy Joel, The Eagles  etc.  I would sit in a blacked out bathroom listening to Buddy Holly or Jackson 5 in the tub (yep weird,,,). I loved Countdown, then I discovered Rage, so bands like the Church, R.E.M and later, Violent Femmes, Foo Fighters, Chris Cornell (R.I.P to an amazing man), Bush, Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen, Melissa Etheridge, Counting Crows and so many more.

” What would you say are your achievements as a songwriter?

Well, I have sold a lyric on Songbay – ‘Shadow Girl’ which felt truly amazing! Also the Poetry Anthology (just mentioned), and on a personal level, a renewed belief in myself after a near death experience and it’s ensuing journey. Music and writing has helped me to heal, and I hope to be able to influence other people’s lives to give them hope. When I listen to Katy Perry’s  ‘Tell me I am a firework’, I truly believe the words. That music, has that much power. It is amazing.

The proof, I have recently managed to teach myself how to play the piano again and wrote my first piece of music to go with a lyric, so I have my first song in the making!

“People you’ve performed or collaborated with?”

Well I did the usual high school stuff like singing in the Choir and playing in the band. I have had my words put to music by some talented guitarists and sung a few cover songs (ok, possibly after some beers,,,) but nothing on a large scale …yet!

I would love to be mentored or collaborate with other musicians. This is this year’s challenge!
“Who are your favorite artists and why?”

It’s difficult to say with so many amazing artists. Adam Duritz  (‘Counting Crows’)  is a brilliant songwriter and storyteller. Deep, profound, pain felt and honest. I like to look to music that makes you feel. ‘Perfect Blue Building’, Foo Fighters (Yes Dave, I am single,,) As for the line: ”Breathe in so I can breathe you out” well that is just perfection! And I love David Gray. Again an amazing storyteller that makes you feel as If it is your own story. Everything on the David Gray ‘White Ladder album’  is superb!

“Thoughts about Songbay?”

I LOVE SONGBAY!

I had been looking at my lyrics for so long now that when I discovered Songbay it really just felt great to be able to share them with an audience. I think the team are so genuine and supportive and I love being part of it. These guys always answer all my questions and have promoted me in such a way that I can’t thank them enough.

“Other Thoughts”

I have a lot of material ready to go into the right hands and I have a good story about coming out of the darkness and into the light. Although my writing may often seem dark and sad, I’m a positive and happy person. I just had to go there to get here!

If I can get to a place where I can tell my story with absolute honesty, I believe it may help others believe in themselves, or at least know they are not alone and that there is hope.

Writing is my absolute passion and I will make it manifest! I am ready to collaborate with the right people to turn these words into songs! Even to get picked up by a publisher, or to write a book with poetry to tell my story.

I am lucky and I got lucky. So I am very grateful for that. So dream big and believe in yourself. It is possible to change your path.

Love and Light

Emma xoxoxo

Shadow Girl by Emma Chute published and licensed at Songbay

Take a look at Emmas’s work on Songbay today. Feel free to get in touch with her with any work offers or collaboration requests: 

Emma Chutes’s  Artist Page at Songbay >>