Emily Markham How The Story Ends Interview

Australia's own country singer-songwriter Emily Markham is on the rise and making waves with her brand new single, "How The Story Ends." The NSW South Coast native has penned a remarkably relatable tune detailing the aftermath of relationships that don't always have happy endings. Despite the sad subject of the song, the upbeat tempo and Markham's powerful vocals provide a refreshing twist on the topic of relationship aftermath. From the vibe of this foot-tapping single, it is evident how Kasey Chambers, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves have influenced Emily Markham's vocal and writing style.

"How the Story Ends" was recorded at UMG Australia's Forbes Street Studio. "This song is completely me. I wrote this sitting on the floor of my hotel room in Nashville," says Markham. "I had the line "if I need to be the villain in your story, that's okay" and I knew I wanted to write a song about the different sides of a relationship. I feel like this song is a more mature concept to other songs I have written and I am incredibly excited for people to hear it."

Emily Markham released her debut EP Come on Over in 2014, which was crafted by award-winning producer, Matt Fell. Her single from that EP "Collision" was added to over 100 radio station playlists in Australia. Emily has been named Today's Country 94.1 Brand New Star on the NSW Central Coast and appeared on the auditions for season 5 of The Voice Australia. In 2018, Markham released her sophomore, seven song EP, Right Where You Are. From that body of work came "4 Days (Til Friday)", which was added to the KIX Country radio playlist.

In the past two years, Emily Markham has been taking trips to Nashville, TN to write with hit songwriters like Bill Diluigi (hits on Billboard and Americana Top 100) and John Capek (hits with Cher, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart). Markham's recent Nashville ventures have elevated her craft, which is clear with the release of "How The Story Ends." Her time in Music City has fueled her fire for success, and the new music reflects her tremendous growth. Moving forward, Emily is focused on creating a thriving career in country music that spans across the world, relating to and connecting with diverse audiences.

Interview with Emily Markham

Question: How would you describe your music?

Emily Markham: I would describe my music as contemporary country. My music has a positive vibe as I like my music to empower myself and others.


Question: Can you tell us about How The Story Ends?

Emily Markham: I wrote How The Story Ends in my hotel room in Nashville. I knew I wanted to write a song about a relationship falling apart but I wanted it to be a little bit different to your typical breakup song. I suppose How the story ends could be about any type of relationship; a friendship or a romantic one. I understand how sometimes people need to vent and blame the other person rather than recognise their own faults and I've come to be okay with being the villain in someone else story. I wanted other people to hear that as well. If someone needs to blame you that is up to them and there's nothing you can do about it, except move on with your life and your own personal story.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Emily Markham: Both have their pros and cons, however, for me, nothing beats being up in front of a crowd and performing. The energy that a live audience can bring has the ability to lift me as a performer. Growing up I always loved singing and dancing in front of my family and friends and being able to do that now on a much larger scale is something I could have only dreamed of as a little girl.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Emily Markham: I do a version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," that I really love to perform. It's slowed down from the original version I've been singing it this way for years. I love the song so much and I love Dolly so that's always a good start but there is so much emotion within the lyrics by slowing it down I can really sit into the song and sing each word from the heart. I get to put so much emotion into the performance, which is why it's my favourite to perform live. I don't think I'll ever get sick of it!


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

Emily Markham: I would love it if my Pop could come to one of my shows. He passed away when I was 12 years old and there're so many moments I have thought about what he would say to me if he could watch me perform. If I was to say someone who was alive today it would have to be Shania Twain. Shania was one of the first artists I listened to growing up and her music has inspired me and shaped me as an artist.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Emily Markham: Often when I'm writing, it's because I have something I need to say or get off my chest. It's my own personal therapy session where I get to lay all my thoughts and feelings out. I also have the need to continue to develop my craft, and by writing consistently I am able to further develop and tighten my skills and abilities as a songwriter.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Emily Markham: This changes regularly as I love listening to different artists and hearing similar stories told in completely different ways. At the moment I am listening to Abby Anderson and Carly Pearce the most, however I normally just throw on a playlist with a variety of artists and let that play through.


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

Emily Markham: I have been performing since I was three years old, both singing and dancing to begin with, and I loved being on stage and performing. As I've grown up I still have that fire inside and the love of performing. Music is something that I use to define myself and I'm a firm believer that if you love something you should pursue it. I have never had a doubt in my mind that music is.

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

Emily Markham: I would love to write a song and collaborate with Cam. I love her style and the message she portrays. Her music always has such a positive vibe which is how I also like to describe my music. Every song she releases gives me goosebumps in the best way!


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

Emily Markham: I think the hardest thing is the brick walls that I can come up against. Sometimes it can feel like no matter how hard I'm working there's something stopping me from moving forward. I've learnt to use these blockages to fuel my fire and desire to keep working, but it has been a winding road to get here. If it was something I could live without I don't think I would have come this far, but it's not. Everyday I wake up ready to tackle any barriers that come my way.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Emily Markham: Normally it starts with me snoozing my alarm at least twice. I try to be a morning person, but I am far from it. Every day is a little different but most days I'm out teaching and working with students. Once I've done that I try to head to the gym for a class and then head home to work on new music. I constantly have my phone out to record melody lines or write down a lyric. To wind down I'll often sit down to watch a bit of reality television.


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

Emily Markham: My favourite part about being a music artist is that I get to share my heart and soul, and my story with people. I love that people can relate those songs and connect with them on a level where it helps them become the best version of themselves, or helps them through a moment in time where they need a little bit of support.


Question: What's next for you?
Emily Markham: I'm going to be promoting "How The Story Goes" for the next little bit and then after that I guess the sky is the limit. I'd like to keep releasing new songs that come from my heart and portray me as I am. I'll be back in Nashville doing some writing and performing before too long and then I'm going to just keep working hard to connect with audiences from all walks of life. I'm planning on doing lots of live gigs and hopefully touring around Australia within the near future.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Emily Markham: www.facebook.com/emily.markhammusic
@emilymarkhammusic
www.emilymarkham.com.au


Interview by Brooke Hunter