Emily Pyscher is a young woman beaming with an optimistic perspective offset by a determination and work ethic that keeps her grounded and focused; she knows what she wants and makes no bones about her intentions to get there.
The aspiring teenage hopeful pursued her musical journey as a senior year in high school, making frequent trips to and from her Michigan hometown to Nashville. Immediately following graduation, the small farm gal was on the fast track to making Music City her home. Quickly becoming a member of the community, Emily immersed herself into the music scene earning a music industry education by fire. She is a frequent performer at famed Nashville hot spots including Ole Red and Tin Roof, and she’s headlined at The Local.
Emily recorded her first single at just 17. She has released four singles — “The Next One,” “My Turn,” “When I Said Goodbye” and “Different Bar”— the original tunes embrace hopeless romanticism, questioning love, flashbacks and the empowerment of letting go. Her music has been spotlighted on various notable playlists and podcasts (including Women of Country Music, Crazy Women Country, Country, The Next Generation, Boots And Whiskey, among others). She will release her debut EP, boasting all-original tunes, in September 2022.
Off stage Emily possesses an inviting, girl-next-door warmth with sly self-deprecation; on stage the young vocalist morphs into a charismatic entertainer with engaging banter, high-energy performances and hair flips. Her fearless approach to chasing her dream and defy convention are character traits that will enable Emily Pyscher to rise to the top as a woman in country music who created her own destiny.
“We’re the ones holding the pen, let’s write how this story ends.” – Emily Pyscher
Who inspired you to make music?
I grew up with a guitar in my hands as if an extra limb! I was obsessed with coming up with new melodies and chord progressions. My mom really was my inspiration. I saw how much she believed in me, and how much she sacrificed so I could take guitar lessons and give me what I needed to learn. Without her love for me and belief in my dream, I don’t think I could be where I am today.
What was the inspiration for writing your new/recent single; what is the song about?
I wrote my new single “Callin’ You Mine” on my bedroom floor at about 1 am. I bought a sundress before I went on a first date. The date landed us in the most beautiful flower field on the back roads of my hometown in Michigan. We took Polaroid pictures, and one of the pictures found its spot on my dashboard. On the drive back home from the date, I couldn’t stop looking at the picture. A few minutes after I got home, the melody of “I saw your eyes in the photograph, sittin’ right there on my dash” spun in my mind. About 15 minutes later, I had the whole song on paper.
How would you describe your style and the music that you create/record/perform?
I would describe my music as “singer-songwriter country.” I love to write songs with true meaning behind them with raw acoustics to accompany. Growing up in a small country town, I have accumulated so many amazing memories that I love to share through my songs.
What is your creative process like (in both music and writing)?
My creative process usually encompasses something happening—a life experience, then running for my guitar to write about it. I like to just pick up my guitar, start strumming some chords and just see what I sing. Sometimes, I even surprise myself with what comes out. Other times, I’ll get a spark of inspiration and just run with it. I’ll not try an idea that goes through my head.
What is one message you like to share with your fans?
A message I would like my fans to know is that every time I finish writing, my first thought is “I can’t wait for you to hear it!” I get so excited about the thought of fans jamming to one of my songs, or one of my songs helping them through a rough spot, or sharing the same experience that I did. Nothing in the world makes me happier than knowing I am making the listener happy!
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It is crazy to see the incredible role the Internet now holds for the music business. Without the Internet, it would be so difficult to connect with my fans outside of my live shows. The Internet is also a beautiful platform to bring fellow musicians together.
Do you have a ritual of sorts when writing or performing your music? Or just before taking the stage?
Before I take the stage, I always like to look at the crowd and read the room. I like to see if I recognize any faces if they are rowdy for a fun night, or more low key. I love to talk to everyone in the audience!
What led you to become a music artist and what advice can you give to others aspiring to make it? What makes you confident in your decision?
I think what really led me to become a music artist, is the feeling I get on stage sharing my songs. I like to call it a “stage high.” To me, it is the most euphoric feeling and there is nothing else that comes close to it. For people aspiring to become something in this industry, I would say: “Find what gives you that feeling and run with it. Whether it’s from the songwriting side or performing side.”
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to “rising to the top” to become successful?
I would say the secret is staying focused on your own personal goals. It is easy to feel insecure around so many amazing artists, but staying true to yourself, your sound, lyrics and style will put you in the right mindset. It is all about staying grounded, learning from others when you can, and believing in yourself more than anybody else.
When do you feel like you will have become successful?
I feel like I have become successful because I have listened to respected colleges, and I have absorbed every piece of advice they have offered. I have stayed true to who I am not only as a person but to my music as well. I followed this career path because I love every part of it; I wanted to be in every aspect of it.
What is the best advice you’ve been given as it relates to your career?
The best advice I have been given is from my producer. He told me that if I truly want it, I have to be truthful with myself. If a song could be a little better, make it better. If I could have sung a note better, get back into the recording booth and sing it better. As long as you recognize that there is always room for growth, you will never stop growing as an artist.
What about your music is unconventional, unusual, or a standout among other artists/recordings?
I think that my music stands out from other artists because of my writing style. I love telling stories with a big hook for the chorus. I feel like right now, country music has sort of strayed away from storytelling writing. I want to bring it back.
What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?
I love classic country music–with steel guitar, big acoustic riffs, and melodramatic hooks. I stay true to this in most of my songs. I love to have a balance of acoustic guitar in the front, with a rockin’ electric guitar riff before the bridge.
Has your musical journey had a deliberate direction or did it simply gradually evolve in whatever direction it found?
I knew going into this industry who I was as a writer, and I have remained in the same songwriter category. However, as an artist, I have really found myself since moving to Nashville. I think it took the push of moving to Music City to enable me to develop who I am as a songwriter, as a recording artist in the studio and on stage.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist/performer?
Being an artist, I love to feed off my fans. During a show, there is nothing like having the crowd sing my lyrics back to me. I love being able to connect and meet people whom I wouldn’t have met if I lived another lifestyle. This long road has taken me to some crazy places and I am so beyond grateful for every one of them.
What does your music say about you?
My music says a lot about me. I write very personally. Chances are if you listen to one of my songs, you learn a lot about my relationship drama or where I came from. Writing from a personal place has been so much fun and therapeutic!
When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?
When I write my songs, my personal purpose is to get out what I’m feeling. When I go to make a record, I take all those songs and I think about how a listener can relate. I tend to record songs that I feel others would connect to.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career?
The most challenging aspect of my career is leaving home. I am very close to my mother, sister and my home roots. Leaving them behind to make my dreams come true has given me lonely moments, but it has also made my hometown, and the time I do get to spend with them, that much more special.
Do you ever experience writer’s block, and if so, how do you “breakthrough?”
I do get writer’s block every now and then. But it’s important not to get frustrated. Just retreat back to what you know. You know you have a good story to tell; it’s just a matter of telling it. Thinking back to all of my good hometown memories has sparked so much inspiration during times when I think I don’t have an idea.
If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to the next musical generation, what would it be?
Stay true to who you are as an artist and what your music is! It doesn’t matter if people give you a hard time about it. If you love it, sing it at the top of your lungs. If you love an idea, don’t ever let go of it. You will find your crowd of listeners, all in due time.
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell aspiring artists to listen to everyone’s ideas. Some of my favorite parts in my songs have come from my mom telling me “hey it might sound cool if you did this…” It doesn’t matter whose idea it is, as long as the best idea wins. It’s not a competition within yourself.
What is the most useless talent you have?
Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the dairy farm right next door. I spent a lot of time milking cows! Even though I haven’t done it in a while, I’d like to think I still have the talent/skill to milk a cow!
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
I think a fitting title for my autobiography would be “I’m not mad, I promise! (I only wrote a song about you!)”
You are a new addition to a crayon box. What color would you be and why?
I think I would be the cherry red crayon. I don’t why but there’s something about a cherry red that “feels” like me!
What would be a good theme song for your life?
I think that the Pistol Annies’ song “Lemon Drop” has represented most of my career so far.
What historical figure would you like to see in 21st century life and why?
I would like to see Johnny Cash. I would love to get his perspective on what country music is like today and the kind of songs he would be making at this time.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life and why?
If I ever had a movie, I would want Blake Lively to portray me. I think that we are pretty similar, and not to mention, she’s amazing!
If you had to describe yourself as a flavor, what would it be and why?
I got to say strawberry cheesecake. You can never go wrong with strawberry cheesecake.
What’s your least favorite personality trait you like about yourself?
If you know me, you would know how bad my ADHD / OCD side of my brain is. I think that it’s funny sometimes when it takes me an hour to do a simple task because I went on five different side missions. When I’m writing one song, then starting another, then finishing one…it gets a little exhausting.
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
Did we make it?
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
If I could change something about myself, I would want to be able to “let things go” a little better. Move on from that one bad note, or realize that I don’t need to beat myself up over the little things.
