Interview by Daisy Eleanor
A gifted guitarist and songwriter originally from Lincoln, Nebraska and now based in Boston, Emma Harner has earned a devoted online following since her debut single, When You Mean It, dropped in early 2024.
Many might know her as the support act for iconic artists such as Orla Gartland, mxmtoon and Tiny Habits, yet with the release of Taking My Side, Emma Harner emerges not only as a virtuosic guitarist and captivating songwriter, but as an artist coming into her own with clarity, purpose and heart.
In the wake of its July 11th release date, we had the chance to talk with Emma about the EP, discussing everything from her songwriting process throughout the project’s creation to what mantras she’s living by right now…
How would you describe your debut EP, Taking My Side to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
“I would describe Taking My Side as a scatter-brained but linear journey to becoming aware that you have to let go. It’s got busy guitars, both folk and rock instrumentation, and some cool math-y moments!”
If the EP were a colour, what would it be and why?
“It would definitely be a muted orange. It’s not necessarily a loud and unapologetic colour, but it could be. It’s almost there.”
We’d love to know more about your writing routine and how you get into the headspace for songwriting in particular! Do you use notes apps, prefer to write at night or in a particular place etc…?
“I use my notes app to jot down lyrics, usually while I’m out and about or in a quiet moment outside! I keep a list of these ideas and then reference it when I sit down to play around on guitar. I do most of my songwriting in earnest either on my bed in the dark or at the lake. There’s nothing like writing at the lake.”
Are there any lyrics within the project that you’re particularly proud of?
“I really like the lyrics in both False Alarm and Yes Man. False Alarm has a bit that goes, ‘Bugs on my windshield dying to the rhythm of the radio / Do you think they know what I’d give to leave the city?’”
Throughout the making of the EP, how did you balance exploring the lyrical intimacy of folk with the technical complexity of math-rock music?
“This is my constant conversation with myself! I think that math rock (or math folk, in this context) is not about busy guitar parts so much as melodic guitar parts that weave in and out of each other and talk in fun ways. If you make the vocal melody line just one of the things that is happening (as opposed to a more rigid ‘accompaniment vs melody’ view), you can get a really dynamic piece of music that still makes sense to the ear and conveys emotion well.”
Your song, False Alarm opens the EP. How did you decide that it would be the opening track, and how do you feel it sets the tone for the rest of the project?
“False Alarm starts with a guitar riff that really feels like an opening or a call to attention to me. Also, it works well as the first song of the EP because emotionally, it’s the most hesitant, the most new.”
Having released a debut EP in the coming-of-age genre, what does the term coming-of-age mean to you?
“I think I am still probably coming of age. I feel like the term really describes me as I continue to figure myself out and figure my music out. This EP is really about exploring what it means to put myself first, which has been an ongoing journey for me, and so the term “coming-of-age” defines the project well in my eyes.”
If any of the songs from Taking My Side were to feature in a movie soundtrack, which would you pick and for what movie?
“I actually wrote Lifetimes mostly about the finale of the television series Voltron: Legendary Defender. If they ever make a Voltron movie, the powers that be should consider throwing it in there. The song itself is super stripped down, so it’s not very… cinematic… but it’s kind of tailor-made for the subject matter.”
In the EP’s press release, you say, “In many ways this record is a mantra for myself.” Are there any mantras or daily affirmations that particularly resonate with you right now?
“Right now, I’m trying to take one step beyond taking my side and venture into putting myself out there socially. I’m a bit of a homebody so I’m trying to just go for it whenever I’m invited out.”
We’ve seen that you’ll soon be heading out for your first headline run of US & Europe shows! Do you have anything exciting planned for them and how does it feel to know you’ll be able to bring the EP to life on stage?
“I’m so excited to do my first headline shows! I feel like if anybody sings my lyrics back to me I’ll probably cry. My goal is to recreate the intimacy of this EP on stage, with most of the songs performed by just me and my guitar. I can’t wait to meet everybody.”
Taking My Side is available to stream now, and you can follow @emmaharner on Instagram to stay in-the-know about her upcoming tour and future releases.
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