Life’s been ever-changing for J Records recording artist Emily King since the release of her debut CD, "East Side Story." The perfect package of this soul sister’s velvety pipes, engaging lyrics and  acoustic guitar landed in the hands of talented Hip Hop producer Chucky Thompson (Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”; Amerie’s “One Thing”), taking soul music to the depths of a new place—Emily King’s place.

At 22, Emily has intentionally created her place to be complete with self-written, feel-good lyrics and music. But I wonder if she truly realizes the impact of her musical touch. Yes, music enthusiasts love her sound, style and spirit, and welcome her as the breath of fresh air that she is. But she’s a rebel of sorts in the music industry today—along with other emerging soulful artists who shine a positive light. While much of the secular music pumped through the airwaves contains messages that tear down, Emily’s messages build up and inspire. That may be a lot of pressure for a young woman who says she simply wants her work to be enjoyed in some way. But there’s no denying that as a recording artist with such mass appeal, her material is in prime position to influence others.

One thing is certain about Emily King:

She is committed to preserving the integrity of her music. While making “East Side Story,” she opted to write her own material and declined to include collaborations with well-known R&B producers on the project. “It’s a challenge to always come out of a situation knowing that your heart and soul had the last word," she says. "I feel I’m on a good path, and I’m looking forward to more creation.”

When Emily speaks, her youth radiates. What she speaks, lyrically and musically, reveals a striking maturity and wisdom that flows throughout “East Side Story.” The project is a seamless fusion of soulful hip hop and R&B with folk accents. It’s food for the socially conscious and musically discriminate, with 14 tracks that are each natural in their abilities to tug at the mind and heartstrings. One track after another, the entire CD permits a kind of freedom to groove while lovin’ the lyrics you’re taking in…a freedom to press “play” and walk away… and just treasure the experience.

Heart Appeals

“Walk in My Shoes,” is the first single that remains today on Billboard’s Hot Adult R&B Airplay chart. Emily took votes on her MySpace page to determine what her next single release would be. “I really wanted to know the people's opinion,” says the New York native who points out that her debut CD is named with the city in mind that helped shape who she is and what you hear. If her music had to be classified in any category, Emily says she’d choose “popular.” “For me, ‘popular’ is more about reaching the globe. I would love to create music that appeals to the heart rather than a statistic.”

Of her first project, Emily says she’s not good at identifying favorite tracks. “I think I tend to lean more towards different moods with music. It varies from moment to moment.” She likes to listen to a myriad of artists from different genres; lately Emily has been into Miles Davis and Nina Simone. And even though her sound has been influenced by many throughout history, it’s the talents of her jazz duo parents that shaped her the most. In fact, she lets out a few scats near the end of “E Melody.” Is there more Jazz inside Emily King? Laughing, she admits, “I do tend to regurgitate the music I grew up with from time to time. But I have to say that I’m not looking to do anything jazz right now.” 

But that’s ok, because Emily King’s place is still a hot spot where you’ll want to visit often because you always have a good time. It’s a place where the acoustic guitar, drum beats and overall production and arrangement create a music lover’s bliss. And at the end of the day, when Emily takes a look around at her digs, she’s well pleased. “I think happiness comes from being grateful...it’s a very good feeling.”

Story by Vertical Fix^TM

Story by Vertical Fix^TM is an online magazine and internet radio experience created to empower readers while giving listeners a 24/7, constantly evolving stream of soulful grooves anchored by lyrical content that is honest and inspiring. www.verticalfix.com.

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