by kristen case
photo courtesy of emi grace
Emi Grace is an unstoppable force carving her own place in the rock scene with a distinct fusion of rock and electronic textures. Known for catchy vocal melodies or head-banging guitar riffs, Emi is taking the lessons learned and the strength to move forward with her new single “Known Better.” We discuss the inspiration of “Known Better,” her favorite lyric of the song, and the hopes for listeners to take away from the single.
Congratulations on your newest single “Known Better.” Can you tell us a little about where the inspiration for this song came from?
Emi: “Thank you!!! This song all started with that main riff. I made it one night in a rehearsal room and fell in love. It truly inspired the rest of the song; I wrote all my melodies and most of the lyrics to just the riff!”
What was the story behind the song?
Emi: “‘My momma told me not to fuck with your type’ was the first lyric I wrote for it, and it pretty much sums it up [laughs]. There was this guy that she really was right about the entire time, and I ignored all the signs. On the other hand though, this song is also completely about taking your power back in a bad relationship, or situation, and the moment that happens.”
What was the creative process like, and did you have any challenges during the making of the song?
Emi: “The majority of the song came together really fast. Once I had the riff, I knew I had to work on it that day [laughs]. One of my best friends who’s a drummer was in town from New Jersey, and that night me him and another friend brought the structure to life. I wrote the hook and tracked/produced it out a few nights later in my garage, I was so excited I just had to get it done. That version lived on for about two years, played it on tours and so many shows, and it only made me love it more! The hardest part was taking it from the demo into where it is now, but I’m so grateful for everyone involved in that process! Overall, so much fun.”
“Known Better” incorporates an abundance of storytelling. Do you draw from personal experiences when writing or the world around you?
Emi: “Usually, I draw from personal experiences.”
What is your favorite lyric in the song?
Emi: “‘My Momma told me not to fuck with your type.’”
When it comes to Trashy Tone Thursday, do you have a guitar riff in mind or do you just let the melody take you? What’s that process like?
Emi: “I usually just let the melody take me! More often than not I get a track going first, then solo over that!”
What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Emi: “Stand strong in just who you are! In your toughest day, moment, relationship, etc., you’ll always come out the other side, and every challenge you face is an opportunity to bring you closer to who you really are. It’s okay to be lighthearted in the hard times too.”
Is there anything else you would like to share about the single or anything we might expect from you this year?
Emi: “This is one of my favorite solos!! Also, I can’t wait for you guys to see this liveeee!”