Contagious pop-dusted melodies infused with brave and beautiful storytelling has always been Emma McGann’s wheelhouse. From crafting anthemic guitar-led tracks that celebrate human imperfections to more delicate, melancholy songs that seep deep, McGanns writing conveys a vibrant pop sensibility and charisma that is a refreshing flash of colour in a world of same old, same old.
‘Fantastic!’ - Kylie Minogue.
‘Emma McGann has sweetness, with an edge’
- Nancy Sinatra.
McGann is a British songwriter, independent trailblazer and award nominated artist who has earned recognition from fierce female forces in the industry, including Kyle Minogue, Nancy Sinatra and Beth Hart. Emma is a shining example of how to rock the boat as a self-made artist in the age of independence.
Unafraid to be vulnerable, McGann invites fans to get to know and understand the human being behind the songs via her popular daily livestreams. This format has spun her career into a steel web of community, with fans worldwide tuning in each day to her live performances from an immersive, neon jungle studio that encourages viewers to interact with the environment Emma is performing in.
Being one of the first artists in the world to pioneer this format as an indie artist, her music livestreams have racked up over 11 million views to date. Her songs have gained her BBC Radio 1 airplay, main stage festival slots across the UK, nominations for US awards including iHeart Radio Music Award & 3 Shorty Awards - all as an artist waving the independent flag.
‘I write every day. It’s like mining for precious gems. Not every day is your best discovery but the more you drill the more you find. And when you find the one, you just know. The most compelling thing for me about songwriting is that your songs are the art that lives on long past the point you’re gone. It’s your DNA as an artist. That’s why you have to write true every step of the way.’
Intertwining tech with her music at every turn, recent years have seen McGann explore Mo-Cap, virtual production, virtual artist avatars, crypto-based livestreaming applications and even her very own Amazon Alexa Skill which fans can interact with. She has an undeniable conviction to do things differently as a way of innovating and inspiring other artists to do the same.
Embracing herself as a misfit, McGann has passionately carved a non-traditional path of her own. Priding herself on breaking down the traditional wall between the artist and the audience, her TEDx Talk explains the importance of including her viewers and supporters in her journey as a hybrid music artist and online creator.
“Carving a non-traditional route for my music is at the core of what I do. I like to go against the grain and jump into unchartered territory. It's hugely important to me not only as a DIY artist but as a woman in this industry, that my story and my voice is heard.
I want to empower women picking up a guitar for the first time and show them that there are no limits to how far they can go on their own. They don’t have to follow suit with anyone - they can do their own thing, in their own way and be successful.”
Keen to see others thrive and be a voice for the community, Emma also mentors and guides upcoming artists at every opportunity. She is an Artist Advocate for the FAC, the UK trade body representing the rights and interests of music artists. She recently became an Ambassador for the Creative Passport, a digital ID solution for music makers spearheaded by Imogen Heap. McGann has also held mentor sessions with UK Music, and has spoken at conferences and universities around the world, including MIDEM, VidCon, BBC Introducing LIVE, the Great Escape, Berklee College of Music, LIPA and many more.
