On this episode we chat with Austin-based singer and songwriter, Emily Shirley, and gain some insight into her musical career and creative process, along with discussing our usual topics of influences, cuisine and Bermuda triangle bands. 

Emily has a rapidly increasing catalogue of fantastic songs. She has released a plethora of singles in recent years reflecting a variety of issues and current events we have come to know, some via the inspiration and timelines of Austin's prestigious 11:59 Songwriting group. Though her topics vary from thanking first responders for their bravery and service (Everyday Heroes) to surviving a Texas winter storm (Survivors), Emily's brand of thoughtful pop/rock is consistently as finely tuned and polished as her freelance graphic design projects. Her latest single, "The Last Time" taps into our mortality and the fleeting nature of relationships and life.

A Connecticut native, Emily was steeped in church choir, musical theater, and Debbie Gibson at a young age. Classically trained on piano and a seasoned singer in acapella choirs, she found her place as a vocalist and writer when she joined the Boston-based soulful pop and electronica band, Amun Ra. The band released 2 full length albums and toured the Northeastern U.S. in her 6 years with them.

In 2006, Emily moved to Austin, Texas and realigned her musical existence. Now a mother working at starting her own business Emily "had to carve out solo space and find a way to let music work with my lifestyle,” She rediscovered a love for piano and began writing, gigging and even teaching for a stint at Red Lead School of Music. Her EP Tiny Truths was released in 2010, produced by Daniel Barrett. 

In 2013 Emily joined Austin pop favorites The Belle Sounds on piano, synth, and vocals. The band has toured Texas and the West Coast as well as performing at iconic venues like the ACL Moody Theater in Austin and The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. In 2017 Shirley also joined The Big Fix, a harmony driven indie rock band founded by Nathan Harlan.

Over the next few years Emily released a series of singles that culminated in the releases of two EPs, Duotone (2015) and Courage Up (2018, produced by Mark Hallman and engineered by Andre Moran at The Congress House Studio in Austin). Whether she is performing solo, with her full band, the Belle Sounds or her latest project, a cover trio entitled Sister Golden Hair, Emily has definitely established herself as a vibrant and talented force in the Austin music scene. Shirley tells life stories through song, revealing interesting characters and settings in a way that the listener still finds relatable. Emily Shirley’s artistic point of view and skillful sonic experimentation make for a varied and stirring repertoire. “My formative years are still happening,” she jokes when describing her musical life, the honest response of a musician and creator always on the lookout for the next spark.

A few personal picks from us: Eyes In The Dark | Ghost Ranch

For more on Emily Shirley check out emilyshirley.com