Emily Ann Roberts from a small town to Nashville Bigger stage
Interview conducted on July 12, 2019
by Dan Locke
Emily Ann Roberts, who Rolling Stone recently included in their Top 20 acts of CMA Fest, has always been a big dreamer and today one of her “someday dreams” comes to fruition. The country traditionalist’s debut EP, Someday Dream, is available worldwide now. The EP, produced by award-winning Jason Saenz, mixed by Chuck Ainlay and mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, is a collection of six songs, five of which Roberts has writing credit.
“I’ve worked so hard for the past few years on this music and I couldn’t be more excited that it’s finally out,” exclaims Roberts. “I’m gonna take a minute today to enjoy my ‘someday dream’ of releasing a collection of original music.”
Someday Dream is currently at #4 on the iTunes country album chart, among such company as Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton and Runaway June, and #38 on the iTunes all genre album chart. It features three previously released songs, including the title track that Robert returned to The Voice to perform earlier this summer, as well as three new songs.
Dan Locke: You grew-up in Knoxville TN. Tell me something about Knoxville that only people from Knoxville would know?
Emily Ann Roberts: Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee had such a major impact on the girl I am today. I was surrounded by Appalachian music, beautiful mountains, and amazing friends and family that inspire the music I’m writing and recording. On Saturdays, my dad would take me downtown to the Knoxville Visitors center where they would have a show called the Blue Plate Special. Artists from all over the world would make a stop in that little visitor’s center and share their heart and gift with anybody who would listen. That little daddy-daughter tradition in downtown Knoxville lit a spark in me to pursue my passion for singing
How do you know you first had talent?
From the time I could talk I loved singing and dancing and putting on a show for people. I used to make up songs and cheers and do anything I could to make people laugh and have fun. As I got older, I sang all the time and anywhere I could because I absolutely loved it. My parents always encouraged me and told me I had a pretty voice but I guess I didn’t start believing it until I won some competitions around Knoxville.
What type of music influence as you were growing up?
I was influenced by bluegrass, Americana, and classic country music growing up. My dad would play Ricky Skaggs, Darrell Scott, Tim O’Brien, Patty Loveless, and the Dixie Chicks. The music I listened to as a little girl in a car seat had the biggest impact on the music I make today.
What was the first guitar you learn to play on (the model or brand)?
The guitar I learned to play on was a Jasmine by Takamine. It was the guitar my older cousin learned to play on and he passed it down to my older sister (who had no interest in it) and then it was passed down to me.
Your first steady gig was at ElCharro’s Mexican Restaurant in Knoxville. How did you get that gig? Because you were still in high school.
After winning the talent show at my middle school in the 7th grade, I gained a little confidence and wanted to play anywhere that would have me. My family ate at a Mexican restaurant called El Charros almost every Sunday in my life. My aunt actually talked with the owners and asked them if they ever considered having live music in their restaurant and they welcomed me in and let me sing on Friday nights. I sang at El Charros from 8th grade up until my sophomore year of high school.
How did you get onto The Voice?
The voice’s casting team found me singing Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water” on YouTube and invited me to Atlanta for a callback audition.
Did you know there are many different versions of The Voice around the world?
Yes! I’ve seen them mainly on YouTube! It’s such a great show by making it only about someone’s voice.
How was your blind audition with the Chairs?
When I walked on to the stage at my blind audition everything was very surreal. I couldn’t believe I was standing on that stage with 4 amazing superstar coaches in front of me. I had so much fun though and Blake and Adam turned their chairs for me.
Why did you pick Blake over Adam?
I chose Blake because he was the perfect coach for the style of music I make. I’ve always wanted to sing and write country music and who better to learn from than a guy who’s been incredibly successful in that genre.
How did you feel not winning?
Honestly, I had just turned 17 and I knew I had a TON to learn before I was ready to sing full time. I still hadn’t even graduated high school. Making it to the finale was a dream come true but I’m thankful I didn’t win. It gave me the opportunity to go back home, graduate high school, and then start writing and working in Nashville. I want to be rushed or pressured, and I was able to do things at my own pace.
If The Voice called you up today and asked you to go on tour with the past artist from The Voice, would you do it?
Yes! I would do it in a heartbeat! I became so close to all the artists on my season and would love to collaborate with any of them.
How often do you travel to Nashville?
I travel to Nashville every week and then I either hit the road to play shows on the weekends or drive back to Knoxville to be with my boyfriend and family. I’ve put in some serious miles driving back and forth for the past 3 years.
You have had songs that charted on both Hot Country Songs and Hot Christian Songs. Do you feel that you are more a Christian or a Country artist?
I’m a country artist who loves Jesus. I’ve been so blessed to have been able to pursue my country career and still share my faith and heart in my music. Being a Christian comes out in everything I write and do because it’s the most important thing in my life.
Do you think you will ever go for your college degree?
I would love to go and take courses one day because I love learning but I also love being able to focus on music full time right now. Also, I’ve learned so much since working in Nashville I kinda feel like I’ve been in the college of country music for the past 3 years.
Since you are from Knoxville, TN I am going to name some artist from Knoxville. I would like you to say something about each if possible.
Kenny Chesney:
I grew up on Kenny Chesney’s music and would sing along to “young” while I was still in a car seat. He is such a legend everywhere but very much so In East Tennessee.Ashley Monroe:
I am obsessed with Ashley’s music. You can tell she’s a mountain girl at heart when you hear her voice and her songs. She blends country with a little touch of a bluegrass sound that is just stunning.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope I’m still sharing my heart in my music and playing shows all over the world. I can’t imagine doing anything else than pursuing the music that means so much to me.
Who would you like to do a world tour with?
I would love to do a world tour with Dolly Parton. She is literally the queen and it would be the most amazing opportunity to learn from her and watch her perform every night.
Anything you would like to say to your fans?
I’m so thankful for all my fans support. It has been a crazy ride since the voice but the fact that they still buy my music and listen to my songs is so amazing and overwhelming. I’m so excited to have my new Someday Dream EP out for everyone to hear! My hope is that it encourages everyone who listens to chase their Someday Dreams 🙂
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