J Records is bringing the much
talked about Emily King and her "East Side Story" to you in 2007.
Committed
to finding the common ground between rock and soul, black and white, hip-hop
party music and songs of protest – talented young New York-based singer and
songwriter Emily King has completed her debut album for J
Records. EntitledEAST SIDE STORY, the album
will arrive in stores in the Spring of 2007, preceded by the first single pick,
her self-penned “Walk in My Shoes.”
The offspring of two internationally renowned jazz singers – one Italian, one
African-American – 20-year old Emily was exposed to music since early childhood.
The mean and loving streets of the lower eastside (where she still lives) were
her nurturing ground, and imparted a world view that can be felt on songs like
“Business Man” (a commentary on heart¬less capitalists, and the
first song she completed) and “Colorblind,” the last song she
wrote for EAST SIDE STORY. It is also the one
that most directly addresses her experience as the child of a bi-racial
marriage. “I think that song really brings it all together,” she says. “It
sums up what I’m about, where I’m from, and gives an idea of the passion behind
what I’m doing.”
Throughout EAST SIDE STORY, Emily’s eclectic
range of heroes and influences can be recognized, from the Beatles and
Nas to Sarah Vaughan and Radiohead, from Michael Jackson to Neil Young.
“Every record that I’ve ever heard has been an influence on me,” she says,
“there are so many things in this world to talk about.” From banging around on a
guitar in her apartment to performing on the local folk club circuit at such
noted venues as the Bitter End and CBGB’s Gallery, Emily’s musical vision grew.
It soon encompassed hip-hop as she met producer Chucky Thompson,
a member of Bad Boy Entertainment’s famed Hitman studio team who had recorded
smashes with the likes of the Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige.
Emily was signed to Thompson’s production company and her first round of demos
got the attention of J Records. Work on her album proceeded over nearly two
years, as she collaborated with such notable producers as Salaam Remi and Marsha
(from acclaimed rap duo Floetry). EAST SIDE STORY
brings together Emily’s roots as a singer-songwriter with soul-drenched vocals
and fluid hip-hop beats – resulting in a truly special blend, a place where the
coffeehouse meets the dance floor.
Emily’s life and personality suffuses her music, from the undulating
“Walk in My Shoes,” to “U & I,” the latter based on the story of her
“biggest influence,” her parents. There is the gorgeous, yearning “Hold
Me,” while “Ride” is described as “a nice easygoing
song with a basement reggae feel to it, and a real Beatles influence.” Emily
also delivers a sultry cover of Bill Withers’ classic “Ain’t No
Sunshine.”
“I’ve always been an observer, I’ve always really tuned in to people and
their stories, their feelings,” she says. “I’m just finding my own
culture within myself. We have a lot of division in our society, but I was never
raised like that. I feel like what I’m doing right now is going to bring a lot
of people together.”
Committed
to finding the common ground between rock and soul, black and white, hip-hop
party music and songs of protest – talented young New York-based singer and
songwriter Emily King has completed her debut album for J
Records. Entitled EAST SIDE STORY, the album
will arrive in stores in the Spring of 2007, preceded by the first single pick,
her self-penned “Walk in My Shoes.”