Skye Ember is a quirky, retro, indie pop singer songwriter from SW London. She has been Finalist in both the UK Songwriting and Masters of Songwriting contests. She has been composing since the age of 16. She starred on British national ITV show, The Chase, where she serenaded Sean Wallace (Mastermind) and Bradley Walsh (Dr Who). “Thunder” is a song-story about a femme fatale on the prowl. She is a strong and dangerous woman who will catch her prey and suffer the consequences. “Thunder” is a fierce, feisty song with a catchy chorus with the passion of tango and the moulin rouge in a contemporary indie pop setting.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Skye Ember. What first got you into music?
I grew up in 1990s London when the radio was full of guitar-based Britpop bands around. Playground chat was “are you Blur or Oasis”, and everyone was big into the latest hits. When I saw that all you need to make music is a guitar, an idea and to be brave enough to sing it, I thought – hey I could do this! So, I bought a guitar and taught myself.
What do you think your role is in this world?
Listening to music you love gives you the chance to explore, escape and reflect. It’s a bit of me time that gives you a hug, wipes away your tears, takes you by the hand and leads you on a journey. I think it’s my job to make this journey as special and memorable as possible for my listeners.
Your latest track is 'Thunder'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Funny you should ask that. It started life as being a metaphor song about a woman represented by a storm, but I wanted it extra supercharged. I was watching TV and saw someone had a cocktail. Then I realised, thunder laced with gin – that would have more punch! And so, the chorus and full concept of the song was born.
What’s your scariest experience?
When I was in the first year of university in a new city, I was coming back from the local shopping area as it was getting dark. Suddenly this really scary looking guy appeared out of nowhere, backed me into a corner and threatened me to give him money. I was alone, shocked and had absolutely no idea what to do, so I reached into my purse and gave him money. It was awful. That had never happened to me in London. Very scary.
How do you spend your time?
I do normal life things like playing with my pets, travelling abroad when I can, relaxing at home, meeting friends for dinner and getting my bills paid. When I’m in my creative zone though, I find song inspiration everywhere and anywhere. I have curious ears, and when I hear a phrase or a melody that moves me, I quickly sing the ideas it has triggered into my phone and then get really overexcited about turning it into a new song. This can happen anywhere; if I’m in the supermarket or at the bus stop. I wrote a good lyric on a 20-minute tube journey to Waterloo station once!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of digging deep and finding the resources, impetus and energy to put together my debut album, which is going to be out in summer 2023. It is entirely the result of my own creativity, courage and hard work. There were no musicians in my family or close circle growing up, so announcing my intentions to do music was like saying I was determined to fly to Mars. I sometimes envision myself as an old woman looking back on her life and asking what she did with my life. I have always wanted to answer ‘I made my album and gave it my all’. The fact this is almost a reality and I’m not even old yet makes me proud of myself!
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would love to open for Lily Allen. I think we have a lot in common; quirky, down to earth and write catchy, honest, eclectic music. I think it would be a lot of fun and her fans would probably appreciate my set.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I am constantly pushing myself and putting myself out there, one day at a time. I would love to get my music into a film or a TV show, and this means playing the music sync lottery – i.e. writing and recording until you get something that suits what they are looking for. I’m always trying new little tricks with my music, making tweaks to my processes and finding inspiration from others. That’s just how my brain works – it is always in development mode!
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
For people who know how to use technology and use it safely, yes it is improving lives. However, I think there is a gap between the younger and older generation as if you are not computer literate this can mean you are missing out. Blending the old and the new so everyone can appreciate and access what you do is important – hence why I’m providing a digital download, a good old-fashioned signed CD and an MP3 memory stick for my album. One size doesn’t fit all!
What superpower would you have and why?
I wish I could have a magical power that would do my hair and makeup perfectly in an instant. This is not something that comes naturally to me and I can’t be bothered to spend ages doing it if I’m honest. When I’m on stage, it can get really hot. I just want to enjoy the singing and not wonder if I have panda eyes. To click my fingers and have everything fixed would be very handy!