Interview: Emily Hurd
Emily Hurd is a prolific songwriter, best known for her clear voice and clever rhymes. Her songwriting style combines soul, country, folk, and blues. The New York Times says: "She sits at the piano, lips to microphone, Frye boot to pedal, and speaks her mind — in song. I became an instant fan." She has currently produced 18 full-length albums, most of which were recorded and engineered by John Abbey. When she's not playing music, she's running her brunch pub–The Norwegian–with her family in Rockford, Illinois.
What led to you becoming an artist?
We had a piano in the house when I was growing up. I’ve loved singing and playing it for as long as I can remember. When I was about 7, I figured out how to write songs, and I’ve been writing ever since.
What inspires your music?
It changes. The first few albums were about love, friendship, and the people I knew. There was a long stretch of time that I was writing albums about stories from my hometown. I wrote one album for my son while I was still pregnant, and then another for my daughter when she was in the NICU. During COVID, I wrote an album about trying to save the jobs of my restaurant employees. My last album (and the one I’m writing now) seem to be about justice and restitution for people who are working hard to make ends meet. I just let what’s inside me guide me.
Who are some of your influences?
Scott Joplin, Nina Simone, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Johnson, Bobbie Gentry, Lyle Lovett, Tom Waits, Gillian Welch, so many more.
Preview Emily Hurd’s Music!
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
Playing banjo (I don’t really play the banjo) for Pete Seeger at an outdoor festival in upstate New York. Opening for Irma Thomas in Chicago. Touring Germany during Oktoberfest while I was pregnant with my daughter. Getting letters from people who tell me my music makes a difference to them. Playing my friend’s holler in a little town in North Carolina.
What have been some of the greatest challenges of your career?
Playing live shows is hard for me. I’m an introvert. I still feel awkward.
Which of your songs/eps or albums is your favorite? Why is it your favorite?
My favorite song is a song called Daytime Fireflies. I wrote it in an instant, word for word. I didn’t make any changes, and I just love how honest it is. I said something in that song that felt really personal and universal at the same time. It’s like I’d been waiting my whole life to write it.
My favorite album is the new one, “Underkill.” I always seem to like the record I just released the most. Honestly, after writing so many albums, I’ve come to appreciate the process a lot more than the finished product.
What are you most excited to bring to your fans in the next year?
I can’t wait for them to hear the new songs I’ve been writing. They’re so powerful. I think they’ll speak to listeners who are still in the storm. It’s a record about getting out of troubled times.
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
I’d like to play more live shows. I’d like to be better about sharing my music in general. I’d like to learn to play the harmonica. And I’d like to host more touring musicians at my restaurant in Rockford (called The Norwegian).
How can your fans best support you right now?
Stream my music and share it with friends! It’s funny; in a time where it's easier than ever to reach people, I feel like it’s harder than ever to truly reach people.
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