Emily James Announces The aFtErMaTh EP + Shares Haunting Single “Ricochet”
September 13, 2024 BY Emma Orland
Friday the 13th seems as fitting a day as ever for New York-based songwriter Emily James to share the wistful new single “Ricochet,” a song meant to empower anyone who’s been disrespected in a romantic relationship by an unfaithful partner. It’s the first taste of her newly announced project, The aFtErMaTh, a three-song epilogue to her EP series The aLtErNaTeS Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, released earlier this year. What goes around comes around as Emily sings us through the story as the omniscient narrator, seemingly removed from the plot until a twist at the very end.
Emily explains: “‘Ricochet’ has this haunting quality that lingers with you, so releasing it on Friday the 13th only felt appropriate. It’s a song about holding your head high, knowing that in time, everyone gets a taste of their own medicine. The best revenge is to not let someone who hurt you change you.”
The aFtErMaTh comes on the heels of Emily’s powerful two-part release The aLtErNaTes Pt.1 and Pt. 2, in which she explored the complex range of emotions that accompany love, heartbreak, and the healing journey. The three songs serve as a poignant resolution to the story arc and highlight the elements of Emily’s songwriting that make her one of the most relatable songwriters of the modern generation.
LISTEN & SHARE EMILY JAMES “RICOCHET” HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEybpaLQWvk
Listening to Emily James feels like a conversation with a close friend. It’s open. It’s honest. It’s heartfelt. It’s real. She translates this discourse into instantly relatable and real pop music with all the emotion intact. Breezy instrumentation underscores her dynamic vocals as she depicts the ups and downs of life and love with a filmmaker’s eye for detail. Her conversational lyricism, eloquent songcraft, and artful production have consistently captivated a growing fanbase as well. Following widespread acclaim from the likes of American Songwriter, Ones To Watch, and many more, the New York-based singer, songwriter, and producer follows up her modern-day love story chronicle, The aLtErNaTeS, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2, with the three-song epilogue, titled The aFtErMaTh.
Emily established herself as a prolific songwriter with a series of fan favorite EPs. She first honed her craft across the Emily James EP [2016], before cutting her teeth with Til the Morning [2018] and Foreign Land [2019]. She continued to reach new heights with her next EP, Dreaming [2019], entirely writing and producing the project herself. While the pandemic halted touring, she took the opportunity to further endear her devout fanbase with Moments That Mattered [2020] and Wanted You To Know [2021]. Along the way, “bartender” has tallied 6.3 million Spotify streams, while “Brooklyn” has generated over 9 million Spotify streams. The latter paved the way for her Illuminate EP in 2022. In its wake, The Honey Pop professed, “We’re sure that before too long, the whole world will be talking about Emily James because her talent and creativity are never-ending.” Offering high praise, American Songwriter also pondered, “Could she be the next Taylor Swift? We wouldn’t be surprised.” As 2023 rolled around, Emily unleashed the undeniable Grey EP, scoring another gem with “For an Evening.” Meanwhile, it reeled-in further praise from the likes of SWEETY HIGH, EUPHORIA, and more.
Throughout 2023, she pieced together what would become The aLtErNaTeS and The aFtErMaTh. Under the influence of the ethereal textures of Swift’s folklore and Hozier’s Unreal Unearth as well as classic records by Fleetwood Mac, her sound naturally evolved. Once again, Emily also played a big role in the sonic architecture by producing and arranging the majority of this series herself.
“I do a blend of co-producing and producing on my own,” she affirms. “When I’m by myself, I tap into my unique sound and perspective. When I’m working with other people, I’m able to combine with their unique sounds and perspectives, to create songs I never would’ve conceptualized by myself.”
EMILY JAMES IN THE PRESS
“…Could she be the next Taylor Swift? We wouldn’t be surprised…”
– American Songwriter
“Singer-songwriter Emily James knows a thing or two about crafting the perfect emotional tune—and her upcoming E.P. The aLtErNaTeS Pt. 2 is hard proof… This gal’s got a knack for channeling her irl heartbreak into the realest, rawest music.”
– Girl’s Life Magazine
“Vulnerability and heartbreak are two emotions that teenagers are all too familiar with… singer-songwriter Emily James, however, turns this into her superpower… she successfully uses her own experiences to create music, helping and connecting with young audiences.”
– The Teen Magazine
“…dynamic and heartfelt…”
– Luna Collective
“Emily’s dynamic musical arrangements and thoughtful lyricism take the listener on a raw, emotive journey.”
– Outloud Culture
“…stunning voice and impactful lyricism…”
– Sweety High
Track List:
1. Ricochet
2. Song for Bryan
3. Maraschino Cherry
