Emily James Reflects on Heartbreak; Releases New EP ‘the aLtErNaTeS, Pt. 1’

February 9, 2024 BY Emma Orland

Today, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Emily James proudly shares the aLtErNaTeS, Pt. 1The first in a two-part series, Part 1 explores the flurry of complex emotions that arise in a relationship, detailing the slow demise of romance through an artfully crafted six-song story arc. From the excitement of newfound love (“I’m Not In Love/Who Would’ve Thought”), to the denial of red flags (“Lost Cause/Uncalled For”), and finally the examination of unhealthy relationship patterns (“Down The Line/One More Hit”), Emily’s dynamic musical arrangements and thoughtful lyricism take the listener on a raw, emotive journey. Listen to the aLtErNaTeS, Pt. 1 on all digital retailers (here).

“I came up with the aLtErNaTeS concept because I find I always have a multitude of feelings about one moment. I think we all do,” Emily explains. “For instance, we tend to show our ‘external emotions’ to the people around us, while our ‘internal emotions’ are the ones that come out when we’re alone. The music essentially illustrates the range of emotions that go into a single situation.”

As part of the series, Emily unveils the final chapter “One More Hit,” a spirited song about the complicated post-break up feelings when we can’t just let the relationship go. Addicted to romanticizing, keep my vices in disguise, she sings with conflicted passion.

LISTEN TO “ONE MORE HIT” HERE:
https://youtu.be/0rOaA1qbMmo

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 SongwriterOnes To Watch, and many more, the New York-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer engages a new kind of conversation with The aLtErNaTeS, Pt. 1.

This series of releases, split into what Emily has dubbed “chapters, chronicles a modern-day love story.

“These songs are inspired by a blend of my own experiences, relationships my friends have been in, and conversations we’ve had,” she reveals. “When I put everything together, it formed into a story arc. Part 1 illustrates the slow fall and demise of a romantic relationship told in three chapters. I see them as ‘chapters,’ because the two songs in each pair, or, chapter, comment on the same situation, while having a different emotion and perspective towards it.”

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 6.2 million Spotify streams, while “Brooklyn” has generated over 7 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 HIGHEUPHORIA, and more.

Download Album Artwork HERE

Track List:

1. I’m Not In Love
2. Who Would’ve Thought
3. Lost Cause
4. Uncalled for
5. Down the Line
6. One More Hit

EMILY JAMES IN THE PRESS

“…Could she be the next Taylor Swift? We wouldn’t be surprised…”

– American Songwriter

“…an intimate fresh take on a summertime love story — meshing Emily’s eloquent songwriting, soothing voice, and warm acoustics and synths together to create a luxuriant soundscape.”

– Early Rising

“…Emily James’ storytelling unveils a signature style…”

 LadyGunn

“Artist of the Week”

– Ones to Watch

“…James explores a new realm of narrative depth with textured, ethereal pop melodies and her enchanting vocals…”

 PopWrapped

“…stunning voice and impactful lyricism…”
– Sweety High

“We’re sure that before too long, the whole world will be talking about Emily James because her talent and creativity are never-ending.”
 The Honey Pop