Introducing #268 - Emma Ogier
Let us introduce you to emerging singer-songwriter Emma Ogier - who has just released her debut single ‘First Based’ via Cardinal Records.
Hailing from Houston in Texas, 19-year-old Emma Ogier is an artist quickly making a name for herself. Drawing inspiration from established artists like Lori McKenna, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joni Mitchell, Emma's unique sound blends elements of country and indie pop, creating an evocative atmosphere that captures the hearts of her listeners. Her talent has not gone unnoticed by her musical heroes, as evidenced by Maggie Rogers recently joining her for multiple duets on TikTok.
Co-written and produced by Doug Schadt (Ashe, Maggie Rogers, Claire Rosinkranz), “First Base” showcases Emma’s standout vocals and introspective songwriting. Packed with heartfelt lyricism that openly explores anxiety, insecurity, and the fear of rejection, “First Base” speaks to the frustration of feeling stuck in a surface level relationship that’s not moving forward.
Emma took a moment to talk to us about her music.
Hey Emma, how are you? So your debut track ‘First Base’ is out soon - can you tell us what it is about?
Hey! I am doing so well, thanks for asking! My debut single, “First Base,” is coming out on the 30th and I'm beyond excited to share it with the world. “First Base” has actually been written twice. I originally wrote it by myself when I was stuck in my room with COVID over winter break 2021. The lyrics were a representation of my longing to have deeper connections with people. I felt that my mind was - and still is - hard to understand, but there weren’t a lot of people willing to try and understand it. This idea bleeds into the concept for the second iteration of “First Base,” which is the version that’s being released this month. No matter what first base is to you — kissing, holding hands, sex, etc. — the idea is that we are all longing for deeper relationships and connections. This was the first time in a song I was able to relay this feeling and since then it has been a muse in many of my songs.
I hope listeners are able to find comfort in knowing that they aren’t alone in their feelings. I want to give them the words to say something I think we all have a hard time saying.
Where are you from and what are your favorite things to do there?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas for the first 18 years of my life before moving to Nashville for school in August 2022. In Houston, when I wasn’t at school or hanging out with my buddies, I was usually thrifting or making music. I grew up in a pretty musical family. There was a grand piano and acoustic guitar in our living room that belonged to my dad. He played music in college and my brothers and I credit the beginning of our love for music to him. My siblings and I have always been creative. My younger brother and my older brother are both self-taught pianists and guitars (and can basically master any other instrument they pick up) — they’re two of the most talented instrumentalists/singers/songwriter I know. I play guitar and piano as well, but more as a tool so I can accompany myself on stage. When I’m home I spend most of the time with them just listening to what they’re creating and showing them what I'm working on. We really support each other and I feel lucky to have them.
My older brother, Aidan, moved to Nashville a couple of years ago when he started going to Belmont. I followed him to Nashville after seeing what an awesome community of artists the city had to offer. I’ve learned so much since being here and I think I have grown into a more independent, mature, and grounded artist and friend. I spent a lot of my first few months in Nashville navigating friendships and a world of change. I’ve been able to attend so many concerts, I’ve been reading more, and I’ve started taking more risks with my songwriting.
Thanks to my team and my parents, I have had such incredible opportunities since living here like going on tour and making a record. I love both of my homes (Nashville and Houston), they have and continue to shape me and my character as I grow.
What are the key influences when it comes to your music?
I find that I have a lot of influences that all inspire me differently. For example, my biggest lyrical inspirations would have to be Lori McKenna, Joni Mitchell, and Harrison Whitford. I’m infatuated by artists like George Clanton, Dijon, Mk.gee, MJ Lenderman, Charlie Hickey, Laura Marling, Ging, Indigo de Souza, and Big Thief. I also have a huge appreciation because of my time spent in multiple rock bands in Houston for older music coming from artists like Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. The use of harmonies from music of that era heavily influences my music.
I’m also very inspired by my brother and his friends. It’s unfathomable how much much talent there is here in Nashville.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never listened to your music before?
I think using words like raw, evocative, and intimate to describe my music would give someone a good idea of what you can expect inside my songs. When I write music it feels like an almost subconscious act in which the voice in my head is doing the writing. So most of the time I would have to ponder a bit before I could accurately describe it. I often tell people who ask what kind of music I make that it is “singer-songwriter-alternative-indie-pop-folk-rock” which I'm sure paints a very clear picture, haha.
Now the track is out there, what next for you?
So yeah, “First Base” is out on the 30th, and then in the months following that, I'll be rolling a couple more singles out. The next track is called “Consider Me a Winner” and it's available to pre-save now! After the singles, a focus track and the EP will come out.
I am excited to have music out for everyone to hear! I’m super excited about the new music I’ve been working on and I hope I’ll be able to go on another tour soon!
