Influences Mixtape: Emma Horan

Emma Horan had already made an impact on the music world in her teenage years, building up an online following away from the gigging scene in Northern Ireland. Fast forward a few years and the pop artist still has that online presence but she’s backing it up with great pop songs, with 2020 one of her more productive years for releases with the likes of ‘Over You’ and ‘Feeling’ sounding made for radio. Last month saw her first single of 2021, ‘3 Words’.

Another from Emma Horan’s playbook hints at a softer sound before the bigger pop sound comes in for the song’s second half. Following the release of ‘3 Words’ we asked the young songwriter to run us through some of her favourite tracks.

Playlist:

Jon Bellion – Guillotine

Honestly, this track is genius! Jon Bellion is such a well-crafted singer, songwriter and rapper! He has created a vlog of him creating and writing ‘Guillotine’ on Youtube and it’s a video I have watched maybe over a million times…I put it on for fun, when I’m sad or needing a little inspiration! He is a lyrical genius, and this song is Tim Burton inspired ‘if you have nightmares, we’ll dance on the bed, I know that you love me even when I lose my head, guillotine’ MANNNN that is so good.

Madison Beer – Selfish

Melodically, ‘3 Words’ was very inspired by ‘Selfish’… those old-time melodies are making a bit of a comeback which I’m loving, from Billie Eilish ‘Your Power’ and Justin Bieber’s ‘Off my face’.

Lennon Stella – Kissing Other People

I’m in love with Lennon Stella’s voice! Its delicate and sweet and this track is super mellow and beautiful! I love her layers of vocals which inspires all my music!! I think ‘3 Words’ had around 20 layers of vocals!

Astrid S – It’s Ok If You Forget Me

These lyrics are amazing!! You think it’s going to be heart-breaking, when really, she sings of the unexpected feelings of being totally fine after a breakup which isn’t really written about much! Astrid’s voice is super sweet too and probably one of my favourite artists.

Billie Eilish – bellyache

In awe of Billie Eilish. Her natural whispery voice is honestly mesmerising! The music video, melody and lyrics ahhh amazing! I saw her live two years ago when I was living in London studying songwriting and I instantly felt inspired from watching her! Billie and her brother Finneas are a force to be reckoned with.

Ariana Grande – no tears left to cry

Ahhhh, I would say Ariana Grande is the best vocalist in this generation! This is a banger full of quick catchy hooks with a belter of a chorus. I also love her songs ‘God is a woman’ and ‘Breathin’.

Queen – Don’t Stop me Now

If I’m ever sad and need a quick pick-me-up, this song will always cheer me up. It was scientifically proven to boost your mood!! What a fun song and the lyrics are so positive and random which I love so much!!

Alec Benjamin – Let Me Down Slowly

I first heard this song on a bus in London and had in on repeat for an hour. His vocals, melodies and lyrics are so captivating. His storytelling inspired my track ‘3 Words’, which is something I have been experimenting with.

Taylor Swift – Forever and Always

Taylor Swift has always been a favourite of mine. This song is a childhood throwback and I have loved everything since. I personally love her ‘1989’ album- the production in that album is next level. I love how rebellious she is – literally like her album, ‘fearless’.

Stevie Nicks & Miley Cyrus- Edge of Seventeen (Midnight sky remix)

These two are powerhouses, but together… ahhhhh!!! One of my favourite songs where I first heard in the movie School of Rock. When I first heard Miley Cyrus’ ‘Midnight Sky’ I actually thought it was very Stevie Nicks inspired, then when she released this remix, I died!

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