EMMA VOLARD
music
What do you do? I’m a musician, songwriter, writer and disability carer. I perform, record and compose music in a number of jazz/soul projects and write for a politically minded music
magazine called Attaboi. Why did you choose this path? I wanted to make meaningful change, and this seemed like the best way for me to do so. Plus, three-year-old me would be pretty sad if I didn’t live out my Kylie Minogue fantasy. In all honesty, there
was no other choice – music felt right. Which tool could you not do without? My voice. How do you beat writer’s block? I try to give myself some breathing space and put myself in new creative environments. There’s no point in pushing it. Writing should be healing, cathartic and expressive. Although, I will say there’s nothing like a good freewriting session to get the brain going.
What’s one thing we should know about you? Giving is my love language. There’s nothing I love more than making others happy,
be it through a present, a compliment or a hug. What did your
high-school careers counsellor suggest you do? I’m pretty sure it was something like farming. I’m not quite sure how they came to that conclusion. Biggest achievement so far? Writing a mini-series on body image for Attaboi. It felt special to be able to create a safe space to speak about this topic. Hearing stories from artists including imbi, Thando, Elle Shimada and Rya Park was truly inspiring. They are such courageous, socially conscious and caring individuals. What are you working on next? My debut solo record, alongside an EP with another project, all while juggling my disability care work. I’m very excited to share my most vulnerable material yet. This LP is something I’m really proud of. I hope it shares a message of self-love and authenticity, and empowers others in the way that it did for me. What does winning
a Good Stuff award mean to you? It affirms that I am on the correct path. Fourteen-year-old me would be so proud to know that I get to be interviewed in frankie at the ripe old age of 23. Plus, I never win things! This is so incredible. What would you have been voted ‘Most likely to’ back in high school? To win the lottery but lose the ticket. Where can we see your work? Online at emmavolard.bandcamp.com or on Instagram/facebook at @emmavolardmusic.
Music judge Myf Warhurst says: It’s undeniable that Emma has neo-soul vocal chops and style with a beating hip-hop heart. This song has huge ambition, which is revealed as it progresses, and it does not disappoint. I was transfixed by the experimentalism, yet the song always comes back to an irresistible groove. This talented woman has created a magic potion, and I think we all need to drink from her cup!