We all remember the beautiful voice of Emmily West from last year’s America’s Got Talent. She was a finalist and came in second, but for those of us who were her fans (including Howard Stern) she was the winner. Her voice commands you to stip and listen to her as she as an emotional singer who makes you understand the meaning of each song. As she releases her first album, “All For You,” I was lucky enough to sit down with her for this Hotspots exclusive interview.
When I was very young. I was obsessed with Patsy Cline and the first song I sang in public was for a pageant and it was “Walking After Midnight.”
How and when did songwriting become an interest?
I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and it is the Music City. People were encouraging me to write. Melodies came easy for me so I went for it and loved it.
What was your first professional gig?
It was in Waterloo, Iowa and I sang for the chamber of commerce when I was nine years old.
When did you know that singing would be your full-time career?
I would go to sleep at night and dream about being on-stage, and I think from the moment I found out I could sing, as a child, I knew that this is what I wanted to do and I made it my whole life. I started singing professionally at 13.
Barbara Streisand, Patsy Cline, and Bette Midler because they are emotional singers. They tell stories.
What made you decide to try out for America’s Got Talent?
I was asked by a friend if I was interested to try out. I was terrified, but I thought it was a good opportunity to be heard by a lot of people. This was a much better choice, as opposed to going from audition to audition.
Tell us about your AGT experience. What was it like to perform with Cyndi Lauper?
It was a whirlwind. So much is going on: acrobats, dancers, all amazing, talented people. On stage I became who I always dreamed I would be, but I was very scared backstage. It was a dream come true to be on that stage and to sing with Cyndi Lauper.
All the judges loved you, but Howard was a huge fan. Are you still in touch?
I wish that we were as I am a huge Howard fan as well. I did see him in the hallway when I did a SiriusXM radio interview. I hope to be on his show one day.
You just released your debut album, All For You. What was the process like making the album and are you proud of it?
I am extremely proud of it. I made it with my friend Dustin Ransom, who is an amazing producer. I hope everyone likes it as I did a lot of the covers from AGT and [there are also] four original songs that I wrote specifically for this album.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am kind of a goofball.
What does the future hold for Emily West?
I hope it holds a lot of music, including more albums, and possibly Broadway.
For more information on Emily West, go to Emilywestofficial.com or catch her on social media at facebook.com/emilywest; Twitter.com/EmilyWestMusic or instagram.com/emilywestofficial.
