1. For Chicago Music magazine readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe Emilie Culshaw as an artist?
As an artist, I write about my own personal life experiences.
Songwriting has always been a form of therapy for me; it’s how I process my
emotions and make sense of the world around me. I’m a very emotional person,
and I love being able to channel those feelings into my music, in the hope that
listeners can see a part of themselves in my songs too.
2. Your new single “Cradle to the Grave” is out on July 20th. What inspired the song, and what story do you want listeners to take from it?
“Cradle to the Grave” is about finding the strength to keep
going, even when life feels overwhelming. It’s about getting through your
darkest days, learning to rely on yourself, and refusing to give up when things
get hard. I hope listeners take away the message that resilience isn’t about
never struggling; it’s about choosing to keep moving forward, no matter what
life throws at you.
3. How does “Cradle to the Grave” reflect where you are
creatively right now?
“Cradle to the Grave” feels like the perfect conclusion to this
chapter of my music. Across the EP, I’ve explored toxic friendships in Fake Friend, anxiety and depression in Trapdoor, and falling in love in Cherry Haze. This song ties it all together by
focusing on resilience, growth, and finding the strength to keep moving
forward. It feels like the closing chapter before I begin the next era as an
artist.
4. What can fans expect from your EP tour, “I Guess You
Changed,” when it launches on 1 October?
I’m so excited to be taking the I Guess You Changed EP on the road this October
and performing across the UK. More than anything, I can’t wait to meet everyone
who’s supported me and experience these songs live with them. The show is going
to be high-energy, emotional, and a lot of fun. We’ve got so many exciting
things planned, including an incredible lineup of support acts. Every show will
feature different artists, so each date will have something unique. I’ll be
announcing all of the support acts over on my social media, so keep an eye on
my socials.
5. How are you preparing for the tour dates in London,
Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and the other cities on the run?
Tour preparation has become part of my daily routine. I’m
working on building my vocal stamina every day, alongside regular rehearsals,
exercise, and making sure I get enough vocal rest. I want to be able to give
every audience the best performance possible, so I’m putting a lot of focus
into making sure I’m physically and vocally ready for every show.
6. What do you love most about performing live, and how do you
want each show to feel for the audience?
What I love most about performing live is the connection with
the audience. Being on stage is where I feel the most like myself; it’s where I
feel the most authentic. I want every show to be a place where people can feel
free, live in the moment, and let go of whatever they’re carrying. Whether
that’s joy, healing, or emotional release, I want people to leave feeling
lighter than when they arrived. Music has always been healing for me, and if I
can give even a small part of that feeling to someone else, then I’ve done what
I set out to do.
7. You’ve just launched your clothing line, Dream Believe
Achieve. What inspired the brand?
Dream Believe Achieve was inspired by the mindset that’s helped
me through some of the hardest times in my life. The brand is centred around
spirituality, dedication, resilience, and believing in yourself, because those
are values I try to live by every day. I love having another creative outlet
beyond music, so I designed every T-shirt myself. Many of the designs feature
phrases that have personal meaning to me, such as “Trust the Universe” and “I
Got a Purpose,” which is also a lyric from my song Trapdoor. Those words have genuinely helped me
through difficult moments, and my hope is that they’ll inspire and encourage
other people too.
8. How does Dream Believe Achieve connect with your music and
your personal message to fans?
For me, Dream Believe Achieve is an extension of my music.
Whether I’m writing songs or designing clothing, the message is the same:
believe in yourself, keep going, and never lose sight of your purpose. I’ve
always been open about my own struggles through my music, and I hope both my
songs and the brand remind people that even during difficult times, they have
the strength to keep moving forward. Everything I create comes from the same
place, and that’s to inspire people to believe in themselves and chase the life
they dream of.
9. Winning the UK Top Music Influencer is a huge achievement. What does that recognition mean to you?
Winning the UK Top Music Influencer was one of the biggest surprises
of my career so far. I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all. I’m incredibly
grateful to Chris Henderson for the opportunity, to my manager and everyone at
my label for believing in me every step of the way, and to my amazing
supporters who voted for me every single day. Their dedication and belief in me
mean more than I can put into words. After working so hard over the years,
receiving that recognition was incredibly emotional. I was fighting back tears
while accepting the award because it reminded me how far I’ve come. I’ll never
take that support for granted, and I’m so thankful to everyone who’s been part
of this journey. Thank you.
10. How has social media helped you build your audience and
share your journey more personally?
Social media definitely has its ups and downs, just like it does
for everyone, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity it gives me to
connect directly with my audience. It allows me to share not only my music but
also the journey behind it. I love documenting different moments in my life,
taking people behind the scenes, and letting them be part of everything I’m
building. I think that personal connection is really special, and I’m so
thankful for everyone who chooses to follow along and support me.
11. You’ve also reached the final of the InterContinental Music
Awards for Best European Pop. How did it feel to hear that news?
It was another huge surprise! I only found out the other day,
and it was such an emotional moment. Being named a finalist for Best European
Pop is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s an amazing feeling to have my
music recognised on an international stage, and I’m so grateful to my team, my
label, everyone at the awards, and all of my supporters who continue to believe
in me. Moments like this remind me why I work so hard every day, and I couldn’t
be more thankful.
12. What does it mean to you to be representing the UK on such
an international stage?
Representing the UK and my label on such a big international
stage is an incredible honour. I’m so grateful to my entire team, everyone at
the awards, and all of my supporters who continue to believe in me. Moments
like this remind me why I work so hard every day. I’m keeping everything
crossed and looking forward to seeing what happens. No matter the outcome, I’m
just so thankful to be part of it. Let’s go, team!
13. How do you balance being an artist, a performer, a fashion
creator, and an online influencer all at once?
I genuinely love every part of what I do, and I think that’s
what makes it possible to balance everything. Of course, being so busy can be
exhausting at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Music will always be
at the heart of everything I do, but I also love expressing my creativity
through fashion and connecting with people online. I’m incredibly grateful that
I get to wake up every day and do something I’m so passionate about.
14. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout
your music journey so far?
My biggest inspiration has always been the healing power of
music. Ever since I was a little girl, music has been my way of processing
emotions, finding comfort, and making sense of the world around me. That has
never changed. Knowing that my songs might help someone else in the same way
music has helped me is what inspires me every single day. On a personal level,
my team has also been a huge inspiration. The encouragement, belief in me,
coaching, and constant support have helped me grow not only as an artist but as
a person too! I’m incredibly grateful to have a team that continues to push me
to be the best version of myself.
15. Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for the rest of
the year and beyond?
My biggest goal right now is to complete my first UK headline
tour. It’s been a dream of mine for such a long time, so I’m incredibly excited
to finally bring the I Guess You Changed EP
to audiences across the country. Beyond that, I’m really looking forward to
taking my music to even more places around the world. The thought of touring in
the USA and Brazil over the next few years is incredibly exciting. I feel like
this is just the beginning, and there’s so much to look forward to. I’m excited
to keep growing, reaching new audiences, and seeing where this journey takes
me. Tickets for the tour will be available on Skiddle soon, so stay updated via
my socials @emilieculshaw.
Interview By: R.Stanley
Photography Credit: @RoyzyRothschild
Socials: @EmilieCulshaw @BigCondoRecords
