Meet Emerging R&B-Pop Songstress… Esmae

Musically inspired by pop powerhouses such as Anne-Marie and Dua Lipa, with a passion for old-school R&B, Esmae crafts a gorgeous blend of infectious yet elegant pop music, with relatable lyrics and a soulful influence.

Esmae has released her first single since 2021, ‘Undone’, an emotional earworm about the push and pull of a relationship – when two people are so intertwined, you never truly feel undone.

We caught up with Esmae ahead of the release of ‘Undone’ to chat all about the single, how it came to be, and how music inspired Esmae when she was a teenager.

Hi Esmae, thanks so much for speaking with us today! How are you?

Thank you so much for having me! I’m really good thank you and really excited for the release!

Your new single, ‘Undone’ is out now, congratulations! How do you feel now it’s out in the world?

To be honest I’m excited to be able to finally share it! The whole experience has been unbelievable and I’m extremely proud of what has been created throughout the process.

Sounds like the writing process for ‘Undone’ was an extremely fun experience, with everyone on the same page from the beginning! Could you talk through your inspiration for the track?

It really was so much fun – as soon as we started writing we were on a total vibe. From the minute me and my co-writers had the melody, we were off! There was an instant connection in the room, just thinking about how many people will be able to relate to the lyrics and the constant push and pull you feel when you’re in a relationship – we had the song finished within hours of starting.

The music video includes some stunning choreography and feels so authentic to you. What was the creative process like for this video? 

The entire process was amazing from beginning to end. It was important to create a visual that was emotionally enticing and really told the story of the song. We looked for a director, who shared our vision, Oscar J Ryan, who has worked with amazing artists like Diplo and KSI. 

There was a lot of time spent searching for the right genre of dancers, Grace Cinque-White and Luke Miller who were unbelievable. We spent countless hours looking for the perfect location, which was everything! Styling (Dylan Weller), hair (Elvire) and makeup (Amanda Bell) were all planned meticulously because I really wanted this to be a true introduction of Esmae to the world. So, no pressure…..

This is your first new single since you started releasing music in 2021. Is this a new era for Esmae? 

I would say that this is the first time I have co-written a song, which feels 100% true to me. 2021 was such a great time for releasing my music but let’s just say that the pandemic gave me time to refine my writing and to truly focus on the direction I wanted to go in as an artist. I don’t think I would have been bold enough to use some of the language in “Undone” in 2021,but I’m feeling happy with where I’m at right now. I’m ready for people to see the lighter side of me as I’ve been holding back a lot in the past. 

Let’s go back to the beginning – you began your musical journey at the age of 16. Did you grow up in a musical household? How did you start off making music when you were younger? 

I did, I wrote my first song when I was out in LA and I guess I’ve never forgot that feeling. Despite life taking me on a totally different journey, I’m right back here doing what I love. Music was always playing in my house growing up, and if it wasn’t, you could guarantee that my Mum and her sisters were taking centre stage to perform their rendition of Paddy McGinty’s Goat.

What would you say to 16 year old Esmae, with the knowledge you have now? 

Whatever your passion is, or your goals are in life commit yourself fully because otherwise you will never truly know if it was achievable. My mother always said to me, “Feel the fear and do it anyway!”.

Who were your biggest musical influences when you were younger? First album you ever bought? 

There are so many amazing musicians out there, but my biggest influences are Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Brandy, Monica and most recently Anne Marie. The first album I ever bought was Brandy by Brandy – I’d sit up in my room with it on repeat all day!

 Is there more to come from Esmae in the near future? Any plans for the rest of 2023?

Oh yes, we have big plans indeed! So many exciting collaborations are being planned right now, ready for some seriously exciting music to match. For me, it’s all about leveling up at every opportunity I get and doing myself and my local area Teesside, proud.

Who would be the three headliners at your dream festival? 

Lauryn Hill, Anne Marie and Rita Ora.

Any dream collaborators you’d love to work with? 

Anne Marie for sure!

Any artists you’re loving right now that you’d love your fans to check out? 

Olivia Rodrigo, Madison Beer, Nessa Barrett.

Make sure to listen to Esmae’s new single ‘Undone’ here or below.