Meet The Unabashed Singer-Songwriter Emma Steinbakken
At only 16-years-old Emma Steinbakken is swiftly making a name for herself in music. Hailing from Norway, the singer-songwriter digs deep into her inner thoughts and feelings when creating music. Discussing an array of emotions and topics that a young adult goes through, the songstress is ushering in unapologetic and raw tracks for listeners everywhere. With 10 million views on her debut music video Not Gonna Cry and the release of her self-titled EP, Emma Steinbakken is paving her way as an artist to watch!
We were able to chat with her about everything from her EP, who inspired her to pursue music, her top five goals she wants to achieve as an artist and so much more!
How does it feel to have your track ‘Not Gonna Cry’ hit 10 million streams?
It obviously feels very fun, but also a bit strange. It’s a high number, so high that I can’t quite see it for myself. I don’t think about streams anymore. It was fun to follow at first, but I don’t think it’s good for me. This is also not where I want to focus.
‘Not Gonna Cry’ is your first video what do you want your fans to take away after watching this visual?
I feel the music video forms a picture. I tried to tell the director what I had been feeling and the story behind the song, and the actions in the video are not accidental. It describes my story very well, but I want others to be able to watch the video and feel what they want. Maybe it’s spot on for them too, or maybe not. Everything is fine.
Describe your sound?
It is difficult to describe my sound because I am constantly evolving, both in my music and inside myself. My music feels like a side of me, so it will always change with me. I’ve just had a period where drums, bass and piano have been instruments I’ve wanted to use in all songs. Hehe. Now I feel like I’m entering a brighter period, but we’ll see.
Who inspired you to pursue music?
I have no special artist that made me want to do music, but I always found it to be fun and interesting. I’ve always had goals and visions of what I want to do. I’ve always believed that I can get what I want if I just work for it. I really think that music dream came mainly from myself.
What can listeners expect from your Emma Steinbakken EP?
Emma Steinbakken EP is a chapter I have been through, and with both text and dark hard melodies I feel that it speaks for itself. It may be a little different, but I like it and I hope people that hears it gets to know me a little and that they like it.
What elements helped create the record? Any specific influences?
As mentioned these songs feels like chapters of my life, and to create music from that it’s important to have a producer that knows me and understands me, and I think that’s what’s helping me the most in making these songs and that I feel so much for them. I am not thinking of any other artists, other music or that it should sound a specific way or it into something when I make music.
Which tracks were the easiest and hardest to create?
None of these songs where harder or easier to write. I’ve been doing songs that I don’t like as much, but they won’t be released. I really need to feel and love the songs myself to consider releasing them.
What are your top five goals you want to achieve as an artist?
First and foremost, I want to live by the music, which is a pretty big goal, if you ask me. I also have some venues I want to play at. But other and more concrete goals I keep to myself.
Make sure to check out Emma Steinbakken debut self-titled EP and watch her first music video for ‘Not Gonna Cry’!
