She wears her heart on her sleeve...perhaps more than she should. But that's the soul of Emily Jackson. The 21-year-old vocal powerhouse hails from Montclair, NJ, a community known for its diversity. This also reflects Emily’s musical tastes and influences. “As a kid growing up in the 90’s, I listened to Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Alanis Morisette, Aaliyah and of course Britney Spears. But, I also love Rap. My favorites are 50 Cent, Eminem, and Jay-Z; but it’s the beats that draw me in. I really want to work with Timbaland, The Neptunes and Kanye West. ”
It was this approach, combining street beats/hip-hop influenced tracks with contemporary melodies that describe Emily’s sound. Emily brings her own eclectic blend of urban-pop to the game and is about to take the court. She often draws comparisons vocally to Jessica Simpson, Pink, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera. “I love all of them, especially Mariah and Christina. They have been the blueprint to create my own sound and direction. I also would re-create Aaliyah’s vocal stylings only to find my falsetto was a lot like hers.
Emily grew up around music, a stark contrast to the rest of her family where anything that was non-musical was the priority. Emily would always sing around the house with the stereo blasting in her bedroom. “I was constantly yelled at to turn the music down, but then I would be singing just as loud as the music. My family eventually gave up on telling me to turn it down.” Her mom has no idea where Emily’s love of music and vocal ability came from. Wherever it’s from, it’s raw, emotional and instinctive. More...
