Hearts are Humming for Emily Victoria
Photo Credit WILK
Melbourne- based multi-instrumentalist Emily Victoria has released her brand new track ‘Humming Heart’ as well as an immersive and intriguing music video to accompany the song’s debut. Recorded at Soundpark Studios with producer Nao Anzai, synthesisers and production by Lewis Moody, additional vocal production provided by Hamish Patrick, guitars by Anthony Farrugia, Jacob Long on drums and Sam Clarke on bass, ‘Humming Heart’ is a song written about a dream consuming passion. We spoke to Emily Victoria to ask her about the new song, the abstract music video and how she got her start in music.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe your music sound?
I would describe my sound as lush Dream Pop.
You have just released your latest track 'Humming Heart', Tell us about your new song, what was the inspiration for the writing of 'Humming Heart'?
The inspiration for Humming Heart came from dreams I was having around that time that all felt really passionate. I wrote the song to capture these dreams. The sound of artists like Cocteau Twins and Hatchie also inspired the song.
What did the writing process look like for you while creating the song?
My writing process was very repetitive and usually, the ideas would come when I was thinking about something else. I would write ten ideas that I liked very quickly and in amongst the quantity of material I could reflect and select the ideas that felt exciting. The selection process would also involve some experimentation with synths to consider how versatile the material was and what its potential could be as a fully produced track.
Do you have a favourite line or part of 'Humming Heart'?
I like the way some of the words like ‘heart’ and ‘eyes’ repeat at different points in the melody.
“When he heard the song he described how he could see limbs … everywhere”
'Humming Heart' has an accompanying video, who came up with the concept for the visuals?
Jeff Andersen Junior came up with the concept for the visuals. When he heard the song he described how he could see limbs … everywhere. Limbs with a dustpan and shovel, limbs coming out of showers . . then there was the suggestion of me being a hotel manager and the concept continued to unfold. We both agreed that unity at the end of the video would support the concept which is why it culminates in a hug.
The video was shot at The St Georges Inn in Thornbury was there a particular reason for choosing this location to film?
It was a location that Jeff Andersen Junior had noticed on his daily commute. And it had the perfect atmosphere for the video! Especially the big spa bath
“Guests and people passing through would repeatedly pop their heads in mid-shot and question us about what we were doing. The conversations were so random and spontaneous!”
Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
Yes. When we were filming the scene in the motel reception area, the motel was still technically open. Guests and people passing through would repeatedly pop their heads in mid-shot and question us about what we were doing. The conversations were so random and spontaneous!
You worked with a team of people to create 'Humming Heart', how valuable was their contribution to the final product?
Incredibly valuable. I remember rehearsing the song with Anthony Farrugia (guitar), Jacob Long (drums) and Sam Clarke (bass) for the first time and it sounded amazing the first time through! They are talented musicians, lovely people and are very supportive of my music. Nao Anzai and Lewis Moody’s contributions were equally valuable, offering suggestions about the arrangement and production for the song.
Can we expect a full length Emily Victoria album out soon?
I’m not sure. You can expect more music!
“My dream was to play in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra!.”
How did you get your start in music?
I started studying classical cello when I was young and heard recordings of Jacqueline Du Pre playing. My dream was to play in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra!
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Lush, Sky Ferreira, Caroline Polachek, The Sundays
If you weren’t a musician what else would you be doing now
Probably making or writing about film, social work, learning and thinking about culture.
Who in your crew or team deserves ashout-outt but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
Two people - Dean Merlino and Emily Cheung. Both of these people have gone above and beyond with the planning and development of this project. I am deeply appreciative.
What's planned for Emily VIctoria in 2023?
Lots more music!!
Interview by Michelle Symes
November 2022