Emma McKenna
Country of origin:
Canada
Type of music generally:
Beautiful & fierce evocative/eclectic experimental alternative pop/folk
Status:
Most recent release, What It Becomes (digital EP, 2016)
See also:
Wikipedia's entry for Emma McKenna
Comparisons:
Kristin Hersh, Kate Bush, Joanna Newsom, Bat For Lashes, Hannah Fury, Rachel Smith, Corinn Tucker (Sleater-Kinney), and not unlike her friend, Katie Stelmanis
Covers/own material:
Own
General comments:
I haven't been so taken with an artist in a long, long time. She has an odd voice that may be an acquired taste, but I loved it from the start. It's so expressive, and a match for her incredibly powerful and evocative songwriting. Really, she's one of the best songwriters I've come across in ages—the power of her songwriting and singing style and instrumentation reminds me a lot of Kristin Hersh. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Run With It
Recordings:
- Run With It (2010)
- The Might (digital EP, 2013)
- What It Becomes (digital EP, 2016)
Run With It (2010)
Release info:
2010—Labrys Records
Availability:
See Emma McKenna's site
Ecto priority:
Highly recommended for fans of the unusual
Group members:
Emma McKenna—vocals and instrumentation
Comments:
I have been utterly obsessed with this album for weeks and weeks and the more I play it the more it grows on me. Let this album seep into your consciousness. Once it has reached critical mass in your mind it won't let go. It's full of great lyrics and musical hooks, and Emma McKenna sings powerfully and unflinchingly. I love every song on the album, and recommend it for anyone who can handle the range of her vocals. If you're adventurous at all, you will love this; she's not for the faint of heart but she's very melodic and her songs are incredibly catchy. Personally, I can't get enough of it. An amazingly impressive debut. (Neile)
The Might
Release info:
2013
Availability:
Emma McKenna's bandcamp page
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans of the stripped-down and mournful
Group members:
Emma McKenna—vocals and instrumentation
Comments:
This is a five-track EP available on bandcamp. While not as astonishing as Run With It maybe because I was more prepared for Emma McKenna's sound and effect, and perhaps also because there's not a killer song like the title track on Run With It—this is nonetheless as worthy follow-up. It's mournful and highly emotive. (Neile)
What It Becomes
Release info:
2017
Availability:
Emma McKenna's bandcamp page
Ecto priority:
Recommended for fans of the stripped-down and mournful
Group members:
Emma McKenna—vocals, electric guitar
Guest artists:
Alice Wilder—midi (1, 2)
Produced by:
Alice Wilder
Comments:
This is a six-track EP available on bandcamp. Very much like The Might, it's intriguing and highly listenable, but again doesn't have the same hooking power as Run With It. Well worth time and attention, though! (Neile)
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