"Words make you think. Music makes you feel. A song makes you feel a thought." — E.Y. Harburg
Emma G - TEDx Speaker, Singer, and Youth Empowerment coach
Survivor of 10 brain surgeries, and now singing, speaking, and coaching about music and mental & emotional health. ??
Happy Thursday, friends!
Ever wonder where a songwriter finds their inspiration? For me, songwriting has always been about far more than just creativity and having fun — I often joke that music is my love language.
But seriously. It kinda is.
Music has always been how I process, heal, and connect with the world - especially when I was a kid. I was never "the cool one" or "the popular kid", but I was always so drawn to music that people were drawn to me, I guess [oof. That's some Pied Piper imagery right there]. But it's true. And it only makes sense really. Because I wasn't just singing other people's music - I was making up my own songs from as young as 5years old. You've probably heard me say it before: one of my all-time favorite quotes is, “To pray is to talk to God; to meditate is to listen.” But I like to take it a step further: to write music is the manifestation of that conversation.
Therefore every song I’ve written, [even as a kid] comes from something I’ve encountered, felt, or reflected on in life.
Yep.
Everything I encounter inspires me—people, stories, struggles, and triumphs. It’s all fuel for my music.
What’s Happening This Week
Stress Management Workshop I’m currently leading a workshop for 15 journalists from around the country, helping them navigate the stress of reporting in high conflict areas with tools like mindfulness, body awareness, breathing techniques, and empowering self-talk. Fun fact: these are just a few of the techniques that happen to overlap with what I do as a vocal and empowerment through songwriting coach. How's that for alignment?
Live Show: Saturday Night Catch me at Nanny O'Briens in Washington DC from 9-11 PM for an evening of music, connection, and fun.
领英推荐
Capitol Groove Collective Kickoff This past Tuesday, we had the official launch of the Capitol Groove Collective, and it was an incredible success! Almost 15 musicians, artivists, and creativepreneurs gathered to celebrate the power of music to empower, uplift, and fight for social justice. Watch this space for updates.
New Patreon Demo 26 years later, I still remember the melody. "Clear" is a song about mixed signals & self-worth. If you want to hear it (and support my mission with music), I'd love for you to head over to Patreon and check it out.
What’s Your Story?
So, here’s my question to you: What inspires you? Is it people, places, or the moments in between? If you’ve ever wanted to turn those experiences into something tangible — like a song — I’d love to help.
Hit me back and let me know what's keeping you inspired, motivated or smiling today.
Have an amazing day on purpose,
x Emma G
P.S. ICYMI my latest blog post just dropped too: Lessons I Learned from Loss - inspired in part by the passing of my friend Renee last week, but also from the passing of my father and surrogate brother back in 2018 and 2008 respectively. I know that's not the most fun note to end a newsletter on, but while death is hard, I believe that their lives continue through the legacies they left. If you're someone who also struggles with people in your life having passed recently [or not so recently], I'd be honored if you took the time to read this one.