Emerson Woolf: "Jersey Baby" Who's Not Even from Jersey

The ubiquity of Emerson Woolf is impossible for me to explain. Unlike many music artists I've come to love and cherish over the years, I do not remember the first time I saw her sing. I'm almost certain it was at some open mic in Monmouth County. Now, this isn't to say that she wasn't memorable. Far from it. It's indicative of how familiar her voice felt, how relevant her songs were, and how relatable her personality is. It's like she was always here.

In the past few years, she's shown unparalleled dedication to her craft and career, building up a reputation as a fierce live performer and heartfelt singer/songwriter. She's built up a backing band, The Wishbones, to join her in the studio and fill out the stage with her when playing live, and they have sold out show after show. When we got together for our photoshoot, I got a more human version of her than the utter goddess she is typically portrayed to be (and is!) in visual media. Despite the rising tide of fame coming in, she just the same as I met her a handful of years ago, and she still just wants to sing her heart out.

First of all, you're not from Jersey. But you're so Jersey! How did you end up here?

I know, right? I somehow feel like I was always meant to land here. I grew up pretty unconventionally, so "home" was more of something I took off in search of. Jersey has this kind of no-nonsense energy that I connect with; it’s gritty. People here aren’t afraid to express big feelings or tell the truth. That kind of honesty feels like home to me. Not to mention the incredible art, culture, and natural beauty of the state. Win win win.

Your music takes on love, loss, and personal growth. How do you approach songwriting—do you start with lyrics, melody, or even just an emotion?

I’d say it usually starts with some kind of emotional pulse. I approach songwriting sort of like I’m uncovering something, I’ll just play and hum and mutter words until something sounds like it might be a clue. And then I can dig at it until I can unearth whatever it was that was underlying.

I love how approachable you've remained since I met you. And "vulnerability" was a big theme in our photoshoot. How do you balance personal storytelling and social media transparency with maintaining some sense of artistic mystery?

That’s such a good question. I think real vulnerability doesn’t mean showing everything, it means showing what’s true. I try to share from a place of connection, not performance. Some things are meant for songs, not captions. I want people to feel like they know me through the music more than they ever could online. The really close to the vest stuff is in there.

Who are some artists—past or present—who have shaped your sound and songwriting

So many. It’s weird because I wouldn’t consider myself similar to a lot of my favorite songwriters, I’m just inspired by how magical their writing feels in its ability to connect. My favorite lyricists; Leonard Cohen, Dave Von Ronk, Patty Griffin. Even all so different from each other. Lately Waxahatchee has become my all the time go to. I just want to make people feel that sense of connection through my music in some way - I think honesty is the answer.

Your performance style is really raw and emotive. How do you prepare mentally and emotionally before stepping on stage?

I don’t know if I do much in the way of preparation. I do know that my performances can take a lot out of me emotionally. Sometimes I leave the stage feeling overwhelmed by it. I guess I just try to be present to deliver my songs in the way they were intended to be delivered, and I let those heavier, darker feelings fuel the writing.

Many of your songs have an almost cinematic quality. If one of your albums were turned into a film, who would play you?

I feel like I’m the worst person ever to answer this! I just don’t know many actors at all…I'm so flattered you find something cinematic about my writing, but I am ‘film illiterate’ as my husband would say. Maybe we should just animate it.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as an artist, and how has it influenced your path?

“Consider what the audience wants last”. In my writing and all creative choices, the listener is always my last consideration. It helps me stay true to myself as an artist. And the people who my art is for will connect with it on a deeper level.

Is there a song of yours that you feel is particularly underrated or holds a special place in your heart?

This feels contrived to say, but the latest single ‘Like Louisiana Sky’ is some of the best songwriting I’ve done and I am really pleased with it. I am beyond excited to get it out there.

After this wildly successful crowd-funding campaign, you've set yourself up to hit the road and tour. What do you have to say to the friends and fans that helped make all this happen?

Just want to say thank you so much to everyone who pledged to the van fundraiser. Touring isn’t easy and having a reliable van changes everything! It means more shows, more connection, and more momentum. I’m so grateful for your support. You really made this possible, I couldn’t have possibly done it alone.

Emerson Woolf and the Wishbones are currently on tour this summer. Click the links below and support them in a city near you.

Follow Emerson Woolf: Instagram: @emersonwoolfmusic

YouTube: youtube.com/@EmersonWoolf