Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I am a part time teacher, part time musician. I run a recording studio and the Seahouse Records label, and when I get time I also like to make music as Emker Cel. This is my third album, and I think it’s my best yet. It’s been interesting playing it for my young son, he’s really getting into music and enjoying it. It’s a continuation of our family’s musical heritage, and got me thinking back to when I was a kid, enjoying the sounds of Stevie Wonder and The Beatles around the house. I rebelled against music lessons initially, but then taught myself in my teens and ended up doing a music degree.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Emker Cel”?
A: My ambitions are realistic. I think Emker Cel, though it is music that is made in the present day, takes a lot of influences and production styles from the late 20th Century. It certainly doesn’t sound like today’s songs, there’s definitely a retro aspect to it. I’d say “welcome, enjoy the songs, and the sounds, and feel free to get in touch with me to tell me what you enjoyed”. I do really like interacting with listeners.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Stephen Steinbrink continues to amaze me. Such a good songwriter and producer. Listening in admiration to people like him is certainly an inspiration: you think “oh, I need to be THAT good!” Inspiration for lyrics tends to come from usual everyday introspection, feelings, but dressed up as something else.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the album, “You Are Everything You Are.”?
A: This album is all about relationships. All types of relationships, not just romantic ones. You Are Everything You Are, the title track, is an attempt to convey the message that you are enough, you don’t have to be any more, and though the thousand different versions of you that exist in the eyes of others go some way to making you unique, it is ultimately what is inside of you, and the decisions that you make, that make you who you are.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: My friend Stephen uses the term “Precise Rock” to describe me, but that’s two words. Precise-rock.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “You Are Everything You Are”?
A: Yes I did. After recording the basic drum parts, I got covid, which turned serious, and became long covid. I was basically laid up for 6 months, barely able to walk some days. I thought this was the end. Not just of music, but of me. My voice went, I couldn’t look after my son properly. Rehabilitation came in the form of rest, and a slow return to society. After a year or so, I managed to attend an open mic night and sing a song. Then I gradually returned to the studio, overdubbing songs a bit at a time, and started to release singles over the past year leading up to the completion of this album. I’m still not well, but I’m so much better than I was. It’s certainly changed my perspective on life.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I don’t know if I have one message, there are many there, but an underlying theme seems to be about communication and believing in your self, and being the best version of yourself. My goals are modest: I just want to be able to keep doing this, and to reach people and get some recognition for the music I’m making myself, and with others in my studio, and on the Seahouse label.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Ooooh, I would very much like to co-write with John Lennon. I reckon I could try and assume the McCartney position of adding an opposite point of view to his style.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Be realistic about ambitions, have a plan B, trust yourself rather than others, the opinions of family and hometown friends don’t matter: test yourself in cities against whatever is happening there.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Back yourself. Trust in your own judgement and be yourself.
