Emma Volard Femininity Interview

"As females, realistically we have all been subject to comments and actions that have belittled, stigmatised and diminished our sense of womanhood and integrity. In my case, this has seen me: being asked to "smile more" and wear more "feminine clothes" and asked "why don't you wear makeup?" and most recently being told by a male photographer that said, "I usually take photos of hot skinny girls, so this is out of my comfort zone." – Emma Volard

Melbourne artist Emma Volard is gearing up to lay down another epic slap of social-soul on her latest rhythmic groove, 'Femininity'. With her music deeply rooted in seeking justice and storytelling with strong political, environmental and personal undertones, Emma Volard is one-upping herself on her most vulnerable, honest and empowering single to date. Out today, 'Femininity' explores gender equality and empowerment in the music industry and beyond, whilst offering women both a shoulder to lean on and a killer soundtrack to revolt to.

In a time where women are banding together to seek the strength and courage to speak out about their lived experiences of stigmatisation, harassment, hyper-sexualisation and degradation, Emma felt compelled to provide a voice for those who may be struggling to find their own. 'Femininity' is this voice – a hard-hitting joint that expresses the omnipotent force of the female gender. In this track, Emma has put together an all star line-up with an overwhelming percentage of female identifying artists including Allysha Joy on backing vocals, Elle Shimada on violin and Bumpy in the backing choir. This group of musical collaborators also includes drummer Jordan Pereira (Nasty Mars), percussionist Lucky Pereira (Close Counters) and Jake Amy (The Mamas). The track's mixing finesse was executed by computer music innovator Moses Carr and mastered by the world-renowned engineer Nick Herrera, the producer of the Grammy Award Nominated Hiatus Kaiyote Album Choose Your Weapon.

"In the wake of recent events regarding a predatory male photographer and the rampant exploitation of women in the music industry, women are experiencing a collective trauma for those who have been affected by hyper-sexualised and belittling comments and actions. It has become clear to me that many men in the industry are using their power to take advantage of women in vulnerable positions. In no circumstance is this okay, systemic sexism and ignorance is no longer an excuse. We need to fight this together, we need men to be our allies not our gender's undoing. This is not the case with all men - I would never want to discredit the men who are challenging social norms, facilitating discourse and fighting for equality. We need to support women and non-gender conforming people, but most importantly we need to support each other." – Emma Volard

In only a year Emma Volard has made huge waves in the Melbourne music scene, playing festivals such as Brunswick Music Festival, Ocean Sounds, Isol-Aid Festival and Leaps and Bounds alongside nominal artists REMI, Emma Donovan and The Bamboos, and has been featured on Gilles Peterson's Worldwide FM alongside artists such as Sampa the Great. Emma's vulnerable personal lens in the industry shows a sensitivity towards life's foibles that she believes is influenced by the presence of her non-verbal severely autistic and epileptic sister Adelaide in her upbringing. Through her distinct lyrical expression and incessant groove, Emma hopes to continue to provide a voice for not only her sister but a voice for change in today's modern diaspora; a voice for those who aren't heard.

Question: How would you describe your music?

Emma Volard: I'd describe my music as a chaotic blend of broken-beat, jazz harmony, gut-wrenching lyricism and swamp grooves. My music is heavily-influenced by the nu-jazz and neo-soul scene in Melbourne. There's such a rich culture around this, and there are so many innovators out there that just so happen to be friends and acquaintances. I think we're so lucky to be in a community of people who are really pushing the boundaries of their sound. That definitely makes me want to create audaciously too.


Question: What inspired your new single 'Femininity'?

Emma Volard: I guess a desire for change, freedom of expression and equal rights. I wanted to express the beauty in femininity in all its unique and diverse forms, and to acknowledge that despite the fact that I have some less 'girly' attributes, I myself am still feminine. I wanted the track to be driving, gritty and raucous. I think the song captures the raw energy and connectedness of the female diaspora, and there's something primal about it. In a sense, this track is a revolt against those oppressors, and an f-you to anyone who tries to tear us down.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Emma Volard: An overriding theme in my music is to "embrace your most authentic self". It's a super powerful thing to do.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Emma Volard: Erykah Badu, for sure. She's an icon. She's unapologetically herself, and always comes out with turbo-charged ideas, whether that's musically, intellectually or even aesthetically. She's a wild character and definitely one of my inspirations.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Emma Volard: I think the idea that my music can make positive change in the world. Whether that be as small as making someone feel joy on a bad day or to change someone's perspective on a particular social/political/environmental issue. In the end, I want to make music that elicits a feeling. So, if people want to have a boogie or they want to have a cry… I'll be here for both of those things.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Emma Volard: I'm currently listening to a bunch of music from the UK and Melbourne. I'm digging a band called Kodama at the moment, they have really beautiful dark textures and wicked production. I've also been listening to local artists Tiana Khasi, 30/70 and Izy who are just incredible, as well as Ego Ella May and Cleo Sol who are killing the game.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Emma Volard: I pretty much began making music as soon as I popped out the womb. I was always singing and dancing as a kid, and it hasn't changed since then. I'm the type of person who likes to dip my finger in every pie, and it got to the point where I had to make a choice: sport or music, and music it was. In terms of inspiration to go into music, a lot of it was inspired by my sister Adelaide, who at 6 months old was diagnosed with developmental delay, severe autism and epilepsy. She is non-verbal and that's a huge part of why I decided to use my voice and become a songwriter. In the future, I'd like to continue to provide a voice for not only my sister but a voice for change in today's modern diaspora; a voice for those who aren't heard.


Question: What was your first performance?

Emma Volard: My first singing performance was of 'Ben' by Michael Jackson on School Camp at the Grade 6 Talent Night. I was wearing an oversized Mickey Mouse jumper and cream-coloured tracky dacks, it was not the height of fashion but it definitely got me hooked on that feeling of performing.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Emma Volard: It'd be an absolute dream to collaborate with Sampa the Great. She is such an icon. Her stuff is on the cutting-edge and she just seems like an old soul.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Emma Volard: I'd say being a woman in the music industry has been both my biggest challenge and biggest success. As women, we have to constantly assert ourselves and prove our worth just to be seen as equals. In all honesty, this has definitely made me have a stronger work ethic and has driven me to really fight for minorities and our rights.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Emma Volard: I tend to wake up and make myself a percolator of coffee, which normally ends in me swallowing some coffee grains. Then, I take a shower and head to my disability care job and work with one of my lovely participants. When I get home from work, I like to sit down and scroll through my phone mindlessly and then get stuck into some music related stuff. Sometimes, my boyfriend will cook me a dinner which is always amazing, and then I get a nice kip in at the end of the day. That's a typical day, I'd say. Ideally, I'd sit in the sun, read a book and make music with my friends. That is my dream day.


Question: What's your personal style?

Emma Volard: It's normally fairly androgynous and a little bit wacky. I like to test the boundaries with my fashion as a way to express my truest self. I like wearing a good high waisted pair of jeans, a turtleneck shirt, monochromatic colour schemes and some big bold hoops.


Question: What's next, for you?

Emma Volard: I'm hoping to release an EP in the next year, and finger cross to tour around Australia. I just want to keep growing, learning and bettering myself both as an artist and a person.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Emma Volard: Facebook  
Instagram  
Bandcamp  
Soundcloud  


Interview by Gwen van Montfort