Emme Lentino Shake It Off Interview

Emme believes in the healing power of music and the importance of showing love and kindness as a way to help others face any obstacle.

Originally from Oregon, singer-songwriter Emme Lentino spent time in New York and California before settling in New Zealand. Emme's tracks have been featured in several daytime television shows including ABC's One Life to Live and All My Children and her song, 'Shake It Off' was featured in a National ad for Victoria's Secret. She has appeared on National TV as a special guest and performer on such channels as NBC, Voice Of America, NBCLX, Buzz TV, Canadian Global News, MTV/ Australia and more. Her music has charted at #1 in Australia for their country charts and #1 three times for iTunes (New Zealand).

Emme has appeared alongside George Michael's backing vocalists in 'Last Christmas' and was featured on CMT for her music video of that song. While in London, she recorded 'Some Other Girl' produced by Al Clay (Pink, Adam Lambert, Backstreet Boys, Stereophonics) and is still getting airplay worldwide. Her song 'Oceanside' has been signed to a publishing deal with Sweet on Top Publishing and her music videos remain on high rotation on Australia's cable channels. Emme is currently the co-host on two American radio shows for Heart of Indie Radio. In 2019 she joined Hands of Grace-Rae of Light as a volunteer and helps this amazing organization with their suicide prevention program.

Interview with Emme Lentino

Question: How would you describe your music?

Emme Lentino: It's multi-genre, easy listening music that helps invite positive vibes.


Question: Can you tell us about Shake It Off?

Emme Lentino: I co-wrote 'Shake It Off' with Vasili Gavre back in New York City. It really is the city that never sleeps. I know I hardly slept when I lived there. There's so much going on at any one time. The city is a beautiful tapestry of diverse cultures, languages and the arts are such a huge part of it all. All of this inspired the song we wrote and recorded. It's about not judging others, allowing people and ourselves to be who we are. When we first recorded it, Vasili submitted it for a Victoria's Secret commercial. It soon became featured for one of their major National ads. But we didn't ever release the song to the public. Fast forward to 2021/2022.. I felt like I needed to officially release the song now… because let's face it, it's a strange time. Felt like lightening the mood.


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

Emme Lentino: Songwriting and singing is cathartic for me. It is one of the ways I communicate love and light to others. I really hope my music speaks to the heart of my listeners and makes a positive impact on their lives.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Emme Lentino: The last couple of years I've been recording more than I've been doing live or touring shows. Performing live makes me so happy and I love the audience and I connecting during the show. There's nothing like that feeling I get from a live show. It's super special to my heart. On the other hand I love recording music. I get so passionate when I am in the studio. I pour my entire heart into each session and the whole world outside kind of melts away. The magic of the studio is something I get pretty romantic about.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Emme Lentino: 'Oxygen' off my first album… it makes me smile because the song had such a journey from me starting the writing process while living in my car.. to hearing it on the radio for the first time and sharing it on live Television on NBC in America for a show I did. It's a feel good song and one I just love singing live.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Emme Lentino: I stay motivated to write and create music because it's what brings me joy and allows me to figure out my feelings on life. Creating and making art is really a privilege. I hope to keep getting better every day at doing what I love. I want to inspire someone out there in the universe… maybe my story in one of my songs will make them smile and feel good.


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

Emme Lentino: I always have a running playlist each week which is a mixture of Indie Artists I am featuring for Heart of Indie Radio and some of my old standbys. At the moment it's: Clinton Kane, KIDDO, Julia Michaels, Ed Sheeran, Sarah McLachlan, Oasis and Weezer.


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

Emme Lentino: In my earlier years when I was getting my head around making a living by writing music …. the gorgeous soulful voices of Sarah McLachlan, Jewel, Dido and Norah Jones. All powerfully talented songwriters and songbirds that ignited something inside me to make a go of this industry.

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

Emme Lentino: Collab dream would be a magical musical project with Halsey, Dolly Parton, Ed Sheeran and Sarah McLachlan. Singing with all of these gorgeous artists would just be the most over the top experience of my life!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Emme Lentino: Music really is a powerful source of hope and purpose for me personally. Hope is the driving force behind my singing and writing music. I feel really blessed to be doing music everyday. I've had some personal tragedies in my life and have come to know how important music is for the healing of the soul. Almost 6 years ago my late husband lost his battle with cancer. I was his caretaker. After his passing, as a single mom with two very small children, living overseas away from my family, I turned to music. I am so thankful as it's given me my purpose. I strive to help others who were facing seasons of hardship. I want to use my music to remind them- they are not alone.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Emme Lentino: I get up early, have a cup of tea, do my mediation, get the kiddies ready and off to school, do a yoga or Pilates class and then usually prep for our radio shows, interview guests and then off to do my songwriting in my office/studio to work. If my agent calls with an audition offer, I quickly get working on the script and prep for the part. I love being in nature, it fuels my soul. I always try to get a hike or swim in the ocean in the day somewhere. Typically I finish music business stuff once the kids are in bed. I like to have a nice full day that's mixed in with work and a bit of play too. I keep myself motivated with a healthy veggie diet and lots of water and positive vibes.


Question: What's next, for you?

Emme Lentino: 2022 is a big year of writing my new album 'Storyline's' and collaborating with some very talented folks along the way. I have some acting and presenting projects I am super excited about too. Part of the reason this is a big year for me is I am a lot more mindful of so many things. Focusing on what's important amidst a lot of noise… has been truly liberating. 2023 will be back to touring in the states and UK and lots of adventures along the way I am sure ❤


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)
Emme Lentino: Instagram 
Twitter 
Facebook 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort