Emma Horan is quickly becoming an established name amongst songwriters, having recently co-written a number one iTunes chart hit. Her own music has been described as ‘Storytelling with commercial sensibility’ and ‘Electro-tinged Pop Songs.’
Tell us about your background, your upbringing, and your introduction into the world of music.
I have been doing music from the age of 6, beginning with singing lessons. From then I knew that performing was all I ever wanted to do. My mum was my biggest support growing up and sacrificed so much of her time for my career. I would not be the artist and songwriter I am today if it hadn’t been for the amazing woman my mum is.
How did you get into music production, songwriting, and performance? What are some of the highlights and artists you’ve worked with?
I grew an audience online when I was 14, singing covers and ‘mashups’ that went viral and since I’ve developed a passion for songwriting. At 17 I started releasing my own music and loved writing for other artists too. In 2018 I had the privilege of performing for (former) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back home in Northern Ireland – they were so lovely too!
I’ve written, recorded and released so many songs with the amazing Raz Nitzan in Amsterdam. In 2019 I graduated from Tileyard Education with an MA in Commercial Songwriting and Production and since I’ve written with so many amazing artists and writers including Sarah McTernan, whose track ‘Heavy On My Heart’, that I co-wrote, hit #1 on the Irish iTunes chart.
What were some of the barriers you experienced, or still do experience, as a ‘female producer/performer’?
As an artist, I have always wanted to be appealing to my younger audience. To do this I stay true to my core values and create music that is clean and appropriate to all audiences. In a music industry where ‘sex sells’ I find, in certain instances, that if I don’t wear a certain outfit, write certain lyrics or even if I do look in a certain way it’s harder to prove myself, especially as woman, in the music industry.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen over recent years in regards to the attitude towards being a songwriter, and a woman in music?
I have done many songwriting camps, including those with Tileyard Education, over the past number of years and I’m so glad to see it now being roughly 50/50 ratio of male and female writers on the camps. I’m so grateful to have a team of three managers but in particular two powerhouse women who are shaking up the industry.
‘Female producers’ are ninjas in the studio, just because they’ve had to work twice as hard to get recognition or be taken seriously = that’s true, right? There are many amazingly talented females in the industry coming through.
I find it really sad that women have to work twice as hard to be seen in the industry but it’s true- we do become ninjas! There are lots of amazing women in music. Alicia Keys writes and produces her own music and she is a queen! It was amazing to see Adele, Lil Simz, Becky Hill, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Holly Humberstone and Dua Lipa all win Brit Awards in 2022.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self about being a woman in music… what to expect, the difficulties, the excitements?
I would say continue to be your confident self and know your worth and talent. Enjoy making music with other women creatives and always champion one another. You might have ‘sharks’ trying to take advantage of your innocence but stick to your guns. Your happiness is worth more than anything. Don’t rush into any contracts and always seek legal advice before you sign anything!
What can we look forward to hearing from you in the next few months/year from your creativity?
I’m so excited to be releasing new music this year along with music videos. I will continue to write with other artists and enjoy live music. I’m so excited for all the fun along the way with the best team at 9 Lives Management.
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