Jason Harris
Emme Lentino is currently making waves worldwide with a sound that encompasses Pop, Rock with a twist of Country. This genre-blending musical powerhouse recently topped Australian radio charts with her latest single “Some Other Girl,” which is also in steady rotation on MTV Australia and climbing the charts in America and the UK. Emme truly makes music worth getting lost in.
With a voice comfortably sitting between Stevie Nicks and Norah Jones, the U.S.-born musician has established a global presence and loyal fan base. Following the shock passing of Emme’s beloved husband after a battle with cancer, it was music and family that became her protected sanctuary. Emme’s focus was devoted to raising her two young children and to singing, which truly surfaced the healing powers of music and her purpose as an artist. Emme says, “I want to uplift, empower, show kindness and love and most of all hope to the masses. I am on a mission to bring a movement of hope to the world. Because I believe that no matter what we face, we can survive, thrive and help others. It is in helping others that we find purpose and identity.”
StarCentral Magazine recently caught up with Emme to discuss her journey in the music industry and here’s what went down:
How did you get started in the music industry? How were you actually ‘discovered’?
I was “discovered” while with my parents at our local shopping mall. There was a modeling agency and fashion show on and I was asked at age 4 to be in the commercial they were filming. I got to sing and dance in that commercial! Really, this discovery gave me my first break! I am very thankful. Through that experience, I signed with a modeling and acting agent and auditioned for tv and film, and even did a reading with Gene Hackman! I was only 4— that was thrilling and a really amazing experience. He is so nice! I went on to work with this agency for years and that gave me confidence and opened the door to performing in musical theatre; modeling and regional and national singing performances. I fell in love with performing at a very young age and singing became the way I expressed my feelings and connecting with other people. I continue working hard at writing music and performing- there’s no fast track to success. I really can say it’s been a gradual and continuous journey for me.
What do you like most about singing?
I love the way it makes me feel absolutely free! I feel an immense joy that wells up inside my heart when I get to raise my voice in song. I especially love singing at church and the peace I feel when I can connect with others through music. I believe in the healing power of music and I feel blessed I get to sing every day.
Can you tell us about your latest single, Oceanside?
‘Oceanside’ was recorded utilizing Zoom and an assortment of other technological tools, enabling my team to work virtually during the pandemic. It was April 2020, we were in lockdown. Songwriting was a good escape and a chance to create a laid back dreamy song about my favorite place to be, the ocean. Co-writing ‘Oceanside’ with colleague, producer, and friend Greg Cortez over Zoom, was truly a highlight of a difficult year. We loved writing about a time and space when life wasn’t so complicated and easy breezy. Shout out to my amazing co-writer Greg Cortez (The Kooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Kim Deal, George Clinton, and L.A. Guns) and it was produced by Greg Cortez and Dan Antunovich (Jersey Boys, Kitaro), and mastered by Joe Bozzi (U2, Outkast, Fleetwood Mac’s, Miley Cyrus, Imagine Dragons, and Ellie Goulding). I am very thankful to have started 2021 with this release.
What sort of person is going to love this song?
I think anyone who loves the ocean and is longing for peace and chill vibes will love this song:) It’s been so wonderful hearing from listeners around the globe say how happy this song makes them! That has seriously been fantastic news to my heart.
What inspires you to be creative?
As an adult, after going through some very difficult personal tragedies, staying creative has truly been healing for me. It has given me hope. Songwriting, singing, and acting are truly cathartic for me. I am inspired to continue being creative because I love how the arts bring the entire world together.
Is there anything special that you do to get into a creative mindset?
Nature always resets my soul. I go for a run on the beach and the ideas start flowing!
What message, if any, do you try to put into your work?
My message is one of hope, love, and empowerment. I truly want my music to uplift and encourage my listeners to never give up.
What has been the most memorable experience of your career so far?
Last year I released my own re-imagining of ‘Last Christmas’. I had the immense honour of joining with George Michael’s backup singers from the 1984 hit to bring a festive sing-along favorite into the 2020 pop charts. It was and remains a truly magical recording experience and I am very thankful and so happy I was given this opportunity. Singing with Shirley Lewis, Jay Henry, Jo Garland, and Dee Lewis- Clay was a true honor.
Do you ever find yourself unable to express your creativity to the fullest? What kinds of things inhibit you?
I think when I am overtired and stressed I feel it’s hard to tap into my full creative potential. That’s why I turn off my phone, head to yoga, and change my mindset. Or I head out to be outside in nature. Even if it’s raining and cold. It helps me reset and I feel at peace.
Who is your greatest influence?
I have a few actually! For my daily life: Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, and my parents.
For my performing career it’s Dolly Parton and Sarah McLaughlin.
Do you feel that you chose your “passion,” or did it choose you?
I think music chose me and I am forever thankful! I cannot imagine life without music.
What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.
I feel positive and truly excited about this year! 2021 will bring new music releases and I’ve just been signed to a publishing deal with Sweetontop Music. I have several Indie Film releases ( ‘Smudged Smile’ written by Ella Greenwood and starring BBC and Netflix actress Mila Mckenna- Bruce ( I am serving as the Executive Producer) and many more films, and tv projects. A new business venture with Prashant Shah. Continuing my role as New Zealand’s film festival coordinator of the Golden Nugget International Film Festival. I am also the Executive Producer and actress for ‘Isolation The Series’ (the UK, written and created by Steve Leeds) which is in its 2nd season and we are looking into partners and how we can grow the series. It’s going to be a full-on year, woohoo!
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. Last good movie I’ve seen: ” I Still Believe.”
2. What do you consider beautiful and why? Two things~ a kind and sincere heart and the way the sun glistens and shines on the water.
3. What haven’t you done yet that you wish you could? I’ve always wanted to write, act and direct a feature film – that’s definitely on my bucket list.
4. Complete this sentence: “If I had no fear, I’d…. Fly a helicopter and land on the beach!”
5. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? The one “flaw” that I wouldn’t change about myself is my overly positive nature. Through the ups and downs of life~ I have always believed the best in others almost to a fault. But hey, I am very happy staying this way!
Jason Harris
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