Info
Website:	http://www.emmgryner.com
Latest Release:	Asian Blue
MP3 Download:	Beautiful Things
Record Label	Dead Daisy Records

Emm Gryner truly epitomizes an "Auralgasms artist". Emm is a supremely talented singer/songwriter from Forest, Ontario, who released her debut record, Original Leap Year back in 1996. The record was released on Emm's own label, Dead Daisy Records, which she started to "release music that the majors ignore." She has had a prolific career releasing 6 full length records in the last 7 years. Emm caught the attention of music Legend David Bowie in 2000, and joined him on a world tour.

Emm continues her DIY method with her latest release, Asianblue, perhaps her most cohesive and well-produced record to date. Could this be the record the finally gives Emm the attention she deserves? 

Auralgasms was pleased to spend some time with Emm prior to her Borders engagement in Ann Arbor, MI on April 17.

Borders Appearance

Emm, with Scott and Michael of Auralgasms.

What kind of musical influence did you get from your parents and when did you start to form your own tastes?

My Dad was really into Jazz, and he kind of forced it on us. I also remember Willie Nelson’s Stardust being played a lot. At the time I didn’t like it, but I came to appreciate it later. I started listening to Pop music around age 8, and my Dad was pretty upset about it.

What about now? What are you listening to these days?

I really like the new Pete Yorn record. I also like N.E.R.D and No Doubt. For older stuff, I like Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell. I am also into Liam Lynch, who writes comedy songs.

Talk about growing up in Forest, Ontario and then moving to Toronto for your career. After your experiences, do you encourage or discourage aspiring songwriters from following that path?

I didn’t move straight from Forest to Toronto. In between I attended Recording School in London, Ontario. I personally think, that you can write in ANY environment. I moved because I wanted to play in front of more people. I was able to find more inspiration in a big city. Do I encourage aspiring songwriters? I think that everybody has the ability to write….they just need to do what is right for them.

Emm Gryner and David Bowie

Talk about Dead Daisy records and the difference in putting out a record for another label as opposed to your own.

I started Dead Daisy Records in 1996 with the intent of putting out my own records. When I was releasing Public, I was offered a deal with Mercury Records. I took the deal, because it was offered to me by somebody I really wanted to work with. Right after Public was released; Universal took over Polygram/Mercury and fired the artists. So, Public was out, but there was nobody to promote it. So, I may not be making as much money with Dead Daisy but I have much more creative freedom, which is important to me. Andrew Spice is another artist on Dead Daisy Records. You can find out more about him at http://www.andrewspice.com/.

How did you come to be discovered by David Bowie and what was it like working with him? All of a sudden you are on a world tour and appearing on SNL, Letterman

In 1999, I was playing shows in NY. My friend Holly Palmer had seen my shows and recommended me to David. Playing with him was an amazing and inspiring experience. We still keep in touch. I send him every record I make and he has been very supportive. We talk a lot about music, since we like some of the same bands: Godspeed You Black Emperor, Granddaddy, and Sparklehorse.

Who else have you worked with?

My brother records Rob Zombie’s albums. Rob is actually a very nice guy. He invited me to sing on his album, as well as his Soundtrack. Wally Gagel who produced Asianblue, has a project called Production Club. Appearing on that album was a dream come true for me. I am a huge Folk Implosion, and I got to sing two tracks with Lou Barlow (My Brother Moves and Everything you Know Is Wrong). The collaborations are a nice change of pace, but I don’t want to make it my focus.

Describe the process you went through to get invited to play Lilith Fair and how was that experience?

I first played Lilith Fair in the beginning when nobody really knew what it was all about. A friend of mine from college hounded and hounded them until they invited me to play. Then I got invited back to play the next year. It had really been interesting to see how it has grown. I got to play with artists like Natalie Merchant, Sheryl Crow, Indigo Girls, K’s Choice, and Leona Naess.

Talk about Girl Versions. How did you decide to do these particular songs? The album came out around the same time as Tori Amos’ Strange Little Girls. How did she feel about your album and how did you feel about hers?

Some of the tracks were ones that I was already playing live and had become fan favorites. The others I chose because I liked the lyrics. I thought it would be interesting to hear them sung by a female. I haven’t talked directly to Tori about my album, but I’ve been told she said ‘Tell Emm to keep making music’. So I guess, that is positive. I am a big fan of Tori as a songwriter so her record was kind of hard for me to listen to. I thought she could have made the production similar to her EP of covers (Angie, Thank You, Smells Like Teen Spirit). She didn’t really need all of those instruments. Plus, people were more familiar with those songs.

You seem to be a big supporter of Asian singers. Would you like to talk about any organizations or singers?

I feel that there is a lack of positive Asian role models. It is slowly coming around to the point where somebody can say ‘There’s a good singer/band…not a good Asian singer/band’. I have played some Asian American Festivals and been on an Asian American Songwriter tour. The intent is to celebrate the heritage, NOT to single themselves out.

You have been nominated for several Junos in Canada. Why has it been more difficult to find success in the US?

It has been easier in Canada. Part of that is because there are as many people in Canada as there are in California. Also, Summerlong was a hit on Canadian Radio. Some of my stronger markets in the US are NY, Boston, and D.C. I lived in NY and toured heavily in those markets. I also had support from Public Awareness in those 3 areas. I am not frustrated by this though. That was never my objective. I just want make records for people.

How do you as a songwriter get exposure for your music?

Word of Mouth…the Internet. I am a total supporter of downloading music, and burning. What ever gets my music out there. I have support from places Like Public Awareness (Booking and Promotion Agency), Auralgasms, DreamsAwake… Plus touring

Finally, what is your favorite Emm tune, and what album what you recommend a newcomer to your music begin with?

My favorite song is Symphonic. It’s fun for the kids. I think the best album to start with would be Science Fair, since it is more stripped down like my live show.