EMBRZ Talks Creativity, Trends, and the Importance of Making Art for You
For EMERZ, the journey into music began with an obsession for Oasis and a fascination with electronic pioneers like deadmau5. In this interview, the artist reflects on how these influences, along with others like Porter Robinson and Lane 8, shaped his distinct sound. His approach is built on authenticity, avoiding trends, and a passion for experimenting with tools like Reason—an unconventional choice in today’s production landscape.
EMBRZ dives into the challenges of staying creative in a demanding industry, sharing candid thoughts on avoiding burnout and finding balance in the face of constant expectations. He emphasizes the importance of self-expression, recounting how his early tracks, made purely for fun, remain some of his favorites because of his honesty.
This conversation offers insights into the mindset and techniques that define EMBRZ’s work, from trusting creative instincts to prioritizing rest as a way to fuel artistic growth. It’s a refreshingly honest perspective on navigating the pressures of being an artist today.
Who are the artists or sounds that most shaped your style early on?
I was obsessed with Oasis, so I think a lot of my songwriting comes from them. But in terms of electronic music, it has to be deadmau5. After that, I’d say artists like Porter Robinson, Ben Bohmer and Lane 8.
What’s the one sound or technique that you think defines your signature style?
I use a music making software called Reason, and I don’t know many artists that use it. Ableton and Logic of course are the most popular ones these days.
But years ago when I wanted to try out producing electronic music, I saw a YouTube video of a guy making a deadmau5 sound and he was using Reason 4, so I went and got a crack version of it just so I could replicate it haha. It’s definitely a more complicated DAW, but there weren’t many artists using it, so certain sounds and synths within it made my sound stand out more.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to focus on developing their own sound rather than chasing trends?
Creativity is something that you should do for yourself and not for others. Learning from my own failures, it took me a while to realise this. It’s obviously great if people like your art, but it has to be secondary. I think it’s the only way you make something sincere and that’s usually what produces the best stuff. I sometimes look at the very early demos I made (‘Slow Down’ & ‘Make Your Way’), it was just me messing around.
I was using Paramore samples for vocals over a slowed down deadmau5 type beat.
I was never thinking about labels or playlisting, it was just me making something for myself. And those songs still sound great to me, because they came from a very honest place. That’s my general rule when it comes to writing music now – ‘Do I like it?’ – and if the answer is ‘yes’, I release it.
And then hopefully others will dig it!
What’s the one element every track you release has to have to feel complete to you?
Some kind of emotion. Good or bad. Otherwise, what’s the point?
What do you think is missing in the music industry right now?
I think some more self care and rest for artists.
I see a lot of musicians cancelling their tours from exhaustion or mental health reasons. There isn’t exactly a summer holiday for musicians to take a break, it’s just go, go, go. And now social media is becoming another job on top of writing and touring. I think the culture craves more and more too. And it’s hard because we get rewarded for being a ‘workaholic’.
The more music you write, shows you play, content you put out – it makes people happy, it makes you money and it builds the project. But artists have to do their best to take pause and understand that some rest and time off is crucial. Both to avoid burnout but also to help with their creativity. You gotta go live in the world, have relationships and experience things outside of music. And then you can bring that stuff back into your writing when you’ve had some much needed time away.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from another artist or producer?
Trust your gut.
What’s a key piece of advice you would give to your younger self at the start of your journey?
To enjoy it more. Sometimes I’m always thinking ahead to the next thing. I try my best now to just stop and be grateful for what I’ve done and where I’m at.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to share their struggles as much as their successes?
I think because we like to hear more about struggles than success. It humanises artists. Plus it’s unrealistic to just have everything be going great. Also if you are a solo artist, it can be a very isolating job. There are a lot of pressures that come with it. The pressure to make good music, put on a good show. Even using social media isn’t exactly healthy for your brain.
I think the more we share our struggles, the more it can help others to feel that they’re not alone in feeling that way too. Whether they’re an artist or not.
