Emily Aldridge Returns To Her Earthy Roots With ‘Roaring Fire’

Residing in Portland, Oregon, USA, singer/songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist, Emily Aldridge has been sharing the depth of emotion within her powerful voice on public stages since 2009, having grown up with the strength and inspiration of her musical father.

The music she creates as a solo artist has deeply planted roots in the Celtic style and she combines this feel with dark lyrics and acoustic music, to create the unique sound that you hear today.

You may also know Emily as the front woman for the all female prog metal band, Sacrifice to Survive.. In 2015, she took the step of moving to the Pacific Northwest with her acoustic guitar and began touring the festival circuit as a solo artist and then in 2019 started the all female rock band, Tall Dark Whimsy.

Emily’s latest single release, ‘Roaring Fire’ is her first solo release in seven years, having been focusing on the direction of rock band, Tall Dark Whimsy.

‘Roaring Fire’ brings Emily Aldridge back to her earthy and Celtic roots with a stunning and unique guitar based acoustic track that draws you into the dark, emotive world that Emily is revealing throughout the song.

While we know the powerful vocals shared by Emily through her rock and metal bands, her solo vocals shared through ‘Roaring Fire’ offer a contrasting gentle sound that you can almost feel melt away as the notes fade.

The simplicity of this track purely adds to the space created for the emotions and sentiments within the song.

You can listen to ‘Roaring Fire’ below:

Tell us a little about your background

I grew up playing piano and singing with my Dad.

He played guitar and was a Christian minister.

I participated in choir and sang solos in church, and when I reached high school, I took an interest in guitar, so Dad taught me a few things.

I wrote my first song and formed my very first band in the 10th grade and the rest is history as they say!

What does having a life in music mean to you?

Music has taken me on the most fantastic journey.

I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people, including my life partner Matt Stoops.

Many of my dearest friends came from the communities  I’ve had over the years playing in bands and being a music teacher.

I guess you could say it’s the connection to people that is the most meaningful.

Whether that’s in the music I write and how it makes them feel, or simply the people I’ve been lucky enough to know along the way.

What is it that makes you, you when you’re not in the public eye?

I like being at home with a warm cup of coffee, my fluffy pets and a free morning just to write.

That could mean writing poetry or songs.

I love to dance and read and take nature walks.

My partner and I often play guitar together. It’s a really calm vibe I think I go after, disconnected from any kind of media, and that makes me feel at my best.

How would you describe the feel of your music?

My music is comforting.

That’s the energy I like to channel when I write.

I like knowing the listener can find themselves in my music.

I think of myself as a spirit guide.

You have released your single ‘Roaring Fire’.. tell us about what inspired you to create this song.

I wanted to write a song that really encompassed my wish for this year’s Solstice/ holiday season, so it’s definitely a unique take on a Christmas song.

What does ‘Roaring Fire’ mean to you?

“Roaring fire” engages ancient Celtic traditions and rituals to combat fear and anxiety.

We are living in truly difficult times, but life has never promised happiness.

We have to cultivate it, learn from our fears and learn to manage our reactions to life’s challenges.

The fire has always warmed us, refined us, and the natural flicker illuminates the darkness.

What is your creative process like when you are creating your music?

When a song comes to me, I have to stop whatever I’m doing to go ahead and write as much of it as possible in one sitting.

Usually for me that either happens in the morning or late at night.

If all the stars aligned, where would you ultimately like to get to with your music?

I’d like to be able to play my songs for live audiences in Scotland one day. 

From your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Don’t let your own fears get in your way.

Don’t let what you don’t know get in your way also.

Work at making the best possible music you can, straight from your soul and dedicate yourself to sharing the best version of that with the world.

Where can people find your music?

Website – https://emilyaldridgemusic.com
Bandcamp – https://emilyaldridgemusic.bandcamp.com/track/roaring-fire
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/26KdtH12NwPPYMAvOzxQ6g
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_bUetI0SJI