Since she moved to Nashville a few years ago ago, Emmy Moyen has been deliberate about making connections, building her brand and ensuring that when she releases music, it will have the best chance to succeed.
As that work continues, Moyen is almost ready to debut the fruits of that labor with “Prayer Requests,” her debut effort that examines how word travels in a small town, releasing next Friday, June 28th.
We chatted with Moyen all about “Prayer Requests,” as well as her lifelong musical dreams, moving to Nashville, more new music and more!
Pro Country: Your bio mentions drawing influence from singer/songwriters like Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Natalie Hemby. What was it about their way of telling stories and their music that struck you?
Emmy Moyen: Singer/songwriters like Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Natalie Hemby are not afraid of a melody, lyric or sound that’s considered slightly left of center compared to commercial country, but they understand how to reach listeners and make them “feel” something. They are not scared to include humor, bluntness and authenticity in their art. Overall, I think their songwriting is fearless. I am extremely inspired by their courage to be unapologetically themselves in every aspect of their career. I absolutely love the detail in their storytelling, the uniqueness of their concepts and the passion they have for the songs they write! In my opinion, the best songwriters are believable, and when I listen to these artists, I believe their stories. The emotion you hear in their voices and in their songs is a testament to their talent.
PC: Your bio also mentions that it has always been your dream to be a country artist. When did you realize that music was something you actually could pursue as a career, and when did you take that step?
EM: I am so grateful to have been raised by parents who were extremely encouraging and uplifting. They taught me that someone can do anything if they set their mind to hard work and drive. Because of that, I don’t remember a time when I did not want to pursue a career in country music! While I sang and wrote lots in high school, I knew that I had to find a way to get to Nashville in order to give my dream the best shot at success. I quickly became interested in Belmont’s Songwriting and Music Business programs because they allowed me to learn lots about the music industry and be involved in it at the same time. I packed up and headed to Nashville in August of 2022. It is such a blessing to be in Nashville.
PC: You moved to Nashville in 2022 in pursuit of your musical dreams. What was it like for you to be moving to Nashville and immersing yourself in Music City?
EM: I have absolutely loved being immersed in the country music scene, cultivating meaningful relationships in music and taking advantage of opportunities here. Initially, it took some time to get acclimated to a new place. Back home in Mississippi, the nearest Target was an hour and a half away, we didn’t have high speed internet until 2019, and I graduated high school with 55 students. It’s safe to say that Nashville, Tennessee and Starkville, Mississippi are two very different places! That being said, I have fallen in love with Music City. I am surrounded by so many people who are passionate about songs. Music is truly the heart and soul of this town, and I love being in a place that respects and values songwriters.
PC: You told us that you spent a year in Nashville networking and building a following ahead of the release of your debut single, “Prayer Requests.” With the song now a week from release, what emotions are you feeling now that the end is in sight?
EM: So many emotions! I am a little bit nervous, but mostly excited! Releasing music has been a goal of mine since I can remember, so I’m very thankful that I’m finally getting to take that next step. I wanted to build a community in Nashville and an audience on social media before I released anything to give my music the best chance it had at gaining some traction. I should add that the community of mentors I have found in Nashville has been so encouraging for a young artist like myself. The number of folks with decades of experience who were willing to sit down and give me advice over coffee has meant so much to me. That really helped me feel comfortable with where I am today. I understand that I will never feel 100% ready to release, but I feel a lot of peace about putting my original work out at this specific time, so I’m just following that gut feeling. My hope is that “Prayer Requests” resonates with listeners and introduces them to my artistry.
PC: You wrote “Prayer Requests” about how word gets around in a small town. Can you take us in your head and in the room and talk about how “Prayer Requests” came together?
EM: I wrote “Prayer Requests” when I was 18 years-old. I had just moved to Nashville and had Mississippi on my mind quite a bit. There are lots of things about small towns like mine that are great, and there are some that are not so great. 🙂 My goal was to put a lighthearted and unique spin on the idea that in a small town, everyone knows everything about everybody. Word gets around fast! In the Bible Belt, words can get around in a very specific way: through prayer requests. I had so much fun creating my own small town with characters like Pammy, Jim and Sue. Those are “real” people in so many small towns across our country, and while the song is lighthearted and fun, there is some truth in the story I’m telling. Can I get an amen? 🙂
PC: You recently won Belmont’s Spring Writer Showcase with “Prayer Requests.” What did it mean to you to earn that win with all of the collective talent at the event and University?
EM: Participating in Belmont’s Showcase Series meant so much to me! I had the opportunity to meet many talented artists, musicians, audio engineers, directors, etc. It was an absolute honor to be able to perform in front of so many people I look up to and respect. Belmont University and the Curb College provide so many wonderful opportunities for students to take advantage of and further their career while still in school. Those opportunities have allowed me to make connections in Nashville, perform, and collaborate with peers. I am so thankful for the students, faculty and administrators at Belmont. They are what make that institution so special, and that is obvious from the number of people in the entertainment industry who call Belmont their alma mater.
PC: With “Prayer Requests” serving as your first single, is there more music in the pipeline that you’re working on? What information, if any, can you give about what may follow “Prayer Requests”?
EM: Without saying too much, more music is on its way in 2024. Some of it slows down a bit, and some of it rocks out. I have never been so excited for what’s to come in this crazy journey. So many people have worked very hard to make this music happen, and I am so grateful for the time and effort that have put into this dream. Hopefully when people listen to my music, they will hear sounds and lyrics unique to me, but they will notice the influence of artists who have inspired me along the way.
PC: With “Prayer Requests” set for release within a week, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
EM: In addition to more music coming this year, I will continue to write and collaborate with other folks in town, play live shows and improve as a performer, songwriter, artist and businesswoman. I love my job so much. I am so grateful to be able to do it every day. My ultimate goal is for my music to be at the largest level God has for me, and working towards that goal brings me so much joy and fulfillment. I hope to continue doing that for the rest of the year and many years to come.
PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
EM: First, I want to thank Pro Country for being willing to do this artist feature; it means so much. I would also like to thank the people who are reading this interview, following me on social media, coming to my shows, listening to my music or playing any kind of part in this journey. A career in the music industry is truly built on others and their support. THANK YOU for supporting the beginning steps of my journey! My greatest hope is that these songs make you feel something. Humanity tends to run from emotion when it is, in fact, what makes us human. Music convinces us we have permission to embrace our joy and our tears. My wish is to play a small part in your story by making you feel. Thanks & all my love. ❤
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