A Halifax-based indie rock musician is baring her soul with her latest single and upcoming EP.
Earlier this month, Emma Burry released Yellow Paint, a single inspired by the struggles of Dutch post-impressionist Vincent Van Gogh.
“I’ve always had this kind of fascination with painters and artists, probably because my dad is an artist, but I really was interested with Van Gogh’s story,” said Burry.
Van Gogh, who lived between 1853-90, produced such iconic paintings as Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Café Terrace at Night. Despite this, during his lifetime he was poor, struggled with mental illness and was relatively unknown until his death.
“Everyone just thought he was a joke and they kind of discredited all of his work and his art just because he had a mental illness,” said Burry in a phone interview.
Van Gogh’s brother Theo, his main supporter, showcased his work after his death. Theo’s widow, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, took up the cause, which eventually led to Van Gogh’s fame.
Burry says Van Gogh is a relatable character for many in the arts community.
“It’s tough in 2020 to be a queer musician and have everyone discredit your work as well,” said Burry. “Trying to make it big in the music industry in these times is weird and also struggling with mental illness, I can definitely relate to him.”
The song Yellow Paint is the title track to her upcoming EP, which features five songs and will be out at the end of 2020 or January 2021.
“The title references Van Gogh’s desire to eat yellow paint, which he thought was a happy colour and thus might make him happy on the inside.”
Burry, who grew up in Port Williams, moved with her family to Greenhill, N.S., when she was 15. She attended King’s-Edgehill School in Windsor from Grade 7 to 12 and went on to St. Mary’s University, where she graduated with a degree in biology.
But singing is her passion, and that’s what Burry is pursuing.
“I just knew that music is one of the things that makes me the most happy so I decided to pursue that,” said Burry, noting she’s been pursuing a music career for almost two years.
Her first single, For a Sad Soul, was released in November 2018 and was penned in memory of her friend, the late Cayley Fox. It dealt with the topic of mental health.
The singer-songwriter says her upcoming EP will focus on her coming of age.
“I didn’t come out until I was 19 and for anyone who hasn’t come out, or had to come out, it’s kind of like this second wave of being able to express who you are,” said Burry. “You are pretending to be someone else for so long and you get this moment to be like, actually, this is who I am, and you get to rediscover yourself. It’s a very unique experience.”
She said her latest songs are inspired about dating after coming out, her parent’s divorce — everything that helped to shape who she is.
Three of the EP’s songs were co-written by Andrew Muise, who hails from Bridgewater. Burry’s guitarist, Roy Angel, from Halifax, helps write the music.
A press release announcing the single notes “Burry strives to show her authenticity and originality through her musical style and well-crafted lyricism” and that she hopes to “use her platform to amplify voices of marginalized communities in and out of the music industry.”
Burry said she hopes listeners of her work will feel inspired to be themselves and chase their dreams.
“Live shamelessly and pursue whatever your dreams are. It doesn’t matter your sexuality or (if you have a) mental illness… Just do what makes you happy.”
Burry’s music is available on apps like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as via her website, BurryMusic.com.
She said the reaction to her latest single has been quite positive.
“Everyone is receiving this song as relaxing and summery. That’s kind of what I wanted,” said Burry.
“It’s about a sad topic but I like that we got to keep the vibe very happy and chill and something that’s very easy listening.”
