With her love of music, Khadija Emma wrote her first song Empire a few years ago and her debut EP, which she is working on with producer Dallas Austin, is due for release later this year. Regularly posting covers and vlogs to her YouTube channel, Khadija also enjoys getting involved with charity work. Answering our questions, we find out more about Khadija’s debut single, filming for the music video and her upcoming EP.
Can you tell us about your latest single Empire and how long was it in the making?
I wrote Empire just for fun in 2015, not knowing that I would publish it. At that point in my life, I got bullied a lot and I wanted to find a way to express my feelings and let everything go. Writing a song about it was the best way for me. In early 2017, I changed so much about it. Honestly, in 2015 I did NOT know what I was doing or how to write any songs. I just wrote about my feelings and it turned out pretty great. Throughout 2015-2017, I removed and added new lines to the song. Now, when I am writing songs, I first come up with chords, make a melody, then add words.
How did you find the experience on set of the music video and how was it learning the choreography?
Being on set for Empire was such a great experience, especially since I created the story of it! It was so cool to be part of such a huge set and I was so blown away by the fact that it was for MY music video. It was also super cool that styling was done by my mom and directed by my dad.
It took about three months to get the choreography down with my amazing dancers. It is way easier when you have an amazing choreographer such as mine, Caitlynn Clark.
What has it been like seeing the listeners’ response to the single?
The response has been pretty great! It was so exciting to release a song not knowing what the feedback would be like. People have been sharing it with others and lots of people think Empire is super catchy and fun to sing along to! Also, after I released the song, the instrumental got put on a Japanese commercial for ValueNex.
We understand you are working on your debut EP, is there anything you can tell us about it?
For my new EP, I am so honoured and grateful to record with Grammy Award-winning producer, Dallas Austin, who just recently got put in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. I am so excited for everyone to hear the songs because it is very inspiring and they have a lot to do with teen life.
What music genres do you like listening to and do you have any favourite UK-based artists?
I like to listen to pop and hip hop music. My favourite UK-based artists are Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Rita Ora, Sam Smith and Anne-Marie.
How would you describe your music style?
I describe my music genre as pop.
How do you decide which songs to cover for your YouTube channel and do you have a favourite you’ve uploaded?
When it comes to covers, I always choose a song that I really love and that I feel comfortable singing. It usually depends on the mood I am in before I choose. My favourite cover I have done so far is Hearts Ain’t Gonna Lie by Arlissa, who is also from the UK.
You’ve also uploaded a few vlogs to YouTube, do you have plans to film more?
Yes, I do plan on uploading more vlogs. They are super fun to film and I have so many more to edit! Can’t wait to share them with everyone.
How did you get into music and was it something you always wanted to do?
Ever since I was little, I loved to sing. Music runs in my family and it is a huge part of my life. It is what makes me happy and it’s how I want to help and empower others.
Have you been given any advice over your music career so far that has stuck with you?
My parents have given me the advice to stay positive and to do what makes you happy. This helps me so much because positivity is literally the key to everything. Don’t let other people’s opinions bring you down, and keep doing your thing.
Can you tell us about your charity work?
The charity work I am involved with is the Ryan Gordy Foundation. This foundation raises money for cancer. I had the amazing honour to sing at this event earlier in October of 2018.
What are your future music plans for after your EP and do you have any live performances coming up?
I am planning to keep on writing music and releasing more songs. All the songs I will release on my EP are originals! I love writing my own music because I can take the lyrics into my own experiences. My goal is to write music with big artists and collaborate with them too.
As soon as my EP is finished, I will have an exclusive showcase event for friends and industry in Hollywood and take it from there.
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