Brooklyn-based indie-pop sensation ÊMIA has just released her much-anticipated EP “VIDEO CALL: PM”, the follow-up to her earlier EP “VIDEO CALL: AM”. This new musical endeavour takes listeners on a poignant journey through emotions, connection, and the power of long-distance creativity.
This EP has been released alongside her focus single and music video “are we gonna grow apart” featuring Charlie, which acts as the official fourth release after “cool like frozen yoghurt”, “my stupid feelings” which features Marian Carmel, and “dumb luck”. Officially, the EP acts as the follow-up to her collaboration with Imfinenow, titled “Deep Down“.
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About “VIDEO CALL: PM” EP
The collection of six tracks, created in collaboration with producer Charlie Kurata, transcends the physical gap between Paris where Charlie is based and New York City where ÊMIA (real name Anh Le) is based. Their enduring creative partnership thrives despite the miles that separate them, brought together through digital communications such as texts, emails, and, as the title suggests, video calls.
“VIDEO CALL: PM” takes a profound dive into a range of poignant themes, providing listeners with a musical journey through the complexities of human emotions. It delves into the power of forgiveness and the renewal of friendships with past lovers, a sentiment many can relate to. ÊMIA’s music navigates the whirlwind of intense crushes and celebrates the unwavering support of best friends, capturing the essence of youthful experiences and the rollercoaster ride of love. Her introspective and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with the audience, forging a genuine connection with the emotions and trials of young adulthood.
These themes are beautifully woven into the fabric of the EP, creating a tapestry of relatable stories and emotions. ÊMIA’s ability to channel her own experiences and those of her listeners into her music showcases her artistry as a singer-songwriter and producer, making “VIDEO CALL: PM” an enriching and engaging musical experience.
The EP features catchy melodies and relatable storytelling, offering a unique glimpse into ÊMIA’s journey of self-discovery and connection through the digital realm. It’s a heartfelt narrative that many can relate to, capturing the essence of growing up and growing apart, while also celebrating the beauty of staying in touch with those who matter the most.
“VIDEO CALL: PM” EP Review
brain chemistry
The EP starts off with “brain chemistry”, a catchy track that introduces the EP brilliantly, featuring ÊMIA’s stunning vocals that are set to draw any listener in, and an upbeat backing track filled with guitar rhythms and addicting synths.
Blowing listeners away with gorgeous vocal riffs and a flawless falsetto, this indie singer-songwriter really knows how to delve deep within, flood a song with emotion, and connect with the audience, while also completely delivering vocally and emotionally.
Lyrically, “brain chemistry” delves into positive energy wrapped around anxiety narration, making this an awesomely, highly-conceptual track.
my stupid feelings – DOUBLE
The collaboration with Marian Carmel, titled “my stupid feelings – DOUBLE”, has a slower production style, really allowing ÊMIA to showcase her incredible vocals whilst also bringing in a dynamic with Marian Carmel that creates waves of harmonies that are strikingly gorgeous.
It’s undeniable how faultless this stunning collaboration is, truly giving the air of friendship and connection that these two artists have; they obviously gelled well when creating this song and the audience can feel that throughout. Add that to the fact that the song is about feelings and emotions just gives this track the perfect edge.
dumb luck
Following that is “dumb luck”, the only track from the EP that has an official music video dropped prior to the EP’s release – although a mini movie is on its way which combines visuals from each of the songs in this collection.
This addicting track is typical ÊMIA: heightened pop that gets stuck in one’s head, unstoppable lyrics full of positivity and optimism, and flawless vocals that seem absolutely effortless. Her ability to empower her listeners is a part of her talented energy and this song really focuses in on that allowing us to truly believe that we all have a chance at finding someone and that a bit of dumb luck is all we need.
It’s not just in the song alone that ÊMIA has this energy, she manifests it in person inside her music videos, and the performance side of this music video really brings it to life. If anything, we honestly believe that this Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter is a shining light in the real world and someone we’d all want to be friends with as it’s always amazing having someone filled with positivity in your life.
Directed by and starring Anh Le, Roisin Marie (RÓISIN), and Jack Lax, whilst it has been shot by Roisin Marie, Jack Lax and Mathis Clement, this music video takes the story out of the song and gives it a brilliant visual going on to surround the narrative with an engaging performance piece – this is another epic ÊMIA music video.
The performance side of this visual sees ÊMIA singing “dumb luck” around New York at night, from the streets to a pool table to a fountain. Viewers can easily tell how much she believes in this song herself, and her self-assuredness really unleashes right on screen, empowering us to be assured of ourselves and that dumb luck will happen to us too. Edited throughout is a narrative that brings to life ÊMIA’s own bit of dumb luck, further assuring us that our own dumb luck is on its way.
cool like frozen yogurt
More positive energy from this indie-pop singer-songwriter, “cool like frozen yogurt” is the most heart-warming track on this EP.
Lyrically, the song dives into reconnecting as just friends with an old flame or even an ex-partner, and how they’ve both gotten over the hurt from their time together, as well as the arguments. On top of that, they’ve also gotten over the space in between where they weren’t in each other’s lives and now they’re friends again. Everything is cool between them, now, and being in each other’s lives as just friends actually works. The addicting pop number has an upbeat rhythm that matches the energy of the lyrics and ÊMIA’s impeccable vocals.
Once again, ÊMIA impresses with her faultless vocals, hitting those high notes that just make an impact on the listener, communicating the emotion of the song. Accompanying this track is a performance-based lyric video which takes her line, “Forget the axe I had to grind”, and personifies it by filming the visual in an axe-throwing venue. Adding extra coolness to this track, the video – filmed by Brittany Drays and coloured by RÓISIN – is an uplifting performance visual that once again showcases ÊMIA’s stage presence and empowering energy with added axe-throwing – what more do we want?
are we gonna grow apart
Track five of the “VIDEO CALL: PM” EP, is “are we gonna grow apart”, in collaboration with the artist Charlie – who is Charlie Kurata, who worked with ÊMIA on the entire EP project. This is a stand-out track on the EP as it’s completely stripped back with a gentle beat and ÊMIA’s fierce vocals. It’s a pop ballad that’s honest and emotional allowing this indie artist to absolutely shine.
Charlie’s vocals kick in for the second verse, they match the vibe of the track and convey a contrast to ÊMIA’s stunning voice as he delivers a soft whisper that is soothing and calming, lulling the audience into reflection, coinciding brilliantly with the message of the song, as the lyrics touch upon how friendships can last a lifetime and others drift apart.
Talking about this track in her YouTube description, ÊMIA said: “When I was little, hanging out with my best friend was as easy as sitting at the same table during lunch. It’s not that simple now. ‘are we gonna grow apart’ is a song that Charlie and I made about what it’s like to constantly say goodbye. I’ve learned that while some friendships aren’t meant to last, others DO withstand the test of time. There are definitely some people (they know who they are) I would gladly take a bus to a train to a plane to a car to see. This music video is a snippet from a ‘mini movie’ that I made for the EP.”
As confirmed, the mini movie is on its way, and the accompanying music video acts as episode five of the mini movie. Engaging from start to finish, this indie-pop star performs “are we gonna grow apart” mainly at Grand Central Terminal in New York. It’s incredible to see this station in ÊMIA’s music video, this station that we’ve all seen in films and on TV. She’s wearing a stunning black dress paired with a gorgeous pearl necklace and a white ribbon bow in her hair; there’s a narrative thrown in suggesting she’s going to surprise a friend, but she misses her train so she does everything she can to get on another train and hopefully get there on time.
This acts as the teaser for her upcoming mini movie and we’re already totally invested – we can’t wait to watch the whole thing.
best in me
Ending the EP on a high, ÊMIA ends this collection of tracks with “best in me”. This is ÊMIA in her element, an upbeat pop number that unleashes right out the gate hitting iconic notes that always hook every listener in with a powerful falsetto that really makes this track pop.
The lyrics delve into friendship and how the best people in your life see the best in you. It’s an incredible song that makes a statement about how best friends are there for each other, lift up each other, and spread positivity to each other. If anything, this song just reaffirms our belief that ÊMIA is someone we’d love to be friends with.
The forthcoming mini movie
In conjunction with the release of “VIDEO CALL: PM”, the much-anticipated “VIDEO CALL: PM the mini movie” is poised to make its grand debut, soon. This immersive long-form visual experience is set to provide an engaging journey into ÊMIA’s world, seamlessly weaving together all six music videos. As we await the visualiser’s premiere, the excitement is steadily growing for this creative and emotionally charged portrayal of ÊMIA’s life in her twenties.
Characterised by ÊMIA, herself, as “highly exaggerated but surprisingly accurate”, this cinematic endeavour offers a distinctive perspective into ÊMIA’s life experiences and her interactions with close friends. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a heartfelt nod to the meaningful dramas shared and the deep connections at the heart of this Brooklyn-based singer’s musical journey.
Talking about the project, ÊMIA said: “My favorite part of the day, more often than not, is the part when I get to debrief with my best friends about the current melodrama of my life. They make my life worth living and my life, all of a sudden, my life seems important when I get to share it with them.”
Be sure to keep an eye out for the release of “VIDEO CALL: PM the mini movie”, which is set to be released soon, promising an extraordinary and immersive experience that complements the emotional depth of ÊMIA’s music, further strengthening the bond between herself and the audience.
Conclusion
“VIDEO CALL: PM” is the second part of a two-chapter project, with “VIDEO CALL: AM” being the first. Together, they illustrate the essence of being a twenty-something in a modern, digitally connected world, emphasising the significance of online connections and the emotions that arise throughout the day.
ÊMIA’s unique sound and ability to evoke deep emotions make her a rising star in the indie-pop scene. With this new EP, she continues to craft music that resonates with her listeners, taking them on an emotional journey that reflects the complexities of life and love in the digital age.
“VIDEO CALL: PM”, by ÊMIA, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via InternetGirl Records. Look out for the “VIDEO CALL: PM the mini movie”, which is set to be released on ÊMIA’s official YouTube Channel soon.
