By: Sheena Lyonnais
June 1, 2010

Toronto’s sweetest singer Emma Lee is currently working on her residency at the Cameron House, but not without deterring slightly from the agenda to play a gig during NXNE.  Her debut album Never Just A Dream has received mass praise from critics for its soul-infused, dreamy pop, landing her comparisons to greats such as Tracy Chapman, Rickie Lee Jones and Amy Winehouse. Emma Lee tells us more.

1. How are you doing and where are you right now?
I'm great now that I have sunshine back in my life. I'm currently in my home of Toronto.

2. There are a lot of bands playing NXNE, why should we watch yours?
My band is amazing! Donna Grantis will be rippin' it on electric guitar. My bass player Mark McIntyre does a wicked shuffle-dance when he plays. My drummer Kevin Mendes has 17 limbs. I'm going to belt my heart out. There could also be an appearance of mariachi trumpets.

3. What are you doing to prepare for NXNE?
Squats and lunges.

4. What are you hoping to get out of the festival?
A whack of new friends who dig what I do. Can always use more of those!

5. Which act(s) are you hoping to catch during the festival and why?
Colleen Brown, Donlands & Mortimer, Ghost Bees (played with them last year they're great!), Kirsten Jones,Leif Vollebekk, The Besnard Lakes.

6. Tell me a tour story that is crazy but true.
My stiletto heel once went through a stage while I was performing and I got stuck. It took two men to pull the shoe out!

7. What are you working on at the moment?
Working in the studio on demos of some new songs to prepare for my second album and I'm performing weekly at my first ever residency each Wednesday night at [Toronto’s] The Cameron House.

8. Which shows/events/BBQs are you playing?
I'm playing June 17 at The Painted Lady 10 p.m.

9. Where can we find out more about you?
http://www.emma-lee.com/

 

10. Any last parting words for us music-hungry Toronto folk?
I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just...let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee.