A great song will grab you within seconds and keep a hold on you until the very last measure. They’re a rare treat in the indie music world, and we always count our lucky stars when one such track finds its way into our hands. Today, that song is Daddy Plays Piano by singer-songwriter Emma Rae.
A musician from a very young age, Emma toured Europe twice while in school as a part of the American Music Abroad organization, deepening her musical ability that seems to have been with her since birth. Tragically, her mother was hit and killed by a car when Emma was only 14, causing her to turn to music even further as an outlet for her grief. This led her to study at Berklee College of Music, graduating in 2015.
Her recent single Daddy Plays Piano is a very personal track – it details the story of Emma’s parents over the course of many years. Defined by a delicate, soft piano, and Emma’s incredibly haunting and soulful voice, the heartfelt story at hand is delivered with such evocative intent, something that can only be done by an artist who has written oceans of personal meaning behind their lyrics.
The track begins by painting a vivid image of Emma’s father as a young boy, and follows him through his life – meeting his wife, their wedding, the birth of their daughter, and his wife’s heartbreaking death. Each word written is full of intention – there is not an ounce of fat in these lyrics, with every syllable carrying meaning and adding to the story. The result is a song that unfolds in an equally wonderful and melancholy way, both extraordinarily expressive and devastatingly real.
Oh, and the best part? Emma’s father plays trombone on this track. The family tie-in adds such an authenticity to an already captivating story – it’s truly a perfect addition.
For fans of piano-based singer-songwriter music, this track has it all. An impeccable vocal performance above an intricate, bold piano, a true story that was written from the heart, and lyrics that express it near perfectly to tie it all together. Take a listen to this masterpiece below.
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BELOW: Listen to Daddy Plays Piano, and connect with her website and social media platforms. Please support Emma Rae by visiting her online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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