Depending on your age, you may recognize the name, Emjay. I certainly recognized the name as I had seen this artist open for the Backstreet Boys in Halifax back in 2008. Her biggest hit, “In Your Arms” is a song I think anyone over 30 would know at least some of the words to. Now, she’s back!
In collaboration with the producer, Mike Abatzidis (ABA/ Z Project), Emjay has made a grand entrance with “Living My Life”. The tropical pop song, which is perfect for any summer playlist will have you singing along, and dancing all over the place. The lyrics are from Emjay and reflect her learning and reflections of life over the last years.
Stay tuned, as Emjay is working on a brand new album, and you won’t want to miss that!
Check out the lyric video for “Living My Life” below and find out more about Emjay via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers
My artist name is Emjay, comes from my real name Marie-Josée. I was known in the ’90s for being a Euro dance artist. My first album “In Your Arms” received good comments from the dance music industry as well as from my faithful fans. I am so grateful for that. I was also nominated twice at the Juno Awards (Best Dance Recording for “In Your Arms” and “Over and Over”) and for a Much Music Video Awards for “In Your Arms”. Lucky enough, I got the chance to be the opening act for the Backstreet Boys Canadian tour in 1999. Blessed.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My music is mostly upbeat dance music. Now being in a different era, the style is still upbeat but a bit more pop with sounds that are more current. I love writing lyrics because it’s therapeutic for me. I write about life, my experiences and how I feel about certain preoccupation.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
We have a few dates that have not been confirmed yet. As for my live performances, I am very energetic on stage and I sing with my heart and soul. The energy of my emotions are very raw and authentic. I’m very engaged with the crowd.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
The song that I would suggest would be “Flying to the Moon”, I co-wrote with a good friend of mine. I love the lyrics and the vibe of this song. We will be re-releasing in June 2019 with a different sound and a more dramatic feel, with Canadian DJ producer Phoenix Lord (who worked previously with international superstars Robin S and Carol Jiani). Stay tuned.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favorite Canadian bands/ artists?
My favorite solo artist would be Shawn Mendes. I like his writing style and my favorite Canadian band is Marianas Trench. Their sound reminds me of the ’80s as well as Tegan and Sara, Jamie Fine and Elijah Woods.