Emily Clair has been busy. Although the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been taxing on musicians of all stripes, the Ajax, ON singer-songwriter used breaks in lockdowns and self-isolation to ready her latest single and video, “Drive Me Home.” to make ready for the return of live music to the country stages of Canada
“I was fortunate to jump back into the studio at a period of time when it was safe, to finish up my last recordings,” she says in an interview.
“With the cancellation of performances, it’s been very difficult as an artist. Many of us have found ways to cope with this, like virtual live shows or outdoor concerts when they were allowed. A lot of us have come together to write like crazy, and that is what has really kept me going”
Coming together has been the key to Clair’s productive pandemic. Following their radio success with the single “The Sobering Truth,” Clair reunited with 2021 Ontario Country Music Award nominee, Shawn Moore. Clair appreciates Moore’s ability to help her succeed with her music.
“Shawn is genuine and trustworthy and it isn’t often that you come across someone like this, because some people in this industry will take you for a wild ride and most of us have all been there before,” she says. “Shawn doesn’t try to mold me into another pop-country artist. He allows me to be free in the studio and explore my own creativity. I’m extremely thankful to work and grow with him!”
With her latest single, “Drive Me Home,” Clair proudly takes the wants and desires of a relationship but subverts it to the perspective of a woman. She says the inspiration for the song didn’t come from a specific incident, but she does not hear many songs explore these concepts from the perspective of a woman.
“I do believe we hear more and more women singing freely about their desires, but not enough. As a writer, I want to write honest, truthful music that comes from the heart. That’s really where this came from. I’ll never hold back what I want to say through my lyrics, even if my music isn’t for everyone!”
The post-pandemic future looks busy for Clair. She says she’s hoping to return to the studio this month to record additional material. And, when asked where she wants to play the moment she can return to a stage, although she hopes that it’s a small, intimate room where her friends and family can join her, she’ll be excited to play anywhere.
“When we are finally able to open again, I’d love to play some of my own shows and writers’ rounds. Hopefully, I will play in a small intimate room or theatre where people are there to take in and appreciate the music. I love to play in fun bars, but there is nothing better than a silent room soaking up an intimate performance. I’d also love to play any festival; I will play anywhere to just play live music again and feel that rush and feeling of why I love to live in the first place!”
Emily Clair’s “Drive Me Home” is now available for streaming across all platforms, while the new video is now available on YouTube, check it out below.
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