Canadian Alt-Pop Artist Emi Jeen to Perform at Osheaga, Announces New Single
Montreal-based alt-pop powerhouse Emi Jeen is back with a bold new single, “I’m (Not) Good).” Co-written with Lexie Jay (Featurette) and produced by JUNO Award-winner Hill Kourkoutis, the track pulses with hypnotic bass, driving beats, and Emi’s signature powerhouse vocals as she dives into daring new sonic terrain.
Following a whirlwind year that included a 45-show international tour, the release of her Razzle Dazzle project, and a viral TikTok moment with over 17 million views, Emi shows no signs of slowing down. With a run of European dates this May and a coveted slot at Montreal’s Osheaga Festival this August, she’s poised to make 2024 her biggest year yet.
Known for her emotionally raw storytelling and magnetic presence, Emi Jeen is carving out a space of her own in the alt-pop world—and we caught up with her to talk about her new single, her creative evolution, and what’s next.
First off, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Wow, so much has happened since we last spoke after Why So Serious! Since then, I’ve dropped three more EPs, Terrible Perfect Timing, Razzle, and Dazzle, and one of my TikToks even blew up with over 17 million views, which was just crazy!
I also hit the road hard, 55 shows across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the UK, opening for some insanely talented artists like Kelsy Karter & The Heroines and Charlotte Sands. Plus, a super cool moment for me earlier this year, my song ‘Should We’ was nominated through Hill Kourkoutis for Engineer of the Year at the JUNO Awards.
Right now, I’m deep in the studio working on my debut album, coming early 2026. Honestly, it feels like I’m finally tapping into a sound I’ve wanted to explore forever. It’s way more mature, way more me, and something really special. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
“I’m (Not) Good” is such a powerful track. What was the spark that inspired this song?
Honestly, ‘I’m (Not) Good’ came from that place where you’re just tired of pretending everything’s fine. I’m totally that person who says ‘I’m good!’ even when I’m definitely not. I’m a people pleaser at heart, so I tend to bottle things up, but music’s always been where I let it all out.
When Hill Kourkoutis, Lexie Jelilyan, and I got together to write, the world felt super heavy. We were all sitting there like, ‘We’re fine… right? Right??’ and clearly, we weren’t. That feeling of pushing through while you’re secretly falling apart, that’s really what sparked this song.
And the cool thing is, the idea just kinda showed up. We didn’t overthink it. It was one of those magical writing days where it feels like the song just falls into your lap. ‘I’m (Not) Good’ is for anyone who’s ever smiled through the chaos but was kinda screaming inside. It’s messy, but it’s real, and there’s so much power in that honesty.
You co-wrote this single with Lexie Jay and Hill Kourkoutis. What was the creative chemistry like between the three of you in the writing room?
Omg, the chemistry between us is insane. We first started working together on my Razzle-Dazzle project, and honestly, I knew right away I wanted them on board for my debut album too. We trust each other 100%, and it’s wild because sometimes we’ll be explaining ideas that would make no sense to anyone else, but somehow, we just get it. No words needed.
It’s deeper than just writing songs. Before every session, we basically have a little therapy session. We connect on this really personal level, and I think that’s why the music feels so real. It’s honestly magical, I’ve written almost the entire next project with them, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Osheaga is such an iconic moment for any artist — how are you feeling as you gear up for your performance on August 3rd?
It’s such a pinch-me moment. I’ve been going to Osheaga for years, standing in the crowd and telling myself, ‘Next year, I’m gonna be up there.’ And now it’s finally happening. I’m so excited and honestly a little emotional, it feels like everything I’ve been working toward is coming full circle. I can’t wait to get on that stage and just live every second of it. It’s going to be such a special day.
You’ve had major success on TikTok with millions of views — how has that platform helped you connect with new fans or tell your story in new ways?
It’s so funny, socials are really just there for us to connect in whatever way feels real. That video with my niece was such a random, silly moment, and I honestly didn’t think it would blow up like that. But it ended up bringing so many amazing new fans into my world. It just proved that being yourself is what really hits people the most.
After “I’m (Not) Good,” what can fans expect next from you — more music, videos, or surprises in the pipeline?
I’m heading out on tour across Europe and the UK this May for 12 shows, and I honestly can’t wait to be back on the road, connecting with everyone. I’m also in the final stretch of finishing my first-ever album, which is so exciting. So you can definitely expect a lot more music, more shows, and way more behind-the-scenes content. I’ll be sharing vlog episodes again, taking you inside the making of the album and life on tour, real, unfiltered moments from the journey. It’s a big year, and I’m bringing everyone along for the ride.