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One of the most exciting young musicians to come out of Western Canada, Emmett Jerome has established himself as a captivating performer with a world weary voice wise beyond his years. Rooted in the old school, troubadour tradition, he has traveled coast to coast, chasing songs and soaking up stories along the way. With a bluesman’s heart and a traveler’s soul, Emmett welcomes listeners into a world where tradition and youth collide.
His debut single, “Goodbye Trouble,” is lifted from the upcoming Rocky Mountain Son EP, set for release later this year through 604 Records. The song was written for a friend of Emmett‘s who passed unexpectedly from a drug overdose – someone he never considered might’ve been struggling with mental illness or drug abuse – and hears him coming to terms with both his own naivete and the reality of mental illness.
Emmett wrote “Goodbye Trouble” from his van during a weekend tour in Tofino and debuted it live the next day at a festival in Comox, BC. The strong response inspired him to continue writing about the people and places he’s encountered, and the concept of Rocky Mountain Son began to emerge.
1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
I wanted to have an organic experience in the studio; instead of perfection, I chased adventure. I had some of my best friends come in to record, and there was magic in the air from day one of recording. When faced with a crossroad in the creative process, we chose whatever path stirred our souls the greatest, and never looked back. Most of the parts came together in just a few takes; I’m proud that we stuck to our guns and maintained the grit that really makes these songs real for me.
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Lose the ego. I’ve had to return to this one again and again over the years – it’s the only way to keep creating from the heart, day in and day out. Whatever it is that you do, you’ve gotta get out of your own way if you want to get to the truth of things.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
I’d love to hang with Ariel Posen. He’s got an awesome sound coming out of Winnipeg, so we’ve got that Canadian thing going, and his records have inspired me for years. I’d just love to watch him play every night – he’s mesmerizing on the guitar, I know I’d be having as much fun as anyone else in the audience.
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
I’ve never tried to chase after a label, whether it’s that I’m a folk singer or a rock’n’roll guy. Being willing to bring all my influences to the table and being okay that not everyone might like it is something that I hope shines through in my music. I want to write a heartwarming John Prine type tune equally as much as I want to give folks something they can get up and shake their asses to. So I hope folks are ready to hear that I’m trying to stay adventurous in what I do.
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
‘When It Comes To You’ Sturgill Simpson
This song is a psychedelic country rock masterpiece. Sturgill has always been hard to predict, but this Dire Straits cover is just too damn cool. Ive always been a massive Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) fan, so to hear Sturgill take this song in a new direction has made it my go to when I’m at home or hanging in the studio.
