Interview: Montreal’s Libby Ember Explores the Natural Pull of Sadness on Melancholic Indie Pop Single “Gravity”

Following a breakout year that saw her earn Spotify Editorial support and recognition as a rising voice in indie pop, Montreal singer-songwriter Libby Ember returns with “Gravity,” an energetic yet emotionally reflective single that transforms heartbreak into quiet acceptance. Blending melancholic lyricism with upbeat indie pop production, the track explores the strange realization that sadness itself can feel deeply natural; something inevitable, human, and survivable.

Written during a breakup while travelling through Norway, “Gravity” emerged from a moment where emotional and physical exhaustion began to blur together. Hiking mountains day after day while processing the end of a relationship, Libby reflected on the heaviness she was carrying and how impossible it felt to escape.

That experience ultimately inspired the song’s defining lyric: “Going down is just gravity.” What began as a passing thought quickly became the emotional centre of the track. “When you feel down, it’s only natural, the same way that the Earth’s gravitational pull is,” Libby explains. “It’s something that we can live with as long as we accept it and keep moving on.”

Rather than leaning fully into softness or restraint, “Gravity” takes a more immediate and energetic sonic direction than some of Libby’s earlier work. Built around more active drums, brighter instrumentation, and a stronger rhythmic pulse, the production reflects the song’s emotional duality: sadness that still pushes forward.

“For this song, we took a more pop-like direction,” Libby says. “The song felt like it needed a stronger beat to it more than any of my other songs so far.”

Even within its melancholy, “Gravity” ultimately lands somewhere hopeful. Looking back on the song now, Libby sees it less as a document of pain and more as evidence of growth. “I look back on this song and feel like I really understand its meaning now,” she shares. “I feel proud.”

1. What did you enjoy most about the creation of this new release?

What I enjoyed most about this release was going in a different direction sound-wise. While my other songs so far have been pretty slow and more folky, we went in a more pop direction for ‘Gravity,’ which was an interesting experiment.

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.

Most people will never notice the things that you’re worried or self-conscious about. You are your own biggest critic, and it’s more worthwhile to just accept what you are and the work you’ve done.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?

100% Phoebe Bridgers or Lizzy McAlpine.

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

I think my voice is pretty unique to me. While I take inspiration from other indie singers in my singing technique, I still have my own quality, and I haven’t been told that I sound exactly like anyone else when I sing.

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.

My favourite song at the moment is ‘I love you, baby’ by Annika Bennet & Olivia Barton. It’s a new release, part of their most recent EP that came out about a month ago. The instrumental is beautiful, their voices and harmonies are gorgeous, and I’ve always appreciated their lyricism. I’ve had this song on repeat lately, and I can’t help but get chills every time I listen. It’s so simple and so perfect.