San Francisco, California based Alternative/Indie Singer-Songwriter, Emma Roellig has recently released her debut EP, "Fire Signs". Completely self-written by Emma and produced by producer and graphic designer, Rob Enea, "Fire Signs" delves into the emotional stages of heartbreak.
TRACKLIST
We're Just Kids
Furnace
Miles Away
Sacrifice
Overflow
Emma Roellig is an independent artist who stepped into the music scene in 2021 with a collaboration project with fellow artists Alt Hays and Sam Dunn, titled "Familiar". Since then, Emma began working on her debut solo project which would become "Fire Signs", starting with the leading single, "We're Just Kids". The EP features intricate lyrics that revolve around themes of intense human emotion such as love, loss, grief, longing, denial and absolute heartbreak. Emma draws inspiration from artists like Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, and Noah Kahan, but also has been compared to the likes of Gracie Abrams, Lennon Stella and Lizzy McAlpine. If you're someone who loves that delicate indie folk-pop sound, with raw emotion, intentional lyrics, and stunning vocals, then Emma just might be the artist for you. Let's dive into these tracks!
We're Just Kids
Track one happens to be "We're Just Kids", which was not only Emma's first single release in anticipation for this EP, but Emma's first solo single ever which was released in October of 2023! "We're Just Kids" sets the tone for what is yet to come, and kickstarted Emma's signature sound. The haunting acoustic soundscape rings as Emma sings in layers. There's a classic, rawness to this song that gives it a nostalgic, hometown feel. "We're Just Kids" is a trip down memory lane, and is about the simplicity of young love - before life gets hard and you're forced to grow up. This relationship may be over now, but Emma still remembers it well.
Furnace
Track two is "Furnace", and the second single release in anticipation of the "Fire Signs" EP. "Furnace" is heavily focused on lyrics and story-telling; Emma sets the scene and uses details so you can paint the picture of the story inside your mind. "Furnace" is about someone who is constantly changing their mind about what they want in a relationship. One second they want you, the next they're not sure. The verses are accompanied by an acoustic bass, pulsing B-flat while the focus is on Emma's words. The song picks up for the chorus, bringing in a stomping beat that puts the song on a whole new level. The tone and rhythm completely switches up for the bridge, but I want you to just listen for yourself to see what I mean. Emma says she pulled inspiration from Vance Joy and The Lumineers for this particular song, bringing in some of those Celtic Folk vibes with just a bit more twang.
Miles Away
Next we have "Miles Away", a song about being with someone that is so emotionally distant, that it's almost like you're not even in the same room. You start to feel so lonely that you don't even feel like you're in a relationship anymore. It's also about the frustration that comes along with losing what could've been, because there was a moment in time where they felt like the one - but now everything just feels wrong. "'Miles Away' was written about the complex feeling of grieving someone’s potential... I found myself feeling lonely every time I was around this person - like we were existing on two separate planes. I realized that we were playing house more than enjoying each other’s company. In writing this track I found that it is possible to long for the version of someone that only existed in my mind." -Emma. "Miles Away" has a dreamy, nostalgic 90's soft rock soundscape mixed with Emma's signature folk influence. This song embodies what it sounds like to be drifting away, whether it be physically or emotionally which really fits the mood and meaning.
Sacrifice
**TRIGGER WARNING** - Sensitive Topics
"Sacrifice" is about losing someone you love to addiction and mental illness, and willing to sacrifice yourself just to bring them back. "Sacrifice was written about losing a loved one far too soon due to addiction/struggles with mental health. It encapsulates the frustrating and desperate feeling of begging someone to see themselves the way that the people who love them do, and pleading with the universe to keep them around long enough to see it for themselves. "Sacrifice" tells of my own bargaining with a higher power to offer up myself in exchange for my loved one." -Emma. "Sacrifice" is a very vulnerable track, and is unfortunately one that many people can relate to. Mixing Pop/Rock with classic western and country vibes, "Sacrifice" is a stunningly emotional song that will surely bring you to tears.
Overflow
The "Fire Signs" EP concludes with the final track, "Overflow". This song is meant to close this chapter in Emma's life; it's a positive reflection of what she's had to go through. It's the final stage of her grieving process, acceptance. Time heals all wounds, and she's finally found closure. She's able to look back on everything in a good light and she can move on. It's a gorgeous track, perfectly summarizing "Fire Signs" and bringing it to an end. The sustained acoustic chords and featured piano really stand out on this one, along with Emma's gentle vocals and genuine emotion. It's an ethereal, cenematic type of experience that you can really feel in your heart.
Emma Roellig is only just getting started, but she's starting strong with her debut EP, "Fire Signs". You can hear how comfortable and confident she is that she has found her personal style, making each song sound effortless and honest. Not only can you hear that in the music, but you can hear it in her lyrics as well. Her story-telling is so detailed and vulnerable; she really knows how to engage you into her words as well as make her songs relatable. She has a soft, sweet voice that draws you in and she loves to layer them to add intensity in a very Phoebe Bridgers type of way. Indie Folk is where her heart is and you can tell, but there's also hints of soft rock, country and indie pop scattered throughout her songs as well. If you loved "Fire Signs", make sure to follow Emma below to see what she does next! This is only the beginning.
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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