Step into a world of understanding and compassion with Erika Emerson’s “Cool Kid”. Emerson hooks the audience in from the very beginning, starting off with a sound bite of her as a child. This not only sets the tone for the overall song but additionally adds a personal touch to an already deeply personal and detailed track. With soft, backing piano and a voice filled with emotion and character, Emerson explores the former relationship she had with herself and how she now perceives that relationship. While exploring struggles, showcased through lines like, “I was ashamed of who I am,” Emerson dives into an opposite response toward the end of the track. Emerson brilliantly connects the relationship with her younger self to the relationship she now has with herself, where she accepts that she doesn’t need to adhere to what others expect/want of her and live the life she wants to live. It’s both inspiring to hear this bond with herself and how it connects with others. “Cool Kid” embodies a message of acceptance, hope, and reality.
While “Cool Kid” is a track that ebbs with emotion, with Emerson’s voice being the torch bearer. Her deeper, raw register brings these lyrics to life and is the true source of power behind “Cool Kid”. Going from acceptance to conflict, then to resolution, it feels as though you’re witnessing the pages of a personal journal unfold before your eyes. As a person who struggled with accepting myself and my identity while growing up, this song evokes strong resonation while still being completely separate and personal. While immersing myself in the song, I attempted to pinpoint an artist to compare Emerson with and came out unsuccessful. Emerson’s songwriting, as well as the emotion behind her voice, is something unique and incomparable. Even if you cannot relate to these lyrics, “Cool Kid” is an entirely human song that can pleasantly touch any life.
Erika Emerson is a queer artist raised in Berlin, Germany, with roots in the UK. She incorporates writing into her life as an outlet to channel empowerment of herself, as well as to connect with others by being vulnerable. Her voice reflects the emotions she puts into her music, changing at a moment’s notice from seemingly raw & brittle to powerful and full-bodied. She focuses on connecting with listeners through shared struggles and aims to make people feel comforted and accompanied in their lives. Based in Germany, Emerson booked a 2024 tour including multiple venues across the country. She has recently stepped into doing live shows and loves to connect with fans and expand the relationship she has with musicians she works with. Emerson loves to additionally connect with fans through social media, reaching out to thank personal messages and spreading messages of hope through interactions surrounding her music.
Written By Madison Spies
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