Emily + Shawn are the Brooklyn-based indie folk duo who’s songwriting is a reflection of their lives and beliefs.
Their new single “you and i” is an indie folk ballad reminiscent of The Lumineers meets Mumford and Sons with beautiful harmonies and a catchy hook. The song is about a love that lives its day-to-day moments in a city, about finding love and connection in the smaller moments that usually get forgotten.
In this interview spotlight, we chat about favorite songs, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
Our new single, you and i, is out now on all streaming services! We wrote this song after moving to New York City about our life as both a music duo and as a couple. We’ve been working on this one for a few years and are really excited to be finally sharing it.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the past?
We produced you and i with David Baron (of “The Lumineers”) and wanted to emulate their raw, stripped-down feeling within the folk-rock genre. We wrote it with a different structure a year or so prior to bringing it to him, and he really helped us reimagine it as more of a rock song as opposed to an acoustic ballad that we typically gravitate towards.
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
We really wanted to create a sense of nostalgia in the lyrics and production of this song. We love how the arc emulates our daily life together: the middle is loud and energized, but the beginning and ending have a sense of intimacy of just the two of us with Shawn’s guitar.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
We’re constantly inspired by living in New York City. We live in Brooklyn nearby the botanic garden there, and find a lot of inspiration by being in nature in the midst of such a big and crazy city.
We really motivate each other to keep going, as cheesy as it sounds. We’ve learned throughout our personal and professional relationship when one person needs to lean on the other, and when we need to push one other.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
We find Rosalia to be such an incredible artist as a total package- producer, singer, songwriter, and creative. Her vision comes through so clearly in her work and she really challenges the status quo with her genre blending.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was the new Miley Cyrus song, Rose Colored Lenses. Her versatility as an artist is admirable and this new song is a good driving in the car summer bop.
Favorite all time artists is a tough question! We love pretty much every genre, but are really drawn to singer-songwriters with a rock edge like Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlisle, John Mayer, and Maggie Rogers.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
We’re on most social media @emilyplusshawn, but are most active on Instagram so follow us there!
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us!
