Q: "Cradle to the Grave" is your latest release. What initially sparked the idea for the song, and what was the first lyric that eventually became the track?

A: “Cradle to the Grave” is all about resilience and getting back up every time life tries to knock you down. I knew what I wanted the song to be about before I even started writing it, so the idea was there from the beginning. The very first lyric that was written was, “I survived every wave.” That line really set the tone for the rest of the song and everything grew from there. I wanted the song to be a self empowerment anthem about strength, and about how the dark times we go through can ultimately be the moments that make us stronger.

Q: Did the meaning of the song change as you worked on it, or did you have a clear understanding of what you wanted it to say from the beginning?
A: I knew what I wanted the song to be about before I even started writing it, so the idea was there from the very beginning. The song draws on my own real life experiences and the challenges I’ve faced along the way that have brought me to where I am today. Looking back, I can honestly say those experiences have shaped me into the person I am, and the strength I’ve gained from them continues to carry me through life today. If there’s one thing I’d want anyone reading this to take from the song, it’s to keep going, even when things feel impossible. You’re stronger than you believe, and sometimes the darkest moments are the ones that reveal just how strong you really are.

Q: What was the most challenging part of creating "Cradle to the Grave", and what did you learn from working through that challenge?
A: The most challenging part of creating “Cradle to the Grave” was settling on the chorus melody. I tend to create several different variations of a section before deciding which one feels right, and the chorus went through more versions than usual. It definitely took the longest to land on the final melody. I’ve also been working closely with my manager, Royzy Rothschild, on the songwriting and production of my upcoming EP, I guess you changed , and that process has taught me a lot about songwriting and trusting my instincts. The biggest thing I’ve learned from creating “Cradle to the Grave” is to trust myself and not overthink things too much. Sometimes the first melody that naturally comes to you is the one that connects the most, and learning when to stop second guessing myself has been a really important part of my growth as a songwriter.

Q: Is there a lyric in "Cradle to the Grave" that feels especially personal or significant to you? What makes that particular line stand out?
A: The whole song feels very personal to me, but the lyric that means the most is definitely “I won’t run away.” That line represents something I’ve learned throughout my life: when something scares you, you can’t always run from it, sometimes you have to face it head on. That’s something I’ve experienced personally. When I was starting out, I struggled with severe stage fright, and I was a very shy kid. But at the same time, I always knew that performing was something I wanted to do. I had to push through that fear and put myself in situations that made me uncomfortable. I think sometimes the things we want most in life are waiting for us on the other side of fear. That’s why “I won’t run away” feels so significant to me. It’s a reminder to keep moving forward, face your fears, and not let them stop you from becoming the person you want to be.

Q: Has writing this song changed the way you think about any of the experiences it explores?
A: I see songwriting as a very therapeutic process for me, it’s a form of healing. Writing allows me to reflect on things from my past in a healthy way and understand those experiences from a different perspective. In many ways, my music is like my journal, and I love being able to take those personal thoughts and feelings and bring them to life through a song. “Cradle to the Grave” has definitely made me feel proud of how far I’ve come and reminded me that I’ve been stronger than I sometimes realised. It’s also shown me that even the most difficult experiences can teach you something about yourself and ultimately help you grow. The song has reinforced my belief that you can get through more than you think you can when you put your mind to it and keep moving forward. It’s also given me a lot more confidence in my songwriting and in trusting myself creatively.

Q: Were there any particular artists, records, genres, or musical eras that influenced the sound of "Cradle to the Grave"?
A: I’ve always been heavily influenced by R&B and soul, particularly the vocal styles of artists like Cassie, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Nelly, and the incredibly talented Amy Winehouse, among many others. I think those influences naturally come through in “Cradle to the Grave,” especially in the way I approach the vocals and melodies. A lot of my early vocal development actually came from listening to these artists and trying to mimic their voices, phrasing, tone, and emotion. Over time, I’ve taken those influences and developed them into my own style. I think you can hear little pieces of the artists who inspired me in my music, while still keeping it true to who I am as an artist.

Q: Who are some of the artists who have had the greatest influence on you?
A: My taste in music is really broad, and I draw inspiration from everything from pop and rock to R&B, soul, blues, dance and country. Growing up, some of the artists who influenced me the most were Madonna, Lana Del Rey, Madison Beer, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. They’re all incredible vocalists and performers, and I’ve always admired the way they create such strong identities through their music and performances. There are also a couple of influences that people might not necessarily expect, particularly Etta James and Billy Joel. I absolutely love their songwriting and storytelling. There’s something timeless about the way they can take a feeling, experience or story and turn it into a beautiful record that connects with people. I think that’s something I really strive for in my own music, to tell honest stories and make people feel something.

Q: What inspires you outside of music? Books, movies, places, etc.
A: Outside of music, fashion is a huge form of self-expression for me. I’ve always loved the idea that what you wear can communicate something about who you are, what you believe in and how you want to feel. I have my own clothing line, Dream Believe Achieve, which I designed myself. Each T shirt has its own meaning and is built around themes that are really important to me, including motivation, grit, confidence and resilience. In a lot of ways, the clothing line reflects the same messages that come through in my music, believing in yourself, pushing through difficult times and never giving up on your goals. I love being able to express those ideas not only through my songs, but also through something people can wear and carry with them every day. You can access Dream Believe Achieve via my instagram bio @emilieculshaw

Q: What initially drew you to music, and what continues to make you want to create?
A: Music has always been a form of healing for me, whether I’m listening to it or creating it. It’s also my way of communicating and expressing things that I sometimes struggle to put into words. I really believe that where words can fail, music can speak.

What continues to inspire me most is the connection I have with my audience. Knowing that something I’ve written can relate to someone’s own experience, help them through a difficult time, make them feel understood, or simply put a smile on their face means everything to me. That connection is what motivates me to keep creating and sharing my music.

Ultimately, that’s why I do what I do,  if my music can make even one person feel something, feel less alone, or give them a little bit of strength, then it’s all worth it.

Q: What is one lesson you've learned about yourself through your journey as an artist?
A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey as an artist is that consistency really does beat everything. Talent is important, but you have to be willing to keep showing up, even on the days when you don’t feel confident, motivated or at your best.

I’ve learned that you can’t wait until you feel completely ready or until everything feels comfortable. Whether I’m feeling anxious, insecure, excited, happy or having a difficult day, I’ve got to keep moving forward, put the work in and give it my best.

Being an artist is a long journey, and there will always be highs and lows. For me, the key is staying committed, trusting the process and continuing to show up. Consistency, hard work and resilience will take you further than you might think.

Q: Now that "Cradle to the Grave" is out, what are you most excited about working on next?
A: Well, there’s a lot to be excited about! My debut EP, I Guess You Changed, is nearly here and will be released on 1st October across Spotify, Tidal, Deezer, Amazon Music, Apple Music and all major streaming platforms. The EP includes my previous singles “Trapdoor,” “Cherry Haze,” “Fake Friend” and “Cradle to the Grave,” alongside the title track, “I Guess You Changed,” which will be released on the same day as the EP. I’m also incredibly excited to be heading out on my debut headline UK tour from 1st–11th October. Being able to perform the EP live and celebrate its release with my amazing community is something I’ve dreamed about, so it feels really special that it’s finally happening. Tickets go on sale Monday 17th August via Skiddle UK, and we’ve got such a special show planned. I can’t wait to bring these songs to life on stage and share the whole EP with everyone. It’s going to be an unforgettable few weeks!

For all the latest updates, tour information and behind-the-scenes content, follow me on Instagram @emilieculshaw.

Q: Are there any dream collaborators, producers, songwriters, or artists you'd love to work with in the future?
A: There are so many artists and producers I’d love to work with in the future, but Madison Beer would definitely be a dream collaboration for me. I really connect with her songwriting on a deep level, and I love the honesty and emotion she brings to her music. I think it would be amazing to create something together. As a producer, working with Max Martin would be incredible. He’s created so many iconic records and has such an incredible understanding of melody, songwriting and what makes a song connect with people. His ability to create powerful, memorable music is something I really admire. Victoria Monét is another artist and songwriter I’d absolutely love to work with. She’s an incredible writer with such a unique voice and perspective. I’d be so excited to get into a room with any of these artists and see what we could create together.

Q: What would you consider the next major milestone in your career?
A: Completing my debut headline UK tour will be a huge milestone in my career, especially as I’ve also been nominated for Best European Pop Artist, representing the UK at the Intercontinental Music Awards. It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to be recognised in this way. Being able to take my music on the road, perform it live and connect with my audience in different cities feels like a really exciting next step. After everything that’s gone into creating my debut EP and building my career, completing my first headline UK tour will be a very special moment for me. I’m forever grateful to my team at Big Condo Records and my manager, Royzy Rothschild. None of this would be possible without their belief, support and hard work. Thank you for being part of this journey with me, I’m so excited to see where it takes us next!

Q: Finally, if you could leave a message for someone who's about to hear your music for the very first time, what would you say to them?
A: If you’re about to hear my music for the very first time, I’d simply say welcome, and I hope you find something in my music that speaks to you. My songs are very personal to me. They’re a collection of my experiences, emotions, struggles and everything I’ve learned along the way. I see my music as my journal, so when you listen, you’re hearing a little piece of my story.

I hope my music can make you feel something, whether that’s understood, inspired, empowered, emotional, or even just happy. If you’re going through a difficult time, I hope my songs remind you that you’re not alone and that you’re stronger than you think you are.

Most of all, I hope you enjoy the journey. Thank you for pressing play and giving my music a chance. I’m so excited for you to hear it. 

To keep up with my journey via social media my handle is @emilieculshaw on all platforms!

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