Listen: Tired - Emily James

21-year-old New York native musician Emily James has today unveiled her new single Tired.

With the aim of helping everyone that may now be having a difficult time, Emily says of the release:

“I hope Tired can provide comfort to someone, letting them know that it's okay to not be okay, and they're not alone in the way they're feeling.”

Having written music since she was ten years old, James started releasing her work into the world four years ago. Taking inspiration from some of the world’s biggest artists, including Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac and Adele, James is clearly shooting for music that delivers melodically and yet has an emotional seriousness to it.

That aspiration feels jusitified in Tired. The soft production work here calls to mind Rumours and Tusk era Mac, but updated with a modern pop sensibility in the form of the lo-fi kick-drum-led percussion and synth work. That combination feels rich, steeped in emotion and feeling… James’ gorgeous vocal skips atop the sumptuous production whilst creating a sense of contrast with the melodic synth bass line that appears in the chorus.

I found myself wanting to reach for headphones and the ‘skip back’ button so I could really appreciate the detail in Emily James’ performance of Tired. Check it out below:

https://emilyjames.ffm.to/tired I wrote this song at a time when I was feeling down. While it’s important to spread positivity, I also believe it’s important that we talk about the moments that are difficult. “tired” is about being not okay- and that is okay. These are human emotions and it’s often hard to remember that we’re not alone when we feel this way. I want you to know that I’m always here as a friend- reach out any time if you need someone to talk to.