One is led into believing that musical talent can be inborn when reading the interview with Emily Hastings, though she acknowledges the important role of a tutor and a list of great rockers in her music life. Emily suggests answers for all important life questions and explains how music can become flat; she goes on with the concept of circular music, and expands the change to the whole world.

guitarist

Emily Hastings 🇺🇸

How long have you been involved with music?

I’ve been involved with music since I was a child. I remember learning songs and how to create harmonies with my sisters when I was 7 years old, and also, I started performing in musical theatre at age 10 or younger. My mother was in an all-girl band called “The Bittersweets” when she was in her 20’s, so music is in “my blood” so to speak. However, I did not learn the guitar until I was 16 or 17.

Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join/form them?

I was in an all sister band for many years. We played in Nashville, Louisville, and Los Angeles. I toured in Brazil 5 years ago, where I focused on my solo career there. Now I am doing mostly solo-projects. I am also in a duo with Warleyson Almeida, a fabulous guitarist.

Have you been self-taught or studied music academically?

A little of both. In the very beginning I was self-taught. But, I needed some structure in my playing and I sought out lessons. I studied acoustic guitar with a local teacher in my town, and then in college, I studied classical guitar. I had my first electric guitar teacher some time down the road. For most of my life as an electric guitarist, I learned it on my own, until I teamed up with Brazilian guitarist Warleyson Almeida, who really helped me to hone-in on my rock & metal skills.

Have you composed any songs/albums?

I have composed songs, but I have yet to complete my first album. Cross your fingers that 2020 is the year (from the looks of it though, 2020 is not any of our year, grim laugh).

Do you have any near future or further plans for your music? Whether a project on your own or any other music related collaboration? Where are you going with music?

Yes, I’m constantly working on new projects, which, are mostly on YouTube at the moment. Also, I am composing songs for my own CD of all original music.

“I think it’s important to not put yourself in a box. I’ve never really seen myself as a “female” musician, but just striving to be a good musician, period.„

Tell us about your favorite musicians/bands. Who were your main influences?

I grew up listening to The Beatles and 80’s rock. My major influences have been primarily other guitarists— Zakk Wylde, David Gilmour, Matthias Jabs, Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Nancy Wilson, Al Pitrelli, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, and last but definitely not least, Jimmy Page and the list goes on. Favorite bands are Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Megadeth, Ozzy, Guns n’ Roses, Black Label Society, & Van Halen. Currently listening to The Weeknd, Lord Huron, and a lot of Led Zeppelin (but I’ve been listening to them FOREVER).

What does music mean to you and what are your expectations?

Music has always been a musical catharsis. It’s enlightenment, birth & rebirth, transformation, release, healing, all rolled into one. And it’s powerful.

How do you get inspired to make music?

Nature inspires me — the woods, forest, and ocean. Certain people inspire me too. And I draw from my own experiences.

How do you see your audience? What do you wanna tell them and what do you expect from them?

Audience, the followers, is everything. Without them, music is flat. The following is priceless. I want to tell them I am eternally grateful!

Where do you think rock n’ roll is today and where is it going?

I think rock n’ roll has changed a lot, and continues to change, and will always change. And also, ironically after saying that, rock and music in general, is circular. Music goes through phases. But good music will always be good.

“Audience is everything. Without them, music is flat. The following is priceless. I want to tell them I am eternally grateful!„

What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?

I think it’s important to not put yourself in a box. I’ve never really seen myself as a “female” musician, but just striving to be a good musician, period. I think that if you put in the work, develop your tools, then you will be forever taken seriously despite your gender or sex, etc.

Do you believe in bad music? If so, what is bad music?

Music is very personal and subjective. What may be classified as horrible music to one, may be another person’s music mantra.

Apart from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had in the past?

I studied all my life, and not just as a musician. In college, I majored in International Studies. I worked on a movie set once. I lived in Brazil and worked with music and taught English. Also, I have a J.D (graduated from law school).

What are some of your hobbies (obviously apart from music)?

Being in the Great Outdoors. Walking, running, reading, watching Netflix!

Who are your main supporters as an artist and how do they motivate you?

My parents, especially my mom because she was a musician herself. My sisters. Warleyson Almeida. My followers always support me and root for me.

“I think music has the power to change people and make them better, happier, kinder. So, by creating music, I can be part of that change.„

Whose concert that you’ve attended has been the most memorable to you?

The concert that made me want to play music was my first concert ever, KISS. But then I saw Alice Cooper, and it made me truly love music. And then I saw Iron Maiden, and I was hooked for life.

Are you the kind of musician who wants to change the world? How?

Yes, because I think music has the power to change people and make them better, happier, kinder. So, by creating music, I can be part of that change.