Emily Ferrell's work is the definition of relaxing. A musician as well as an animator and editor, Emily's work has a certain cohesiveness-- everything she makes has a similar tranquility. This is to be expected from the lofi genre, but unlike lesser lofi musicians, Emily's music is truly transportive. Sure, Foggy Dreams could be played in the background while you study or work, but it also functions as a stand-alone piece you can get lost in, if you surrender yourself to the experience. In fact, most of the time, if I put Emily's music on while doing other tasks, I find myself getting distracted by its beauty. In the interview below, Emily says that her music often influences her other artistic pursuits, and it's not hard to imagine why. The sonic worlds that she creates enrapture the listener in a unique sonic universe.
What work are you most proud of?
Music wise - I put a lot of emotion and work into Peanut Butter, Foggy Dreams and Froyo and Lily Pads. Some people don’t know that I also create sound for film. I’m really proud of this movie that I was a foley assistant for called My Soul To Keep (2019).
What has been the most transformative experience of your life?
Honestly, when my mom passed in 2018, my whole perspective on life changed and my music changed with that experience as well. My music had more effort, emotion and meaning.
What attracts you to the lofi genre?
I feel that lofi matches my overall chill demeanor. I was very into it in college and as I was learning music production at the same time, I thought, “Hey, why don’t I give this lofi a try?” And I’ve been creating ever since.
In addition to music, you’re also an animator and an editor. How do your other artistic endeavors influence your music (if at all)?
I would say that my music influences my other artistic endeavors. After I made Foggy Dreams, I started to create a full animation music video solely based on the visions I perceived from the song. It still has yet to be released due to animation taking FOREVER. Editing is a little different for me. I took classes on both editing for film and music editing for film. I think the two really go hand-in-hand. For one of my very last college projects, I shot and edited my own music video for the song Buttercup by Jack Stauber. The vibes of the music gave me inspiration to create something I never knew I could create. That video can been seen on my Instagram under the Editing story highlight!
Who are your inspirations and what lessons have they taught you?
My inspirations are all of my former teachers and mentors at Academy of Art University. They taught me that we CAN be something in this world and hard work and passion for what you do really pays off. Huge shoutout to Steve Romanko, Mike Axinn and Noemi Zeigler.
How do you think your work will change in the future?
I would like to get the necessary equipment for a better quality production in the future, along with opening my own recording studio/jam space for other artists! I also would like to see my name in the sound department in movie credits.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I never stuck with anything, so the advice I would give to myself would be to find something you love and stick with it, don’t give up just because it’s hard.