Sylvier is the musical alias of Irish artist, Emma Hughes. Originally from Donegal and residing in Derry, Emma has instantly caught the attention of the music scene with her honest, infectious pop.
Guest author Adam McCourt contacted Sylvier after attending her launch gig in hopes to shed a bit more light on Derry’s freshest new artist!
How are things? We’ll start at the beginning. How did ‘Sylvier’ come about? I believe your manager Paul Brown (MPC) discovered you. What’s the story there?
Sylvier started during my first year at NWRC where I am currently studying music production. Having access to college’s studios, I began recording some material I had written prior to the course. During this time a tutor at NWRC called Liam Craig caught wind of one of my songs and offered to produce my EP. I remember during our first conversation thinking how easy he was to talk to. We were totally on the same page in terms of production style, which also helped a lot. Liam eventually introduced me to Paul and we’ve been working together since. My first impression of Paul was ‘Wow this guy is motivated’ and ‘Wow this guy drinks way too much coffee!’
You have recently released your debut single ‘Hard To Find’. How does it feel to have your music out for everyone and anyone to hear?
Releasing Hard to Find was surreal. I love music so much and it plays a massive role in my life. It is an outlet for me in so many ways. When I listen to James Vincent McMorrow or The National for example, I feel their music captures something really specific to me. I feel a real personal attachment to a piece of music created by someone I’ve never met. That is an incredible power that music has.
As a songwriter, I never quite felt what I had written was ready for anything major – which can be a good thing! It pushed me to improve and kept that strive to develop alive. However it can also kick you in the ass. It makes you wonder whether or not you’ll ever write anything decent.
‘Hard to Find’ was the first song I wrote that I felt really good about. What’s funny is that you could write a hundred songs and there might only be a couple that you feel are good enough to release. With those songs you are buzzing. It’s such a great feeling! Eventually you have to ask yourself ‘what is the next step?’ and you begin a completely different journey. So yeah, actually getting to the point of release was definitely surreal.
With everything that’s happened so far; your launch, debut single etc. how has it all been? Pretty exciting I imagine!
It’s been pretty exciting and so much more! As I said, releasing the single was surreal, it was only when we launched it did everything become real.
Before coming to NWRC I was always writing on my own, which can become quite restricting and frustrating. I was only able to imagine what my songs could sound like; production being a key aspect, I wanted them to be big productions. I now have a band of extremely talented musicians who really bring my songs to life like I imagined. I feel privileged to be on stage alongside them all.
You said you had been writing music long before Sylvier? How did you cope with the jump between writing and playing by yourself to now, having a band and management?
I was always singing and improvising melodies, even as a kid. It wasn’t until I was about sixteen that I started to take songwriting seriously, that’s when I decided to learn guitar. It was then that I started gigging in a cover band, playing in pubs and bars on the weekends. Having done this for so long, it provided me with opportunities to practice performing and work on my stage presence, so becoming Sylvier seemed like a natural progression. About half way through my first year at NWRC I started working with another tutor called Dominic O’Callaghan who specializes in songwriting.
It’s been a new experience working with another writer especially one who is very much a part of the music for the forth coming EP. Having management is brilliant! Although Paul and I together discuss ideas for video content and photo shoots, having him taking care of the PR, A&R and gig bookings, allows me to focus fully on the music, which is fantastic!
Who would be your biggest influences?
I’d say my biggest influences to date would be Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams. The first time I heard ‘Justified’ I fell head over heels! The fabric of that album, the decisions made in its production is all reasons why I became a songwriter. Jack White is another, he is gritty and innovative, and his vocals are always really unique and so damn sexy! I remember when ‘Seven Nation Army’ came out, what really spoke to me was the attitude displayed from start to finish.
Sylvier is quite an interesting name, what made to decide to have a stage persona?
I wanted a stage name that fitted the style of music, which I felt my name didn’t do at all. A stage persona for me is having a platform to express a side of myself that can’t always be seen – although it’s always there. It’s the same side of me that writes the music.
I love being on stage so much but I also love finishing a set and meeting the people that come to the gig. It’s such great craic! You meet so many new people and learn so much about what they are listening to, what music is for them and how they felt about your set.
As you’ve previously stated, you currently study Music Production, what took you down that road? Does it play a part in Sylvier?
I wanted to study music production as I felt this was the next step for me in developing my style. I feel strongly that the production of a song can be as significant as the song itself. It can enhance it’s impact when done right. I only ever write with the end product in mind so I always knew I was going down the pop/RNB road.
I wanted to study at NWRC because I knew a few people who studied there previously and are now working in the industry, doing really well. The music courses there focus on popular music styles so it was an all rounder for me. Having nearly completed the course I can say without a doubt that it was the right move. I have learned so much and it’s been the most enjoyable experience. Working with Liam in particular is like the best of both worlds, I get to work with an incredible producer and learn so much in the process.
How is it working with the rest of the team? (Paul, Dominic and the rest of your band.)
Working with a team is a real first for me. I was quite timid in the beginning, I think. I have played in bands and worked with other musicians before, however I have never had a producer or a manager or another songwriter working with me, or even an original band.
I find it funny in the beginning, when you don’t really know what someone’s sense of humor is like or whether you can be blunt or not. I live for those moments when you just throw something out there and you wait with anticipation to see how it lands.
Liam, Paul and Dominic are so down to earth and extremely easy to work with. I can enjoy the experience the way I always wanted to. I can also say that the level of professionalism from the team means we take every stage of the process seriously and strive to do our best in every aspect. I believe you can only really relax and have fun when you know you’re working with people that you trust who are passionate and hard working.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to gig as much as possible; I definitely want to play a few festivals this year. We want to get a lot of video content up of various live recordings and yeah just keep writing and recording!
For more great music check out Sylvier’s Facebook, Spotify and YouTube.
