In 2021, the world met Emmy Meli through a mantra that became a movement. With the release of ‘I am Woman‘, Meli she provided the soundtrack for a global shift in self-empowerment, racking up hundreds of millions of streams and becoming the definitive voice of a generation reclaiming its confidence.
But moving into 2026, Emmy has lots more left to give. This month, the California-born singer songwriter will release her brand new EP ‘All About Love’, marking a sophisticated and sonic evolution of the artist’s growing talent.
Last month, Emmy took time out of her very busy schedule to talk about her highly anticipated new EP, her upcoming London headline show and the weight of her ‘I am Woman’ legacy.
First off, Happy New Year Emmy! I hope you had a great festive period. What can you tell us about what 2026 has in store for you?
First off thank you so much, you as well! As for 2026, it’s meant to be theeeeee year for us Sagittarius. So truly, I can say I really think this year will be my moment!! To expand, shine, and enjoy!! The music will be coming nonstop.
Your brand new single ‘Other Things’ was released last month, how would you describe the track in 3 words?
I would describe ‘Other Things’ as Gritty, Jazzy, and Heavy.
Now, in more detail, can you tell us about how the song came about and what it means to you?
That song started out with my producer Swindle playing me the beat because I said I was in the mood to really siiiiing. It was at a time in my life where I was really actively working on unpacking why I was always jumping from relationship to relationship. I was reading ‘All About Love’ (Bell Hooks), so it was inspiring me to write about my addiction to love and the voids I was using to fill it. It was about me realising that pattern and using it to heal and decentre men from my mind and use other things to fill my spiritual cup.
It is suggested that the new EP ‘All About Love’ marks a “new found wealth of creativity” for you as an artist. What can you tell us about this new collection of work and how do you feel it differs from previous works?
I think this project is vastly different and special to me and my creativity because it’s the first body of work were the lyrics were written entirely by me, and the music was made under no laws or pretenses. It was me completely releasing inhibitions with no intention of caring about the outcome. It reclaimed my power after years being stifled and gave me liberation. As well as its subject matter.
Set to drop on February 13th, just before Valentine’s Day, was it a conscious choice to release a project titled All About Love during the most romantic time of the year?
It most definitely wasssss!! I wanted to release it earlier but when presented with realistic dates by my team, all of them being in February; it seemed serendipitous that the project come out during the weekend of love, if you will. Plus Valentine’s Day is my favourite holiday because I love the giving and receiving of love to my family and friends and hearts and flowers and joy and PINK!!
We have to talk about the ongoing manta of ‘I am Woman’. This song became a personal anthem for me, as it did for millions of others. When you first released it, did you realise you were articulating a feeling that the world was collectively craving, and how has carrying that ‘torch’ of empowerment changed you personally?
I’ve had so much time to reflect on this exact question. When I wrote and released that song I had literally no idea what I had written. I didn’t even feel like I wrote it. I felt that spirit wrote it for me. I was so very young and insecure, and to be honest didn’t like myself very much. I was so unsure of myself, I felt I had made so many mistakes in my life, and I remember I thought – “Why on earth are people looking up to me to be empowered? What do I know about empowerment? I’m no role model.”
It scared me, and I think for a long time I rejected the gift and position the universe had so generously chosen me to fill. But that journey was meant to happen to teach ME, along with all the women who heeded my message, how to love and choose myself .
The generation of young women who so intensely healed to that song had no idea I was healing along with them. Now, as a grown woman, who has come so far and is ready to fill those shoes and inspire people instead of shy away from them, I am so excited to continue being a voice for said women. I’m prepped and ready for the position now!
Of course, it’s only been a few years since its release, but do you think the landscape of female solidarity has actually changed, or are we still fighting the same uphill battles?
I have to honestly say, here in the US the landscape is worse. We need more voices, artists, anger, hope, and fight than ever. We are continuously getting stripped of our rights, medical care, gender affirming care, safety, etc., and it is perpetuating the domesticating, misogynistic, and perverse ideals that drove us to this point in the first place. It’s regressive.
I see a lot of women who don’t love women now. In a patriarchal society I think there will always be an uphill battle, and we have much to learn. But I do have hope as I see more incredible young women, artists included, step up as leaders for this new age.
You are set to return to the UK in March, bringing ‘An Evening with Emmy Meli’ to London’s The Social. What can fans expect from the show?
The fans can expect a sexy, sparkly, and hilarious night. It will feel like a group FaceTime. Like we’re levitating together. Lots of huge vocal moments and surprises. Like seeing a fairy perform with pixie dust I think.
Do you have anything else planned for the second half of the year? Can you hint at any of those plans?
SO MUCH MORE MUSIC!!
Finally, if you could collab with any 3 artists in the world – dead or alive – who would you pick?
Sade, Victoria Monet, Amy Winehouse!!
‘All About Love’ is set for release on Friday 13th February and you can pre-save it here.
You can see Emmy Meli live at London’s Social on March 4th. Remaining tickets can be purchased here.
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