Catch Of The Week: Emily Sweeney
Meet: Emily Sweeney from Hanover, MA
When last we heard from Emily, she was a student at Belmont University, studying songwriting and the music business. She has since graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree, and is back with a hot new single, a forthcoming EP, a day job at BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated), and a spot on a songwriting competition show.
The world is opening up for this skilled songwriter and singer, who grew up on the South Shore and is now pursuing all of her dreams in Nashville. But you know, you can’t take the Boston out of the artist. Emily still enjoys her Dunkin’ every morning. And her Boston sass is still proudly displayed in her music. I sense a Miranda Lambert vibe, a Lauren Alaina delivery, a Lori McKenna songwriting sensibility, and a whole lot of uniquely-Emily, when listening to her latest, “Dive Bar.”
“A dive bar ain’t a place to find a husband,” Sweeney warns as a guitar whales behind her. She advises herself, yet falls back into her own trap. Certainly something we can all relate to. Emily relays, “Dive Bar actually came to be after one of my best friends started seeing a guy after meeting him at our favorite Nashville Dive Bar! He was truly a character of a person. I would hear the stories my friend would tell me about him and every single one was song worthy! I had the idea to write something about the men we meet at Dive Bars and when I had a co-write with my good friend Rebecca Chaney we ended up writing this idea that no matter who you meet a Dive bar is not a place to find a husband!”
Sweeney Sings
Push play to hear Emily’s infectious new song, “Dive Bar.”
Emily Answers
- From: Hanover, Massachusetts
- Grew up in: Hanover, Massachusetts
- Now lives in: Nashville, Tennessee
- Current single: “Dive Bar”
- What lead you to music: I truly am not sure what ultimately led me to music, but it has always been a part of me. I think music is what makes me feel alive and full of joy… it is what allows me to feel unapologetically human and helps me to process everything going on around me. I feel as throughout my life, songs have always met me right where I am. It is the closest thing to magic that I’ve ever experienced.
- How old when you started: I started singing when I was so young. Maybe 6 years old, after listening to Sara Evans and Sheryl Crow in the car growing up with my parents! I sang in my 3rd and 4th grade talent shows, and then in 4th grade wrote my first song.
- First country song you learned: The first country song I ever learned was, “Born To Fly” by Sara Evans.
- Instruments played: Guitar, Piano and Vocals.
- How would you describe your sound: I would describe my sound as more ‘outlaw’ country. Right now I am in a rock country phase with my songwriting and artistry. I will have an EP coming out later this year that digs even deeper into my singer/songwriter side, and I could not be more excited to explore that world, especially as I continue to record.
- Who inspires you: I am truly inspired by so many female songwriters here in Nashville. I look up to Natalie Hemby, Nicole Gaylon, Lori Mckenna – to just name a few. They have showcased in so many ways that it is possible to be a successful woman in country music, and also have a family. It is my biggest dream in life to be able to live as a songwriter, while also having a family someday. Additionally, my family and my friends inspire me through the ways they love me so fiercely, unconditionally – and the way they support me in my chase for this dream.
- Awards/accolades Most recently, cast to become a member on the new songwriting TV show, “Nashville’s Next Best Of Three,” that is now available to stream on the e360tv app. Other highly notable experiences in the industry would include graduating from Belmont University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Songwriting, along with a minor in music business; a mentorship with Academy Of Country Music award-winning keyboardist and producer Dave Cohen through Grammy U; and starring and singing in Belmont University student films Harper Rose and Struck.
- Dream duet partner: Every time my answer will be SHERYL CROW.
- All- time favorite country song: This is such a hard question, but the first songs that come to mind are “Crowded Table,” by The Highwomen and “Better Man,” recorded by Little Big Town.
- First country concert: A Jason Aldean concert at Fenway Park with Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett!
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: At the moment I am really loving “Chasing You,” by Maren Morris & Ryan Hurd, and “Settling Down,” by Miranda Lambert!
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I think If I wasn’t a musician I would be working at a race track. I grew up always wanting to go into Equine Sports medicine.
- Day Job: I work at Broadcast Music Inc.(BMI) in Nashville as a Research Associate, as well as working at Reese Witherspoon’s retail store, Draper James.
- Most proud moment: So far I think my proudest moment of my career has been graduating from Belmont University with my songwriting degree. I think about how much I have improved with my skills as a songwriter, and how much I have learned from my peers and teachers. I am grateful for how much I have grown as an artist and as a person, overall, especially being immersed in Belmont’s music scene.
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: The craziest thing that has ever happened to me in my music career has been filming a TV Show! In October I was cast in a new songwriting TV show called, “Nashville’s Next Best Of Three,” that is now streaming on the e360tv app! I got the chance to play some of my original music with a group of very talented songwriters, which was such an honor! We played for a panel of three judges, one of them being Jerry Foster, who has written songs for hit country artists like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams JR, Charley Pride, Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn!
- Other things you like to do: I enjoy spending time with my friends here in Nashville, attending rounds/shows, and experiencing all of the art I possibly can! I love cooking, going to the movies and continuously learning.
- Fun facts:
- I love pickle back shots!
- I’ve been getting the same Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee for 9 YEARS.
- I only ever paint my nails the color red!
- Mantra: It sounds cliche, but I think during this season of my life I tell myself all the time, “Don’t Give Up. And keep hustling.”
Engage With Emily
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
