“I’m not creating, chasing, or becoming something just because it’s popular — but because it feels real to me.” Emmy Adelle grew up balancing dualities — Midwest suburban routines and her half-Filipino heritage, hockey skates and piano keys, economics textbooks and Ableton sessions. Now based in Miami, the singer, songwriter, producer, and model is creating a sound that lives somewhere between genre and emotion — vibrant, vulnerable, and cinematic.

Her latest single, “About U,” is the perfect example. What started as a playful snippet in a hockey trick video turned into something far more personal — a late-night voice memo turned emotional release. It became a truly beautiful track that perfectly reflects its title: dreamy, atmospheric, and driven by an electronic pulse. It’s the kind of song that lets you feel everything at once — freedom, nostalgia, and that quiet ache of letting go. “It’s the kind of song you play with the windows down, when you can’t stop thinking about the good parts of someone while also trying to let go,” Emmy says.

In our interview, she talks about chasing creativity at 2am, trusting the slow build of momentum, and creating music that doesn’t just sound good — it feels like home.

photography by Beth Studenberg

“About U” began as a snippet for a hockey trick video — did you ever imagine that such a casual moment would lead to such an emotional, fan-favorite track? 

No, definitely not. At first, I posted the hockey trick video at the end of an Instagram carousel, just for fun. Later, I ended up recording some rough vocals on the track in my childhood bedroom. That was completely different from my usual process of working in a professional studio, and maybe that’s what made the lyrics feel so raw and honest.

I used the song in a few TikTok videos afterward. They received some support but didn’t gain much traction, so I figured I would never release it. Weeks later, I revisited the track, recorded a new late night voice memo around 2 am, and shared it at a DJ club meeting at the University of Miami. I ended up posting a simple clip from that meeting on TikTok at 1:34 am, not expecting anything from it. By the next morning, it had 10,000 views. Then 20,000. Now it’s sitting at over 180,000 and continues to grow, which is amazing to witness.

The response to that moment pushed me to take the song seriously, so I spent the next few weeks finishing it, getting it mixed by Jason Parris and mastered by Skyler Gibbons, who are both incredibly talented engineers.

It has been unbelievably exciting and almost emotional to see this track resonate with people. I never expected it to, especially after almost shelving it, but am grateful that it found its audience, and it makes me even more excited to share “About U” and other songs I used to be afraid to put out. It makes my day to see all of the positive comments and personal messages. Social media is one of my greatest fears and roadblocks, but it also allows these unexpected moments to happen.

I love this track — it’s perfect for cruising in the car and enjoying freedom and the moment. (smiles) If “About U” were a road trip, where would it take us?

What a great question, I’ll have some fun with this one. I feel like this track would take you on a long drive through the mountains or along the coast at sunset. Somewhere open, cinematic, and a little nostalgic. It’s definitely the kind of song you play with the windows down, and when you can’t stop thinking about the good parts of someone while also trying to let go. So, it might take us to a quiet beach as the sun sets, following a café run where we both grab a matcha. At the end of the road trip, we end up at a crossroads. We can: lay in the grass and look up at the stars, head home to vibe alone in our rooms, or throw on party attire and go clubbing. The track leaves a nice space for whatever we might need at that moment.

“Success looks like building a community around a feeling.”

There’s something powerful about a 2am thought turning into a lyric. What’s your creative process like when inspiration hits at unexpected hours?

Interestingly, my creativity only seems to strike at unexpected hours. I’ll be totally uninspired all day and then at 2 or 3am, a single line, feeling, or chord progression will hit and I’ll have to drop everything to record a voice memo or hop out of bed to open Ableton in my laptop. It’s chaotic yet special; those moments are when the most honest ideas seem to come through.

Being half-Filipino and growing up in the Chicago suburbs, how has your cultural background shaped your perspective as an artist?

Growing up in what one might call a “normal” suburban household, I really didn’t think pursuing music was realistic. I played hockey, tried my best in school, and followed the traditional route. My mom is from a farm-focused town in Iowa with a population of 200, and my dad’s an immigrant from the Philippines; that contrast between cultures and lifestyles definitely shaped me.

Not many people around me were chasing music or even entertainment industry passions more broadly, and the few that did were often looked at like they were out of their minds. Fun fact — I actually went to national hockey camps and turned down Division 1 hockey offers to have time to explore creative things like music and modeling. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it felt like the right one. I want people to know that even if no one around you understands your dream, if it’s something that feels real for you, you can absolutely make it happen.

You’re not just an artist — you’re also a producer, a model, and an economics major. What do you say to people who criticize the “doing-it-all” approach?

Interestingly and thankfully, I don’t get much criticism (yet) and more curiosity. People often message me asking, “So, what is next for you?” or “Do you have any advice on how to pursue multiple passions?” Both are questions that I sometimes ask myself, haha! And honestly, I think it works because everything I’m doing feels aligned and genuine. My audience seems to understand that as well. These aren’t separate boxes I’m trying to check. They’re all just parts of who I am, and things I’d still be doing even if no one was watching. My advice to anyone who feels drawn to something but is scared to pursue it is to go for it, but do it with balance. Make space for your passions, but also prioritize the people around you. At the end of the day, after interning in some rather intense corporate environments, I’ve learned that real fulfillment often comes from the relationships that ground you.

“Real fulfillment often comes from the relationships that ground you.”

What does success as an artist look like to you in 2025 — and has that vision changed over time?

From the beginning, what I really wanted was to share my art in a way that made people feel something. I wanted others to experience the kind of emotion I felt when listening to the songs that shaped me. My first two songs were pretty good (at least I think so), but “About U” and the songs coming after definitely feel different. They seem to be hitting people exactly where I hoped they would, in that emotional, nostalgic yet energizing space I love to create from.

Success in 2025 looks like building a community around that feeling. Whether it’s through live shows, social media, or someone texting me saying a song helped them through something, that kind of connection is what keeps me going.

I also spent summer 2024 interning at an investment bank while releasing my first single, which made me reflect a lot on what I value. Not just financially, but socially, mentally, and physically. Doing an intense job like that shouldn’t be underestimated, and while I do love finance and investing, it’s something I still think about often as I navigate my path.

I also play a bunch of instruments like piano, drum set, and guitar, and it would be really cool to work with producers who can help bring those elements to life in a track. Live instrumentation is something I’ve been wanting to lean into more.

Of course, it would also be amazing to collaborate with one of my artist inspirations in the electronic, indie, or pop and R&B spaces. Or to land a sync placement in a film. That’s definitely part of the dream too.

You’ve already had viral moments, a sold-out DJ show, and praise from major outlets. But what’s something small — something personal — that recently made you feel like you’re on the right path?

Something awesome I’ve discovered is that the “big” and “small” moments feel equally cool; I think I just love everything about the music scene. Recently, I woke up to a text from my friend’s mom saying she listens to my song every morning on her hot girl walk. It made me laugh but also meant a lot. It’s cool knowing the music is finding its way into people’s routines like that.

Also, I’ve also been seeing more messages and comments lately, from people saying the music makes them feel nostalgic, inspired, or like they want to dance or cry, sometimes all at once. I do my best to read and reply to all of them, and seeing those reactions is a huge reminder to keep going. Thank you!

“The track leaves space for whatever we might need in that moment.”

You’ve said this is just the beginning — what can fans expect from the next chapter of Emmy Adelle?

More vulnerability, more collaboration, and more experimentation. I’m working on an eventual EP that blends electronic production, organic instruments like guitar and piano, and honest storytelling in a way that feels scenic and real. Expanding my live presence in new cities through DJ sets, acoustic moments, and possibly even visual elements is something my team and I are actively planning.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how to bring music and fashion together in a way that feels true to my brand and how to potentially involve fans more in the creative process, whether that’s through behind the scenes content, early listens, letting them vote on track names, or even writing sessions! If a fan is reading this, feel free to message me any lyric ideas you might have.

Most importantly, I just want to keep making innovative songs that still feel comforting and familiar. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries while staying grounded in what connects.

The most important thing in life is? 

Happiness and staying grounded in who you are. With everything around us changing so quickly because of the internet and constant trends, it can be hard to tell what actually resonates with us and what’s just noise. For me, the most important thing is checking in with myself often and making sure I’m not creating, chasing, or becoming something just because it’s popular or “prestigious”, but because it feels real to me. And I hope my listeners can feel that through the music and the community around it.

Thank you so much for your time!

Thank you for having me; this was a blast.

Follow Emmy Adelle for more:
www.instagram.com/emmyyadelle