Emma Peridot is driven to create music that will capture the hearts of masses, all while remaining unapologetic about who she is. Her alt-pop sound blends elements of pop-rock and electro-pop, and her lyrical content examines traditional themes of love, lust, angst and heartbreak. As a young LGBTQ+ pop artist, Emma is also getting vulnerable about anxiety, self-doubt, and insecurity, documenting her journey in a way that resonates with all those who feel misunderstood.
We recently chatted with Emma about her upcoming single, "Could've Been," set to be released on February 18, 2022.
Hi, Emma! Thanks for taking the time to meet with us. We were lucky enough to hear a preview of "Could've Been" and IT IS A BOP! Who are some of your musical influences?
Thank you so much! For this song in particular, Dua Lipa was a big influence. I actually started the song back in 2018 or 2019 and wasn’t sure what direction to take it, so I shelved it for a while. Then when Future Nostalgia came out in early 2020, I listened to it on repeat and got really inspired to revisit "Could’ve Bee"n and add that disco/80s flare to it, which totally transformed the track. In general, some of my biggest influences are indie pop/rock artists like Chelsea Cutler, FLETCHER, Christian French, Quinn XCII, PVRIS, and Olivia Rodrigo.
You're known for your transparency and vulnerability regarding topics like anxiety and self-doubt. What are some techniques you use to overcome these obstacles?
Talking through my anxious thoughts with loved ones, or at the very least writing them down, is usually my go-to coping mechanism for anxiety. Rather than just letting those thoughts race through my mind all day, I get them out! If I do that and still find myself stuck on those anxious thoughts, then it’s usually helpful to distract myself by doing something else. I’ll go for a walk, listen to music, cook, whatever I can do to get my mind off of it.
The best realization I made after trying to “be strong” and deal with my struggles all on my own for way too long is that you don’t have to go through these things alone. Talk to a friend, a family member, a significant other, or a therapist! It’s so helpful to confide in others and ask for the support you need. It’s honestly life changing to be able to get that weight off of your chest.
We are proud LGBTQ+ allies and we love discovering new artists. You've stated that you hope your songs resonate with those who feel misunderstood. What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?
One of my biggest aspirations is to be the kind of role model that I wish I would’ve had more of when I was around 13 and just coming to terms with my own sexuality. I’m so grateful that the world has progressed so much since I was that age. There is so much more LGBTQ+ representation in pop culture now. Overall, the message I hope listeners take away from my music is just to be unapologetically yourself. Life is way too short to be ashamed of who you are or unhappy. You are perfect exactly the way you are!
What goals do you hope to accomplish in 2022?
Play a ton of shows around the Midwest, perform at Pride Festivals and Music Festivals over the summer, release a handful of singles, and grow my social media following. My biggest goal is to open for a bigger artist on tour this year!
For more information, visit www.itsemmaperidot.com and follow Emma on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Spotify.