We recently connected with Emma Ohm and have shared our conversation below.

Emma , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is my song, “Treasure” released in 2022. I lovingly refer to Treasure as “We are the World 2022 (or whatever year someone listens in), for many reasons. One being that this song was recorded and performed by musicians and my producer/engineer friend all the way across the world in Zambia. I sang the lead vocal in the States. The second reason behind the additional title is because this song is about unity. It’s about working together to make the world a safer and more loving place for the ones who make the world go round- children. The lyrics are simple, yet profound, easy to understand, yet full of depth if you dig a bit. When I’m not writing or playing music, I’m working with kids. I have a heart in particular for kids that have been through trauma or who have been misunderstood; I’ve worked everywhere from the Boys & Girls Club to an institution for children with varying forms of autism. It means the world to me to have an anthem that celebrates the beauty of children all around the world. I believe children are God’s expression of hope.

Emma , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Emma Ohm and I like to SHOCK people in the sweetest, boldest and most refreshing way. I am a kid at heart and an old soul through and through. One of the first songs I ever learned how to play and sing on guitar was “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” by soul legend Otis Redding at 13 years old. I began at this age too nervous to sing in front of others at first, so I hid in my crawlspace and became mesmerized at the simultaneous peace and thrill I felt when playing music. Just like that, an artist was born. I soon became much more confident and was playing shows and recorded my first record when I was 17. I established my music career in Nashville, holding a residency at the historic Lost Paddy and recording multiple more EPs during my 8 years there. Some of my biggest inspirations are Aretha Franklin, Lake Street Dive, Madison Ryann Ward, Tori Kelly, Kirk Franklin & Chaka Khan. My mission as an artist is to make music that makes people groove, but also makes them search for the truth. My music can range from uptempo to ballads, but a through line is that all of my songs possess an element of hope. Though my music is at this time secular, I do believe all of my songs are anchored in my faith in Jesus, and this element gives my music a power and a light that it would not have otherwise.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is giving people a voice. The job of an artist is to convey truth in a creative way, to articulate inner dialogue, pain, joys, and dreams in a way that is tangible and inspiring. I love when people connect with a song and say that I took the words out of their head, or was able to put into song an idea, concept, or string of thoughts that was previously elusive. Music has a powerful ability to create clarity for people and I love that I can help serve as a therapeutic and healing vessel. I believe in the “gifts of the spirit” and I love being able to utilize my gifts of healing and discernment to serve others through my music.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I moved from Nashville to Chicago after 8 years of building my career in Nashville. This was one of the best decisions because I believe I was in Nashville for a season, and that season expired and it was time for me to explore another music scene. Thankfully, I had family in Chicago so I had people I could connect with, and that support was extremely helpful as I made this pivotal move. I felt when I made the move initially that I was “giving up” as Nashville is music city and my career is in music. However, since being back in Chicago for the past year and a half, I have been proven so wrong. The music scene in Chicago is incredible and it has only benefitted me to expand my gigging and fanbase. Chicago is also not as saturated of a scene as Nashville, so it’s easier to stand out. And of course, I’m from Chicagoland, so there’s a certain nostalgia associated with being back home that I just love. The biggest advice I’d share with anyone who needs to pivot is to not be afraid of it, but rather to embrace the adventure and to find good people to help support and ground you throughout the experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emmaohm.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emma_ohm_musiq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmaohmofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaOhm

Image Credits

PonyPics Photography