Emma Amiri-Ghaemmaghamy: Singer, Songwwriter and Musician

Emma Amiri-Ghaemmaghamy is an energetic 23 year old Rock chick who fronts hard Rock band, Static Era. She burst onto the New Zealand music scene backed by a solid three-piece band, her songs full of soul, melodic lyrics and plenty of attitude. Her all time dream is to have a successful career in the music industry. In 2012, it’s simply onwards and upwards.

ABOUT Emma Amiri-Ghaemmaghamy

“Born in New Zealand of Fijian, European-American, Iranian and Norwegian ethnicity, Emma G has been singing professionally and recording for a decade. Her musical influences are as broad as they are varied; from Tracy Chapman and Metallica to Pink and beyond.

Emma G’s strong rock vocals are now backed by her all new band ‘Static Era’, the heavy melody-led guitar of Chris Yong (Tadpole/ Redline) and the solid rhythm pairing of Craig Taylor (Second Theory) on bass and Dave Rhodes (Stylus) on drums.

Following a busy 2011 season, 2012 is set to be another exciting year for Emma G and the Band. Their new single ‘So Sore’ can be downloaded hot off the press from their Facebook ‘Static Era’ page as they continue winning audiences with their energetic melody-driven performances.”

5 KURIOUS KIWI QUESTIONS

Do you have interesting friends? I do. I’m a kurious kiwi, so in this LifeStyle section I ask them 5 Questions. Their responses are sometimes startling yet always thought evoking. I ask each of them a common question relating to a Cause they believe in and why it matters to them. Read on to share in their take on what they think really does matter.

As a 10yr old you picked up a pen and wrote ‘Look Around’ then recorded and released it? How did you make that happen at such a young age?

I was 5 when I decided to become a singer. I actually wrote down a list of the Top 5 things I wanted to be: Counsellor, Fashion Designer, Teacher, Mother and ‘Famous Singer’. It was also at that age that I wrote my first song “School is Cool”.

I’ve always loved writing music because it gave me an outlet to express myself. I was never the ‘popular girl’, and was always a bit geeky and weird, so writing music meant that I could be 100% me and still reasonably ‘cool’.

I wrote ‘Look Around’ at a friends place. We decided to have a day of songwriting, and ‘Look Around’ just kind of poured out of me. My mother is very political, so I’ve always been aware of how lucky we are in New Zealand compared to other countries so ‘Look Around’ became a song about being aware of poverty, misery and the harshness of the cruel yet beautiful world we live in.

I actually originally wrote it for a choir, but entered it into a songwriting competition held by the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Millennium Foundation, and was lucky enough to be one of the winners. The head of the Millennium Foundation took it and transformed it into an amazing RnB project with Marcus Taukiri from the Native Sons guest rapping.

It’s somewhat amusing to me now, as I am definitely no longer doing RnB music. My band ‘Static Era’ is hard rock but it’s a brilliant reminder of where I’ve come from, and how much I’ve developed as an artist.

What do you believe creates ongoing success in your Industry?

I think the more important question is “what is success in the music industry?” For some it’s the ability to live off their music, others it’s the ability to connect with their fans through instrumental, vocal and lyrical expression, others it’s ‘fame’ (whatever that means!) or a number one album.

My personal idea of success is the ability to connect with as many people as possible through the medium that is my band. Our songs are very personal to me (I did write them after all!) and for other people to listen to, relate to and love what we do is the best possible thing for me!

We’re working towards being able to make a living from what we love to do — rocking out with our fans! As for what makes that possible? A positive attitude, hard work, great music, loving what we do, determination and LOTS of laughter.

Tell us about a Cause you believe in, why is it important to you?

Each member of the band will have a different answer to this question, but for me personally, I’m a huge supporter of Starship Hospital. I have personally benefited from their services, and really appreciate what they do on a day to day basis for children’s health.

Five ‘Creatives’ that totally rock your world and how?

Number one would be Pink Floyd, they are nothing but musical geniuses. I would completely LOVE to rock out with, and learn from them! Evanescence would be amazing as well. Amy Lee is definitely one of my favourite vocalists, and to be able to work with her would be ridiculous!

Lacuna Coil is definitely another one, Cristina Scabbia has been one of my most respected vocalists for years! Fourth even would be Pink and Halestorm; two female front women with hella attitude! And both have definitely inspired me! Fifth would be Max Martin, he’s the most AMAZING songwriter, and writes for everyone!

What’s the universal message of your generation. What things matter to them?

My generation? Or the rest of the band’s? Haha. Personally, I’m not all that sure! For many, I think technological advancement is important to them. My generation is referred to as Generation ID (I Demand) which says a lot. But I think it’s steadily changing.

More and more people my age are becoming politically aware, environmentally aware and are developing firmer opinions on the world which I think is great. We need people to be passionate about the world we live in! It’s not all about Lady Gaga and iPads.