Who’s Up Next? - Egee
The Austin-based songstress joins us to talk about her artistry, upcoming shows and creative process.
Marissa Kaye @someokayphotos, Photographer
Joho: Hi Egee! I’ve recently gotten the chance to check out all of your singles and I think saying I’m impressed would be an understatement. Your sound is so refreshing. What can you tell us about how your music career got started?
Egee: Thank you kindly! According to my mom, I’ve been singing and writing songs about my life since I could talk. Evidently, I process existence through storytelling and melody. I guess my career started in earnest when I started making my first single in Fall of 2021.
Joho: As a fellow Louisiana native, I could instantly pick up the jazzy elements of your music. How has your upbringing shaped your artistry and songwriting?
Egee: It would have been hard to ignore the brilliant sounds of jazz and blues in Louisiana. My mom used to help put a small music festival in Shreveport, Louisiana called the Highland Jazz and Blues festival; that’s where I was first introduced to live music – the sounds of Henry Gray and the Rebirth Brass Band to give you an idea. I was also inspired by pop radio as a kid, and musical theatre (which my parents stuck me in because of the compulsive singing and inclination for drama and dance). With anyone, it’s always a combination of nature and nurture.
Marissa Kaye @someokayphotos, Photographer
Joho: Your 2021 single “Staring at You” features a more distinctive pop sound in comparison to the jazzy, bluegrass sound of last summer’s “Disappointed but Not Surprised” or even the more Rock-based elements on your most recent single “La Mer”. How would you say your songwriting has evolved over the years?
Egee: I write all kinds of music. What has evolved is what kind of music I want to share with a broader audience/perform on stage. For a long time that was none of them. Then I made “Staring at You” as sort of a calling card in preparation for my move to Austin—as if to say here’s what I can do right now! It felt right to start my career on a joyous note. Who doesn’t like a pop tune? Passion strings all the singles together, but thanks to lots of journaling and time spent in creativity I’m honing my genre: rock-n-roll cabaret.
Joho: Listening to your music, I'm reminded of some early Maroon 5, parts of Maggie Rogers, a bit of MisterWives and Melanie Martinez, yet you still have an element of uniqueness that makes a 1:1 comparison not do justice. Who are some of your influences and how has your experience been with finding ways to establish a sound of your own that doesn't lean too heavily on them?
Egee: I also find 1:1 comparisons difficult thank you for verbalizing that. I’m constantly inspired by other artists, but I feel like they shaped my worldview and life trajectory and thus my sound. Artists like Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Florence and the Machine, Lana del Rey, Hozier, Arctic Monkeys (I mean the list goes on and on) affected me as a person. I never set out to start making music like someone else. I never “set out” to start making music! To me, every song I’ve ever connected with is felt in my music, but the final track always ends up an Egee song – in my humble opinion.
Marissa Kaye @someokayphotos, Photographer
Joho: Your song "Disappointed but Not Surprised" is an anthemic fan-favorite that has caught on with so many people. What can you tell us about how that song came about?
Egee: If you connect with this tune, I’m sorry you had to go through that. “Disappointed but Not Surprised” was born out of the feeling that you saw tragedy coming and still couldn’t avoid it. Sometimes it seems you can’t outrun your own youth, and by youth, I guess I really mean naivete. Sometimes I mourn the days before I knew better, but I think what makes this song have its anthemic quality, is the wakeup call that…like…you clocked the tea from the jump… so to speak. With the realization that you have wherewithal, there comes a reckoning of power. Power over your own situation means people can’t take advantage of you in that way again. This song is a turning point, and for me, it was a really important one.
Joho: Your latest single "La Mer" has been supported by a very tasteful, vintage visual identity in its branding and promotional material. What inspired this look and how do you feel it represents the vibe you want the song to express?
Egee: I really have to give credit where credit is due. I went w*g shopping at Coco Coquette here in Austin, and let the wind take me. I tried on seven w*gs. At first, I thought Egee would have a short black bob a-la Cabaret (Liza Minnelli’s “Sally Bowles”), but as soon as I put on that seventh one I knew I’d met Egee in her final form. That in combination with the right pair of eyelashes…se magnifique! Simialrly to my thoughts on songwriting, I didn’t concoct a look to achieve a pre-specified purpose, I am just finding chords and words and clothes and hair that speak to me and saying yes to my fancies. I could psycho-analyze myself, but I’ll leave that to the professionals.
Marissa Kaye @someokayphotos, Photographer
Joho: I know you've been hard at work on your debut album for some time. What can you tell us about this project and when can we expect to see it?
Egee: Goodie, one could say I’ve been working on my “debut album” since 1999; as you know good-ie things take time. Folks should expect another single next, and hopefully a larger collection within a year. I solemnly swear I chip away at the monolith every day. There is a lot more that goes into an artist project (to use Chappell’s language) than just recording music. My live shows feature an album’s worth of material though, so check one of those out in the meantime!
Joho: What does your creative process look like when making new songs?
Egee: Usually, the acoustic guitar beckons me from across the room or I make up a melody in the car that I can’t get out of my head. It usually starts as a voice note. From there, I work to finish the arrangement to the best of my ability. This involves writing down the lyrics and re-recording a fully realized melody. Then I bring it to the band, and we work out how each instrument is involved. I’m really lucky to have found such thoughtful and talented musicians to work with, who honor the song and my vision. My collaborators include (in order of appearance): Arib Qureshi (bass), Nathaniel Ogren (guitar), Zach Russell (drums), Nic Gwin (guitar), and Jagger Leone (keys). I should also shout out David Messier and Andre Cantave at Same Sky Productions in Austin for being my home away from home and place wherein these songs are rehearsed, engineered, tracked, and mixed as of late.
Marissa Kaye @someokayphotos, Photographer
Joho: Who are some of your favorite artists in the Austin Music Scene that you have collaborated or done shows with?
Egee: There are so many talented musicians in Austin it’s actually staggering and warps my perception of reality. It seems anywhere in the city you can throw a rock and hit someone who…rocks. To name a few (and honestly I hate this question because I’m going to leave someone out) Kiki Machine, Wolf Bradley, Grace Womack, Eddie Angel, Slurp the World, Montclair, Alexi 8 Bit, Secret Siren, Bubba Lucky, John Scott, Lainey Gonzales, and Peyton Medina. Those are just folks who I’ve gotten the opportunity to share a bill with. The list of acts in Austin that I love and respect is never-ending, really grows every day.
Joho: What’s next for Egee? Any upcoming shows or exciting projects we should be looking out for?
Egee: I have a show on April 25th at Stubbs and May 10th at Continental Club both in Austin, TX! We’re going to be spending the summer recording and make content for you divas, so catch us in the spring or hold you horses ‘til the fall!
Joho: Can we find your music on all streaming platforms? Where else can we stay updated on news about Egee?
Egee: You sure can. The best way to keep up to date is by following me on Instagram @egeemusic and Tik Tok @egeemusic.
