Emily Drinker Quenches Our Thirst for New Music
By Lauren Silvestri
During this unprecedented time marked by social distancing and self-quarantine, we are all craving new music like never before. Fortunately, local singer-songwriter Emily Drinker gives us something to look forward to with her just released single “Starting to Feel.”
“I was originally hesitant to share new music during the pandemic, but it turns out that people are eager to listen to and connect with music right now,” says Drinker.
The five-minute track is a mid-tempo, R&B-tinged ballad that showcases the wide range of Drinker’s vocals. The song was inspired by a friends-with-benefits relationship she had a few years ago that became more complicated with unanticipated emotions. “I’m starting to feel something, I think you are too, don’t worry I’m not falling in love with you,” she croons, before admitting later in the song “I’m feeling so close to you… won’t you stay the night, every time?”
“The song expresses the vulnerability I felt at the time, as I pleaded with the other person to surrender a bit more of [himself] to the relationship and to let down some of his walls,” she explains. “It feels a bit odd to share the song now, over two years after it was written and after those complicated feelings have died down, and it’s been interesting to see many listeners interpret it as a love song, since it’s not quite that for me. I am realizing that I can re-interpret the song and attach new meaning to it each time I perform it.”
Fortunately, Drinker was able to perform this song live before the COVID-19 shutdown. The song was recorded over a year ago and it became a fan favorite at her shows. “It feels amazing and cathartic for me to sing it. It’s slow and soulful, and the band always slays. Mykk Hoffman destroys the guitar solo every time. When the boys nail their harmonies on the chorus it feels blissful,” she says. Fans after the show constantly asked Drinker about the song and where they could find it. “All of that positive feedback from folks in the audience propelled me to record it and include it on this album,” she remarks.
Drinker hopes to release the full-length album sometime this fall. So far her band has recorded seven tracks at Kawari Sound in Wyncote, PA. As soon as the world opens up again she plans to return to the studio with her band to finish the album. “The album is quite eclectic and has some folky songs, some rock, a country tune. Thematically, the album is similar to [‘Starting to Feel’]; basically every song on this album is about growing up, coming of age, and feeling confused, angry, or sad about boys!” says Drinker.
Despite the pandemic turning her life as a musician upside down, Drinker is feeling optimistic about the future. “When quarantine is over I hope to be at a live show cheering my face off. Better yet, I hope to be onstage with my band playing music together again. I’ll hug everyone I know and love,” she says.
“Starting to Feel” is now available on all digital streaming platforms. You can also check out a live, stripped down version of “Starting to Feel” from a recent Sofar Sounds show, and here’s a full band version from a WXPN session.
Lauren Silvestri has been a music journalist for the past 10 years. She has a huge passion for rock n' roll, the Philly music scene and independent music venues. Find her on Twitter at @ROPLaurenSil.
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