Ema Jean is a Montreal-born singer-songwriter whose music strikes a rare balance between grit and elegance. Drawing on the unfiltered sincerity of 1970s icons like Rickie Lee Jones, Ellen McIlwaine, and Nick Drake, her sound also pulses with the enigmatic modernity of artists such as Aldous Harding and Laura Marling. The result is a genre-fluid tapestry—soulful, unpredictable, and profoundly resonant. Blending folk roots with elements of jazz, soul, and global influences, Ema’s music invites both deep listening and emotional connection. A lifelong performer, she has toured internationally, released three acclaimed independent albums, and built a devoted following with standout tracks like “Telephone Wires” and “Be My Lover.” Her latest album, Emanuelle Kami, marks a bold evolution in her artistry—while her upcoming single, out September 26, 2025, signals a powerful return to her folk origins.
Name:
Ema Jean
Genre:
Folk, Indie
Founded:
The year I was born (1994) in a sense… but more officially in 2015 when I put out my first album.
# of Albums:
3
Latest Album:
Emanuelle Kami
Latest Single:
Kiss the Sun
Latest Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0XpCNL9zVI
Favourite musician growing up:
Regina Spektor, Smashing Pumpkins, Erykah Badu, Nirvana
Favourite musician now:
Aldous Harding, PJ Harvey, Laura Marling, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Lhasa de Sela
Guilty pleasure song:
Take a Bow by Rihanna or Paparazzi by Lady Gaga
Live show ritual:
Matcha & a selfie in my stories to amp myself up.
Favourite local musician:
She’s not really local anymore, but Charlotte Cornfield
EP or LP?
I like both formats for different reasons. But I love the full statement of an LP.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird generally
Road or studio?
Both, depending on the internal and external seasons
Any shows or albums coming up?
My latest single, called Kiss the Sun, came out on September 26th. And I have a little tour through Ontario later this season, beginning in Montreal on October 21st at Quai des Brumes
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Pumpui, Depanneur Le Pick Up
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Marie-Anne, cause it’s gorgeous and vibrant, but also calm and brings me a sense of peace
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Lafontaine—lung of the city!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Quai des Brumes
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Cheap Thrills
