KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — A young Kensington musician has realized a special moment in her budding career.
Emily Smith, who performs as emi claire, recently released her first single titled Lavender Town.
“It’s nice to know the song is out there and that I actually put something out,” said the 16-year-old daughter of Chris and Claire Smith.
“It’s a weird thing to think about.”
Emi claire, who began writing Lavender Town in November 2019, explained the song is meant to provide an abstract look at addictions or bad habits.
“It’s supposed to be as abstract as those situations can be. It’s not really about one specific thing. It’s more so about not being able to kick something that makes you imperfect.”
“It’s nice to know it’s out there and that I actually put something out. It’s a weird thing to think about.”
- emi claire
Emi Claire, who says her performer’s name came from being called emi as a short form of Emily and Claire, which is her middle name, has received lots of feedback, including people telling her they are listening to Lavender Town and that the song is on their playlist.
“Even just that is amazing to me,” said emi claire, who will enter Grade 11 at Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside in September.
“It’s really interesting because it’s not just something scribbled in a notebook anymore. It’s something that people are listening to.”
The song is available on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes and the family’s YouTube channel – Smith Family Music Studio.
WATCH: YouTube video of emi claire singing Lavendar Town:
Chris, who handled the producing, recording and mixing, said it took about six weeks to get the song live for streaming due to unexpected delays caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Island musicians Todd MacLean (piano), Shawn Doiron (snare drum) and Jon Matthews (mastering) are also featured in the single.
“Considering the pandemic, it worked out great,” said Chris.
Emi claire said she learned a lot about recording, especially how long of a process it can take.
“It was really interesting to see how much has to get done to get one song done,” she said.
Proud moment
Chris said it was a proud moment for him and Claire when Lavender Town was released. He said emi claire deserves all the credit.
“We always say we are her biggest fans, but she deserves it,” said Chris. “Claire and I are proud of her because she’s our daughter, but we are pretty amazed at what she’s capable of with her writing and performing.”
No stranger to performing, she has held lead roles in several productions and was a cast member of Anne & Gilbert, The Musical, presented at The Guild in 2019. She and her brother, Brennan, have been asked back to the show this summer.
“We are not sure what that’s going to look like, but they are pretty excited to start performing,” said Chris.
Music is a big part of the Smith family as both Chris and Claire are musicians. Emi claire’s siblings, Megan, 18, and Brennan, 14, also participated in a Lavender Town video, along with their parents. Her sister, Sky, 19, is a big supporter of her family’s accomplishments and has previously participated in musical theatre with her family.
“We are trying to help their careers and give them a little push in the right direction,” said Chris.
“They have a lot of opportunities because we can do recordings right here in the house.
“We are starting to do more videos as well because YouTube is so popular.”
It also provides an opportunity for the Smith family to perform and have some fun together.
“For us, it gives us a chance to play with the kids and give them a helping hand along the way,” said Chris.
Here's how to follow emi claire (Emily Smith) online:
