Life & Work with Emily Dickinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Dickinson.

Hi Emily, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a musician currently based in Los Angeles, CA. My story started as a child as I understand it, with an immense love for music of all kinds. My family always had music on and instruments around. I have a vivid memory of plucking the strings of an acoustic guitar or hitting a key on the piano and being in awe of the resonance that sounded. It held so many feelings and potential and quite frankly, was magic to me! As I grew a bit older I was put in piano and percussion lessons and worked my way up to classical piano competitions and the philharmonic orchestra. I also played in jazz and funk fusion groups as a teenager. At the time, I thought my future was in my hometown of Tucson, AZ but it seems that was simply the beginning!

Fast forward to today – I have lived in California over ten years and have had the honor of performing with huge names, recording sessions, multiple bands, tours, and film spots. The path certainly wasn’t easy but it has formed who I am today, which I am very proud of. I have become the woman of my wildest dreams and I am so happy and grateful for my journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wish I could say it was, but it really hasn’t been. The entertainment industry, in any capacity, takes a strong will and drive to keep picking yourself up after so many “No’s” and letdowns. You’ve got to be hungry! Find a way to turn negatives into positives and make it work for you! My most recent obstacle was the exit from my last band:

I had been hired on as keys and background vocals for a rising alternative rock band (We even practiced in the garage! Super grungy). I was all in with the project and felt they really loved me too, even giving me more of a spotlight and including me on writing. I was asked to sing more so I took lessons and before I knew it; I had a duet with my lead singing debut ahead of me! Sounds all good, right? Well, you see, I have found that girls sometimes get a little weird about me. The lead singer got a new girlfriend over the summer and she was not particularly fond of a female in the band. Before I knew it, it was all gone. The music I loved playing. Everything we had built the last year. My bandmates even gave me the cold shoulder. To make matters worse, I found this out online.

I was so disappointed I actually decided to quit music. I had never ever thought that before in my whole life. I was tired of let down after let down and my favorite thing in the world didn’t feel fun anymore. Shortly after that, I was tapped for a Vegas showcase and it ended up breathing new life into me! It sent me soaring to new heights I had only seen in my dreams. I was appreciated and valued by top professionals that pushed me to be an even better musician. And to think; I tried to turn that gig down three times!! Haha. It just goes to show you can’t hide from your path. I believe in destiny and although the prior band didn’t work out; I gained so much from it. And hey, even a new singing skill! (That’s been fun!). It’s things like this that catapult you to new levels and keep pushing the edge of talent. Lean into it!

There is something to gain from every challenge, and I am so grateful for my journey as it has made me who I am today! A dear friend told me “Before the hand of God comes down to bless you, you see the shadow first.” I heard this right after that final Vegas showcase, where I found ME again. And a better version at that. 🙂

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a musician! I play a variety of instruments (drums, keys, synth, percussion, mallets, etc.). I also dabble a little on guitar! I believe what sets me apart from others is my stage presence. After all, when you attend a show you listen with your eyes! When I moved back out to Los Angeles in 2016, I was lucky enough to be surrounded by touring professionals who helped mold the stage character I’ve become. I’d like to make the audience feel just like I do when I’m seeing my favorite band. Completely absolved into the music like it’s the soundtrack to my life. It’s an indescribable euphoria I’m happy to give back to others if I am able to.

One mentor I had was absolutely crazy on stage. He’d jump off an amp and land on the wrong note, but man did that look cool!! Not that it’s okay to hit a lot of wrong notes (haha!), but I learned there how important putting on a show is. That being said, not all songs require a full rock out. You’ve got to know when to shine and when to hold the space. It’s all about the song at the end of the day.

Additionally, I’m proud of several musical accomplishments! I had a pop band for many years called Paper Jackets. We made some waves! I have enjoyed touring with them and other artists. I loved getting to know new genre’s like EDM where I played drums and keytar for Dj Frank Walker at Ultra Miami. I have also played on NBC’s “The Voice” and Hulu’s “How I Met Your Father” which gave me a taste of the filming industry outside of music videos. I also love being in the studio and just creating moods and feelings with sounds.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Haha! Well, some might say I’m an odd one. I was homeschooled and I’m told my thoughts and ideas are a bit left of center. I’ve learned to lean into that and appreciate an “alternative” way of looking at the world. Growing up I was very shy and probably the fullest potential of a weirdo. But I truly don’t think I would be who I am today if I grew up like every other kid. So, thank you, Mom and Dad!

I got curious about the school system and attempted to join inter-scholastic activities (like band camp) at the public schools in town. For one reason or another, I always got kicked out. I wasn’t a bad kid! For example, I was removed from the snare drum line. I was paired with the other girl in class, and it was clear she had no interest in sharing her rudiment (sheet music) book. I wanted to be there so bad and thought there had to be a way around that issue. So, I just watched and listened to everyone else and jumped in. The girl’s mother was on the school board, and before I knew it, I was done with band camp. Are you seeing a reoccurring pattern here? Haha.

At 16 I was able to attend community college and dive into music theory, jazz, and deeper music study. I was admittedly horrible at the general education stuff, but in music I was always top of the class. One summer I arranged a symphonic piece of music for the percussion section. I was tired of having music that was either too easy or too hard for all of us at different skill sets, so I decided to create something that was equally as challenging for us all. I’m happy to report I got a smile out of my usually stern percussion teacher (think the movie “Whiplash”).

I think growing up as, for lack of better words, the odd one or even the runt; has set the tone for my life and I’ve learned through hard work how to blossom in that space.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ylime.music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ylime.music
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ylimemusic

Image Credits
Rich Royale, Lucky Shot Photography, Sheri Hastings, Tyler Miles, Jessica Czarnecki, Christa B. Allen