Emily Martin and her band is a blend of intrepid lyrics and modern folk-mountain sound, born in Asheville, North Carolina. Cheeky-haunting originals collage with covers that explore the edge where change and tradition meet, asking open-ended questions.
Emily found Sarah Schultz (violin, mandolin, vocals, keys) and Bryan Streett (guitar, harmonica, vocals) through the good grace of fate, but her sister Charlotte Martin (vocals) cinched the line-up- Em & The Innocent Mischief. While also calling on other local musicians that provide drums, pedal steel guitar and bass for performances and recording, the band is a collaborative force inspired by Em’s songwriting. Emily and her band can now be found performing in mostly the Western North Carolina area under Emily Martin. Having a penchant for the sweet spots of arrangement and connection, their sound is filled with nostalgia and leaves a hopeful resonance.
More about Em….
As a child, growing up in New England, she was soft spoken and observed the world through a timid lens. After some hard life experiences and navigating grief she had a dire need to start writing songs. She started playing guitar and banjo to express and relate to others in her late 20’s. She moved south from Massachusetts to Asheville, NC in 2018. Bold and overflowing with creativity she started making up for lost time, busking and playing her songs for a new landscape.
Reflecting on her past and weaving themes of growth, loss, nature and coming of age, her writing has a relatable and soulful tone. She believes music can help others find strength, listen deeper and move in a restorative direction to build waves of alliance.