Tamara Jenna
- May 9, 2022
- 5 min read

FEATURED ARTIST * Emeka* Shoot Your Shot REVIEW + INTERVIEW

FEATURED ARTIST

Emeka

Canberra, Australia

BACKGROUND

Emeka is an artist who resides in Australia but originates from the UK. He started making music just under a year ago - July 2021. His latest release entitled 'Shoot Your Shot' is a Valentine's day themed song that is centred on the idea of a love that's worth waiting for. A love that makes all the previous attempts at love worth it. It's a track that details some lessons that he has learnt on his own pursuit for love, so that any listener can also understand how to attain a similar feel of love. Emeka's biggest influences are his grandparents Linda and Anagha, stating that "they are the reason I create music in the first place." That is so beautiful and something I can relate to myself. The biggest influences on his sound however, include rappers Wretch 32, Cadet, Kano, and Drake.

So let's get listening and see what we think shall we?

REVIEW

Shoot your shot captured me INSTANTLY with its trap drum loop and RnB vocal chops. I was swaying my head bad! As the beat progressed with a heavy 808, kick and dreamy piano synth I was sold. As the lead vocals make their way into the mix, we hear spoken word, backing vocals before a slow rap wraps you in the admiration this artist has for a woman. I'm always down for these vibes! This artist has a beautiful voice and a beauty in his soul, you can tell that he means his words. On thing I would say is that the vocal layers are a little too conflicting, we lost sight of the artist's soulful tone. I want to hear it fully for all that it is! This is a great track though and the artist is mad talented don't get me wrong. It'll be on my sex playlist for sure. I would suggest bringing the backings down and raising the lead vocal so we can really hear it! Having said that, I've had it on three times in a row because I love the song so much. I cannot believe how much talent has come out of an artist who has been in the game no longer than a year so far. Self-development is key to this artist and you can hear that in his words. This song focuses on the preparation required to experience a pure kind of love. The song speaks of a craving, a search for something meaningful and most importantly, the type of love that's strong, firm and secure. This artist sees a woman as a diamond in the rough. Go get your girl! Click the link below to hear it! Get it on your playlists or catch it on TJPL News' Spotify playlist! If you scroll down you'll catch my interview with Emeka where I get into the soul behind the song.

STREAM HERE

INTERVIEW

What would be your ultimate achievement for your latest single?

At this stage really the ultimate achievement is continued growth coupled with further refinement of my craft. I only started releasing music under a year ago, so for me this single is an achievement, in itself, in terms of the continued raise in the production quality, lyrical value, and creativity of my music.

Is there a particular vision that you had when putting the song together?

Definitely. My collective vision across my music is storytelling, letting others know the true reality of my experience (not just my highs but also my lows), so as to help you in your journey and your experience. This song definitely embodies that vision and explores the concept of a dream love, a love that’s worth waiting for, a love that is right.

If you could define music in one short sentence (no cheating) what would you say?

My refuge.

When did you first realise that you had the potential to be an artist?

Understanding that this may be taken in the wrong way, due to the assuredness of this statement, I’ve always had a belief that I was born to do great things, so that’s what gave me the base understanding of my capacity to achieve in a variety of areas. What really got me aware of my potential for music was my grandfather, an extremely successful and talented man himself, he always provided me with advice and words that further encouraged my own self-belief, and he loved to hear me sing and loved the song I wrote about him.

Is there a memory that has stuck in your mind as the turning point for you?

When my grandma passed. When evaluating her life and her successes, and how she fought to live out her dreams, I knew I had to do the same for myself in my life, because I want to die knowing I did what I believe I was born to do.

How would you define your sound?

I’d say my sound is derives from the UK, influenced by elements of grime and UK HipHop, and influenced by legends in the UK Music scene such as Cadet, Wretch 32, and Kano. My sound is layered and complex, its for those who love to analyse the deeper, human side of life.

Cubase, Protools, or neither?

Neither. Studio One all day

This might be a tricky one but Studio vs Live - Which do you prefer and why?

Live is raw and engaging, and to be honest my studio produced music retains a raw undertone. I’d have to go with studio though, studio allows a greater breadth of adjustments, layering, refinements, and I love going into the studio with the goal of producing and refining greatness, just like Mahalia does

How do you collaborate with vocalists and other artists?

I’m part of a variety of music networks, as well as having some friends outside of those that are musicians. Shoutout to my Industry Takeover network, that’s got to be the biggest network that I’m a part of and it’s an honour to be a part of that.

If you had the opportunity to work with one of your favourite musical artists, who would you most like to collaborate with and why?

Wretch 32 is the person I’d love to collab with, he’s a lyrical genius, he teaches a lot through his lyrics, just like I aim to do, and he’s big part of the reason I love music so much. I have a song written in his honour ‘Wretch’s Cadet’, and I reference him in some of my other work. Our styles mesh nicely together, it’d be awesome

What are your future plans?

There’s a lot that’s been happening recently, and a lot to come. We’ve just dropped new merch, we’re preparing 2 albums, and growing out our fanbase. Lot’s lots more to come, different styles of music to keep things fun and interesting. A lot of work to be done to get these songs ready for your ears and playlists, work that is fun because I truly love the creation of music and I’m blessed to be an artist.

What can we look forward to for the rest of 2022?

I mentioned new merch, right? We’ve dropped some cool new merch so be sure to check it out, every purchase helps support us providing you music to fuel your growth. That’s far from the only exciting thing to come though, I’m working on some collabs with some other artists and there’s plenty more songs amazing songs (including Icarus which is now out) to come this year! I’m really, really excited for what’s to come.

Where can we find the track? Links to socials and distribution handles

Stream Shoot Your Shot: https://listen.officialemeka.com/shootyourshot

Get Your Merch: https://emekas-merch.myshopify.com/

Website: http://officialemeka.com

Insta: https://instagram.com/officialemeka_

Learn More: https://listen.officialemeka.com/emeka

Music Video: https://youtu.be/Fony5qhRlcc