Emma Plant


TO. What are your inspirations, musically? Cat Empire transcends genre

I jump all over the place with your sound. Always been my original songs. When I started playing guitar, it was folky. Some people describe it as reggae. Some people say my music is like Janis Joplin. Music is constantly evolving.

Been doing solo work around Vancouver Island and Vancouver. Last summer was on tour with another band. Went to Calgary and the rest of BC.

West coast music.

TO. How would your fans describe your music and what our coffeehouse audience can expect?

TO. What's your favourite song -- and the story behind it?

Wizards -- it's a new song. Jazz chords. It's a story, about a wizard. He takes a person on a journey through the world and teaches him how to enjoy life. Just came to me all of a sudden. 

TO. What's your favourite song to cover?

I really like Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles. Side B of the White Album. It's another story song. I'm definitely a storyteller-songwriter. Sometimes I write from emotion. Some are just stories.


TO. What are some of your favourite places to play locally?


TO. What’s different about a coffeehouse show compared with other venues you've played?

Biggest venue I've played was a hockey arena on the island. Nanaimo Kinsmen Beer Festival.

20 years old. Been playing for a year.

Last summer I went on tour. Did some large music festivals. Going to try to direct energy to that.

Love the energy in performing. The energy. Playing my instrument. Stand-up base and electric base -- a little clarinet and cello.

Just do it because I like it -- and I hope others like my music too!