That search for identity shaped Emi’s early albums in Seattle (Curious Creature, Suitcase of Stones) and continues to guide her work — from her formative years studying ethnomusicology at Pomona College in Los Angeles (Galaxy’s Skirt, LOL), to jazz standards in Paris (Monochrome), to writing sessions and motherhood in Nashville (Blackbird Sessions).

What began as being miscast — a classical piano student — into a Seattle middle school jazz band became an life-changing introduction to improvisation and songwriting. These tools became a way of finding her voice and sense of belonging.