Emei is ready for heading for supremacy. The American-based artist who got her start on Chinese Idol at 15 has been releasing a slew of brilliant singles in anticipation of her sophomore album, Cynical. From the clever, dark 'Scatterbrain' to the catchy 'Cynical', Emei has built a solid fanbase through her relatable lyrics over playful beats. The new single out today 'Don't Know About the World' dives deeper into Emei's world, a more introspective, thoughtful single in the lead up to the EP release in Ocotber. We spoke to the artist about the upcoming project, because we simply had to get to know her:

We love your recent single Cynical. Tell us about creating it. What was inspiring you?

Thank you so much! I actually wrote Cynical on the day that I released my last EP. I was so excited and also nervous and also stressed and all those feelings went into the song that day. I was mostly just frustrated that my emotions were ruining what should be a really great day. And so, we started with the line "why do i have to be so cynical".

We also need to ask you about Scatterbrain. We’re obsessed. Tell us about writing that song? How did it make you feel?

I actually spilled coffee on myself on the way to that session that morning and was running very late. So, once I got there, I had to write about feeling scatterbrained constantly and needing someone or something to calm me down. The song unraveled pretty fast with the help of Kyle Reynolds, Boyblue, and Kunfetti, and when we wrote the chorus, I immediately knew the song was something special. I just couldn't stop listening to it!

Who have you been working with on your music that has been helping to shape your sound?

So many amazing collaborators!!! Boyblue, Skyler Stonestreet, Jon Buscema, Cameron Hale, Kyle Reynolds, Deza, Myles Avery, Jordan Lewis, Liiv, to just name a few!! I'm so lucky to have so many incredible creative people around me that I draw from/get inspired from.

What have you learnt about yourself from making the Cynical EP?

I've learned that I really love to make things that go outside of the box. I started making music first in indie singer-songwriter land, and then I started moving into pop world and alt-pop world, and recently I've just really wanted to make a lane for myself and follow my instincts without any limitations or boxes.

How has your upbringing influenced your sound? Who were your musical influences growing up?

I'm a theater kid through and through so I was inspired a lot by jazz and musical theater and really dramatic, theatrical pop music like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga and storytellers like Sara Bareilles and Joni Mitchell.

Ultimate collaboration?

Can't answer this: Too many people to choose from! And I'm too indecisive.

We loooove your visuals. Tell us how you bring this part of your world to life? What influences you visually?

Omg thank you so much that means a lot!! I work with my creative director, Brooke Shapiro, and my director, Aser Santos, to really bring my visuals to life. They both inspire me and understand my vision. We've been drawing a lot from Tim Burton and Alice in Wonderland recently, but it definitely changes shoot to shoot.

Is fashion important to you? Who are your style icons? Which brands or designers do you love?

Yes! When I have a good outfit on, I feel like I can take over the world. It gives me confidence like nothing else! Style icons would be Sharon Tate, Kendal Jenner, Selena Gomez etc!

What has been inspiring you lately? Can be anything!

I've been reading a lot recently! I just finished Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid and it was so good and inspirational!!!

Once this is out in the world, what’s next for Emei?

I'm working on an EP!!! So excited about it. There's so much more music in the works and my very first headline tour coming up in November. The dates are selling out so fast it's been surreal, and I'm counting down the days.

Listen to Emei HERE.

@its.emei