EMMA YUE

Emma Yue-  A Voice in Melbourne's Music Scene

Recently, I stumbled upon Emma Yue's music while browsing through a playlist online, and something about it instantly grabbed my attention. As soon as I hit play, I was hit with an authenticity and vulnerability that’s hard to find these days. Emma’s music is a beautiful blend of indie, folk, rock, and pop, but what truly stands out is the rawness in her lyrics. There’s a depth to her songwriting that feels incredibly personal, yet universally relatable.

I found myself gravitating toward her ability to articulate emotions in such an unfiltered, honest way—something that can be rare in today's often polished and commercialised music scene. It was easy to sense that Emma’s music wasn’t just something she creates for the sake of art—it’s an emotional outlet. She lets herself be completely vulnerable, whether she’s tackling heartbreak, anger, or introspection, and there’s something deeply cathartic about it.

The more I listened, the more I was drawn into her world. There’s a distinct authenticity in her voice, both in the way she sings and the way she writes. It was clear that Emma isn't just another artist trying to fit a shoe; she’s carving her own space in the industry, one that’s centred around being unapologetically herself. Her music offers listeners a space to feel, to heal, and to connect. After getting lost in her music for a while, I wanted to learn more about the person behind these powerful tracks.

So, I sat down with Emma Yue to talk about her journey, her music, and what’s next for this up-and-coming artist. Here’s how it went.

Talk to us about you!

I’m an indie, folky, rocky, pop gal from Naarm! I love a good yap, a good book, a fun night out, and a good cup of tea.

I grew up on Taylor Swift (because I’m full of unique and original experiences). I think her storytelling and the catharsis I can get from her music is a huge motivator and inspiration for me. I also grew up doing piano lessons and singing in The Australian Girls Choir, although I did have a couple of scary and off-putting teachers along the way!

It seems like you take a lot of influences into your music, but there’s something refreshing about it too.

Thank you, that’s so lovely of you to say!! You can definitely hear the Taylor Swift influence in my music, especially lyrically. But I tend to gravitate more toward a singer-songwriter meets indie rock vibe. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with more folky sounds too, and I’m really enjoying playing around with that style!

Your lyrics are very raw and relatable. It feels like you’re completely unapologetically yourself. Talk to me about that.

Being raw and honest in my lyrics is a really important part of my connection to songwriting. I often use songwriting as an outlet for my emotions and as a tool to help me work through whatever I’m feeling at the time. I do have a lot of sad or angry songs because, to be honest, I find those emotions harder to let go of sometimes. Writing about them helps me process and work through them. There’s something really cathartic about being able to express those feelings honestly, even when it’s tough.

You mentioned that your recent single felt like a time capsule—like you were able to get everything you wanted to say out. What sets this song apart from the others?

Yeah, that single is definitely one of my most stripped-back songs. We recorded it in three days, and it really felt like a snapshot of everything I was feeling at that time. Usually, I spend a bit longer in the studio, and my songs tend to have a bit more production, but with this one, I wanted to leave a lot of space for the emotion to come through. It felt right to keep it simple and focus on the catharsis of the moment.

You were recently in the studio with Triple J! How was that experience?

It was so much fun! I was approached by Triple J to be part of their Hottest Seat series, where we pick our favourite tracks for the Hottest 100. I haven’t been on air in a while, so I was pretty nervous, but it was an absolute honour to be part of such a cool experience. The nerves definitely made it a little more exciting though!

How would you describe your live performances?

Live performances are all about connection for me. Whether it’s feeling the energy between me and my band or seeing someone in the audience really vibing with the music—it’s all about sharing something special. To be able to perform songs I’ve written and see people connect with them in their own way is honestly mind-blowing. It’s like this little moment of magic where everyone is experiencing something together. It’s definitely one of the most exciting parts of being a musician.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got some new music in the works that I’m really excited to share with everyone. But my big dream is to go on tour one day, whether as a support act or on my own. I’m slowly working towards that, so fingers crossed it happens in the near future!

Emma Yue’s music is an invitation into a world of raw emotion, honesty, and growth. With her captivating blend of folk, indie rock, and pop, she’s undoubtedly an artist to watch as she continues to evolve and carve out her space in the music scene. From her candid songwriting to her down-to-earth personality, Emma is someone who knows exactly who she is and is unafraid to share that with the world. Keep an eye out for more from her in the future—she’s only just getting started.