As part of our Music Made Us campaign, BIMM student Emily Ormiston tells us what inspired her route into music, why she studies an MA and what drew her to London.
Who inspired your route into music?
My parents love music, and I grew up listening to musicals and performing on stage. I always wrote poems and songs but never knew that could be a career. As a child, I got into professional theatre and again as a young adult, taking a year break in between to study on a pop vocals course. I did well in writing and arrangement sessions, but again never really thought of pursuing it further.
I’ve recently fallen head over heels for pop music. It seems like UK music has found a new kind of gritty edge, and that’s so exciting to combine with all the sounds and techniques that have been developing internationally over the years.
I still think the key ingredient is the truth though. It’s the eternal butter of bangers! You can’t beat honesty because we all feel similar ways, and when combined with music, it seems to permeate straight to the soul. Just like in Moana when she walks right up to the lava monster and sings, ‘this is not who you are’ (I wept!) So I think you have to listen to your mind and tell true stories. And, as a good friend of mine likes to say, ‘if it don’t make cents then it won’t make dollars!’
I know that’s off on a bit of a tangent, but in honesty, a lot of my music-making friends are my inspiration these days so, there we go – I’m oversharing, as usual!
What made you choose to study for an MA?
I chose to study at BIMM because musicals were on pause for a year, and in that time, I learned to produce my demos. I found I was writing around three songs a week and loving it more and more as months went by, so I thought it would be good to meet some similar people and improve my skills.
Why is London right for you?
London is great because I can continue my studies part-time while going back into full-time musical theatre rehearsals to perform on the West End. It’s going to be busy, but fun! I’ve also started working with some producers, writers and artists here, so it’s felt like the right place for me moving forward. I’m dreaming of summer days, writing and recording songs and then wandering over to the theatre to get makeup on and do a show. Not long now!
Dreams do come true guys, I promise.
Our Music Made Us campaign is told through the students, graduates, journalists, experts and passionate people who have been shaped by music. Discover their stories here.
