Emma Lee Moss, known by her stage name Emmy the Great, was born on April 11, 1984 in Hong Kong, China. Her father is English and her mother is Chinese. When Emma was twelve years old, her family left Hong Kong after it was no longer a British colony. From a young age, Emma showed a fascination with music and would often travel by train to her nearest Tower Records shop to buy imported non-Chinese music, which sparked her love for bands like Weezer and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Emma began her music career under the moniker Emmy the Great, releasing her debut EP titled "Take Me I'm Free." This EP showcased her unique folk sound and poignant lyrics, establishing her as a promising singer-songwriter. She would go on to release several albums, including "First Love," "Virtue," and "Second Love," which further showcased her talents as a musician.
Aside from her solo work, Emma has also collaborated with artists such as Dev Hynes and Norman Cook in the project The Brighton Port Authority. This collaboration allowed her to explore new musical territories and expand her artistic horizons.
In addition to music, Emma has also dabbled in writing, with her music articles being featured in publications like The Guardian and The Stool Pigeon. Her unique perspective and insightful commentary on the music industry have garnered her a following as a music journalist.
During the production of her second album, "Virtue," Emma went through a challenging personal experience when her atheist fiance underwent a spiritual awakening and left her as a result. This tumultuous period in her life inspired her music and added depth to her songwriting.
Emma Lee Moss, known professionally as Emmy the Great, has left a lasting impact on the folk music scene with her introspective lyrics and beautiful melodies. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level through her music has solidified her as a talented and respected artist in the industry.