In sunny Brisbane an imagination has arrived. Empress is the hip hop artist Emma Hay, who isn't just a dynamic voice but also produces with her unique style of instrumental beats in the studio. At a young age she was practicing the piano and flute however always had a fascination with drum beats. Seeds were planted as she experimented with her mothers turntable and records.

Her journey saw her land comfortably amongst Brisbane artists and the electronic music scene. It is here where she saw DJs and producers perform. Those earlier seeds sprouted leading her to investing in her first set of decks and ritualistic record collecting. Her earlier years saw her experimenting with house and techno which later led to her playing gigs including Splendour in the Grass. Emma still uses these records for inspiration to blend tech and breaks together creating the Empress hip hop sound.

The sound of Empress is still emerging. Currently she is experimenting with ambient tones along with tribal and glitchy percussive elements which she describes as a genre that is yet to be defined, “genreless”. Orchestral and Choir sounds are amongst her favourite timbres which brings that added emotional element to the mix. People call it trip hop, people call it experimental. She likes the idea of people getting creative with their own description of her music rather then putting it into a box.

Her devotion to music and consistent eagerness to learn has seen her complete the Diploma of Sound Production (EMP) at SAE in May 2017. It is here that Emma has learn to produce her own beats and let her creativity thrive. Emma wishes to continue her music studies further in 2018 at university.

Short Bio

Empress is the imagination of Brisbane born Emma Hay who is delivering her unique style of instrumental hip hop. Orchestral sounds, thick ambience and wobble undertones blended together creating a genre which is yet to be defined. Her show is soon to launch across Australia.