Live: Emei Crushes NYC Performance
Rising pop star Emei is capturing the hearts of everyone worldwide. With over a decade of stage experience, Emei is a honed performer. Competing and placing third on Chinese Idol, Emei began releasing her music on Chinese platforms.
During Covid, Emeie began releasing music on American platforms. With dripping vocals, colorful lyrics, and slicing wit, she quickly built up a fan base. Her first single, “Late to the Party,” went viral, tackling themes of imposter syndrome and comparison to others. Her success spurred more songs, culminating in her first EP End of an Era.
For Emei, this was just the start. 2023 sees her sophomore EP, Scatterbrain. The seven-track EP discusses relatable themes around dealing with social anxiety, ADHD, high expectations, self-sabotage, and more.
Scatterbrain is full of clever songwriting and catchy melodies. Whether emotional like “Dear Emily,” or experimental like “Irresponsible,” each track has something special that makes it stand out.
Emei hit up NYC for two nights at the iconic Mercury Lounge this week. Young excited fans were eager to see Emei perform at the sold-out venue. Gathering around the stage, excitement built as the audience awaited Emei to appear. Bursting on stage, Emei set the room alight with her energy.
Opening the night with “Backtrack,” the audience was swept up by Emei's electric performance. With a setlist that consisted of songs from Scatterbrain, End of an Era, and even a few covers, everybody’s favorites were heard.
Emei cares deeply about her fans, and she took the time to connect with them. Grabbing a tee and poster from sidestage and signing them on her guitarist’s back, Emei handed them out to two lucky fans. Laughing about how she planned out the bit in advance and still couldn’t find the Sharpie, Emei charmed the crowd with her down-to-earthness. The giveaways didn’t stop at merch. Playing the drums in an instrumental break that went hard, Emei handed the used drumstick to a fan who was a drummer. At one point, Emei also noticed that it was a fan's birthday and brought them up on stage to have the audience sing Happy Birthday, making that person's night.
Halfway through her set, Emei came down to the crowd and had everyone sit on the floor for a song. Surrounded by fans, it was a magical moment. Seamlessly transitioning from emotional, magical moments like being surrounded by fans in the middle of the room, to jumping around on stage, Emei displayed her versatility. Emei moved back into Scatterbrain material to close the night with "Scatterbrain" and "That Girl."
It wasn't enough for the fans and cheers for one more song brought Emei back out for "Cynical."
A natural performer, Emei is one to keep your eye on! Stay tuned for her collab with Notd coming this Friday.
See photos from the show here.