Emma McGrath has released her brand new EP ‘Settled In Motion (Silent Minds Pt. 3)’. The collection completes a trilogy of thematically connected EPs, and arrives with two previously unreleased tracks, ‘Paradise’ and ‘Stand By’.
Continuing her trend of heart-stoppingly honest writing, the beautifully melancholy tinged ballad ‘Paradise’ sees Emma explore the delicate balancing act between her music and personal life. “I think I developed this mindset where music always got in the way of my friendships. I’d always miss birthday parties or other random stuff and over time I’d slowly lose touch with people. So I guess this song is about finding someone you love, but being scared of it not working and always assuming you know how it will end. Maybe it’s a kind of protection.”
Whilst ‘Paradise’ deals with the struggles in finding new love, ‘Stand By’ looks at the other end of the spectrum; when two people for no apparent reason, drift apart. The final track on the EP, ‘Stand By’ is another perfect example of the maturity in Emma’s writing. “This track is about being with someone and then realising it’s just not right. It’s no one’s fault but you have both just grown in different directions,” she says “You’re giving the other person permission to go out and try something new, move on and start again whilst you put each other on pause. I think the negative thought that comes out in ‘Paradise’ is also seen in Stand By: ‘Nothing’s ever been enough for me’. I’m always wondering if what I’m doing or chasing is right. Is it enough? Will I be happy when I get there?”
Exploring the minds of those “who do not sympathise with others”, or “Silent Minds” as Emma describes them, each one of Emma’s thematically connected EPs have documented not only the progression of maturity and accomplishment in Emma’s songwriting, but also her growth as a person. Starting from a place of uncertainty within herself in Silent Minds Pt.1, with ‘Settled in Motion’ Emma finally arrives at a place of acceptance and understanding.
On explaining the title, Emma said: “I’ve called the EP ‘Settled In Motion’ because I think I’m understanding myself more. I’m feeling more settled. I think in these songs I’m accepting life as it is”. Transitioning from soaring anthemic moments to spine-tingling intimacy, it’s her finest body of work to date.
