It was song writing that helped Emily navigate the difficult emotions that came with slowly losing her father and it remained a steadfast mode of expression through continuing family difficulty –not just the aftermath of her father’s death, but her family’s struggles with alcoholism and depression, and her brother’s eventual passing.
Written during this time, her debut album ‘The Woman I Would Be’ delves deeply into the journey of heartbreak and growth that accompanies the loss of those you love. It chronicles Emily’s navigation through grief, relationships, self-reflection and new beginnings.
Opening with the beautiful tribute to her father, ‘Gentle Man’, where she reflects on the loss of a man with the with ‘the spirit of a lion and a heart just like a lamb’ – this might just be the best of the best.
This is listening for still, mellow autumn evenings – for times of reflection and to soothe the soul. There’s even a perfectly haunting tune for Halloween – ‘Wraith’, the ghosts that haunt via memories.
Co-produced by renowned Chicago singer-songwriter Steve Dawson and her husband Alex Lee, ‘The Woman I Would Be’ is more than just a collection of songs – it is a therapeutic labour of love.
And it’s not the only gift that Emily Haden Lee gives the world this autumn – after so much pain and heart ache, her first child, a daughter, is due any day – bringing hope into the world after so much pain and loss.
This is an album written to heal and for healing, it is a work of transition – moving on to brighter times.
The title track ‘The Woman I Would Be’ is where she makes her own personal breakthrough – looking back to look forward with hope and healing.