“brief interviews on heartbreak”
an interview and songwriting project by Hello Emerson

I want to talk to strangers about the formative heartbreaks of their lives, then write songs from what I find.
Get more info, then sign up below.

The Project

I want to talk to you, listen, ask questions, then take your story to my songwriting practice.

As a songwriter, I am interested in specifics. Specific moments, images, stories, situations. I generally write from my own perspective, but I’m curious about what other people see in those moments where cracks start to form in our lives, and especially how they respond to the emotional turbulence that lives brings to all of us.

The Process

You sign up for a 20 minute time slot at the link below. Then, we get onto a video call, exchange a few pleasantries, start the recording, and talk through a heartbreak of yours. After that, your job is done!

The Product

Maybe one or two images stick out from your story and grow into its own song. Maybe your story intertwines with another story and they become a song together. Maybe your exact words end up printed in a small book alongside dozens of others’ heartbreak stories.

I honestly don’t know where it will end up. But I know that starting with paying attention has always led me in the right direction. Follow along with us on social media or via email to see how it grows.

The Band

Hello Emerson is an ornamental americana band I started back in 2015. We’ve released three full-length albums, streaming everywhere. We’ve been compared to Jason Isbell, Andy Shauf, and The Mountain Goats. We are sometimes featured in really thoughtful articles and 20-minute NPR features.

Feel free to listen to our music to get a feel for our sound.

FAQs

I’m 12. Can I participate?

Sorry, but no! You are welcome to follow along with the project, but I only want to speak to adults 18 and older for these interviews.

I want to participate, but I don’t want you to record me. Can I still do an interview?

Sadly, no. Capturing these stories is really integral to my songwriting process, and I never know what turn of phrase or image might stick out while having a conversation. I’m happy to chat informally after a show in the future!

Can I remain anonymous?

I’d still like to include your first and last initials and year of birth. If that’s anonymous enough for you, sign on up!

Any other questions?

If you didn’t find an answer in the FAQ, ask me any other questions through this form.