SUNDAY SELFIE SERIES #59

Emily West

SUNDAY SELFIE SERIES #59: The celestial Emily West.

Emily is one of the most naturally great singers I’ve ever heard. I once stood on the side of the stage at Basement East in Nashville and listened to her simultaneously be reverent with and completely own “Wichita Lineman.” Need I say more? Maybe not, but I will say a few more things: She has an impressive ability to straddle the line between being a throwback and being completely modern. If I were casting a musical, she’d be my first call regardless of genre. She’s pretty special.

1. What has humbled you more than anything?

During the pandemic, a car full of friends drove me to rehab. I was addicted to amphetamines for 20 years and got the help I needed. Getting sober has humbled me. 

2. Do you feel like you’ve gotten a good education?

100% yes. I never went to college but since moving to Nashville I’ve had so many experiences with people whom I’ve respected and admired and those people are my greatest teachers. 

3. Do you believe that forgiveness benefits the forgiver or the transgressor?

I think they both benefit. I believe if one can find it in their heart to forgive, then everyone wins.

4. What is your proudest accomplishment?

I believe that my ability to connect through my voice is one of the truest accomplishments. Human connection through invisible song. The music business sucks but the people who reach out to me telling me to keep singing because it heals them keeps me in it. 

I don’t have any kids but having a dog that lives 19 years is one of the greatest things I’ve done.

Getting to love and raise a 19-year-old cocker spaniel is an accomplishment that I can take home with me. 

5. How would you like to live out your golden years?

Wrapped up in a weighted blanket watching movies and eating snacks with my best friend forever.