Future Sound of Nottingham Finalists: Emily Makis

Interview: Sam Nahirny
Monday 25 June 2018
reading time: min, words

We grabbed a few words with Emily Makis ahead of the Future Sound of Nottingham final at Rock City on Monday 1 July...

81a90653-42ad-43cd-ae46-568bd20d9d48.jpg

How would you describe your music?
I’m involved with so many different genres, and don’t like to be limited to just the one. The music I produce in my room and the music I perform is quite different. I like to create music with an electronic backbone, blending vocal harmonies and energetic drum beats. On stage, I use more of a synth-heavy, neo-soul arrangement, but that doesn’t stop me singing on liquid drum ‘n’ bass and other collaborative tracks.

What was your reaction to the news you’d be playing the FSN final?
I was shocked! I didn’t expect at all that my music would go down so well with the judges. Playing alongside such talented artists at the final is definitely nerve-wracking, so I’m trying to focus myself now and use my nervous energy productively.

What can the city crowd expect from your performance?
Smooth soul-tones, vocal effects, synth layers and funky beats. My live set is quite different to anything currently on the Nottingham circuit!

Why did you enter FSN?
I heard about it on Kemet FM’s morning show with Jackie P and thought I’d give it a go. Wasn’t expecting the outcome!

Who are your musical influences?
A lot of strong female artists with new and unique styles like NAO and Kučka. I’m drawn to passionate, ethereal voices and heartfelt lyrics; the band Moonchild is a prime example. I’m listening to and learning a lot about neo-soul right now!

My live set is quite different to anything currently on the Nottingham circuit!

What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
I listen to a lot of music, and try and explore my local artists as much as possible. Heading down the electronic route, Ronika stands out as one of my favourites. Her music is insanely catchy and funky, along with stellar visuals. I’m also loving skanking out to Arc Nade at the moment. Nottingham has such a thriving underground scene.

What are your biggest non-musical influences?
I’m influenced by the strong, dynamic characters in my Greek family and their conviction that creativity can be a way of life.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I’m trying to find my feet at the moment, so rather than one outstanding highlight I’d say the best parts would be the little bits of effort that contribute to the bigger picture; meeting the band in my university town of Bath, gigging, and doing the Nusic Future Session was really fun.

Any last words for LeftLion?
I’m excited to perform in my hometown and in a venue I’ve visited many times as a gig enthusiast.

Nusic’s Future Sound of Nottingham takes place at Rock City on Sunday 1 July, free entry

Nusic website

We have a favour to ask

LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?

Support LeftLion

Please note, we migrated all recently used accounts to the new site, but you will need to request a password reset

Sign in using

Or using your

Forgot password?

Register an account

Password must be at least 8 characters long, have 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number and 1 special character.

Forgotten your password?

Reset your password?

Password must be at least 8 characters long, have 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number and 1 special character.