A bard for the anxious rebels, Em in the Waking makes fantasy-inspired alt folk about the magic in undying hope, and the strange sacredness of being a little weirdo.

Their songs tell the story of two souls who live in two worlds at once – in one, traversing the land singing songs that heal, and in another, searching for each other. As well as following their journeys, Em’s evocative lyrics and emotional vocals bring up contemporary themes like mental health struggles and LGBTQ+ experiences – all while reminding you that you are never alone.

Em in the Waking’s eclectic alt folk sound is inspired by fantasy, folklore, history and traditional songs as well as folk punk, musical theatre and even symphonic metal. Em’s music has been described as “it feels like you’re being told bedtime stories” and “it’s giving pirate” as listeners are taken on a journey through a world where they have magic that can defeat all evil. 

A self taught multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Em started playing at small pride events in Stockholm in 2017. After beginning to self-produce and release music in 2021, they moved to London a year later to study at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, graduating in 2025 with a BA(Hons) in Creative Musicianship. Currently based in Nottingham, they work mainly from their bedroom studio to weave stories that make a difference in an increasingly chaotic world.