Bard of hope and forgotten magic, Em in the Waking makes fantasy-inspired lyrical alt folk that deals with contemporary themes through fairytale-style storytelling.

With evocative lyrics, emotional vocals and folky sounds, concepts like mental health issues and LGBTQ+ experiences are explored as listeners are transported into the fantastical realm of the Other and the mundane world of the Waking. Following characters on their journeys of loss, love, hope and identity, their songs have been described with the phrases “bedtime stories” and “it’s giving pirate”.

Em in the Waking takes inspiration from fantasy, folklore, history and traditional songs, and draws their eclectic sound from a wide range of genres like folk, musical theatre and even symphonic metal. 

A mostly 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. Still based in the UK today, they continue to weave stories that make a difference in an increasingly chaotic world.