Bio
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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.
Background
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.
Music
Latest releases
"Hope (If I'll Just Get Out of Bed)"
A stirring lyrical folk song about finding hope in dark times.
Blending raw, relatable insights with themes of spirituality, Hope is for those who've ever needed a reason to believe things can get better.
Based on real experiences with strange dreams that feel like visitations from elsewhere, this is part journal entry and part message to anyone listening, that the voice inside that speaks of hope just might be right.
"Lavender Skies"
an alt folk anthem for the underdogs; a protection spell for all those who have been made to feel weak for being who they are.
Em uses their experience as a transgender person to paint lyrical metaphors about the multitudes we all contain - and the power in accepting your whole self instead of erasing the parts of you that feel “too different”.
If you’ve ever been scared to show the world who you are, Lavender Skies is your affirmation of courage.
Ongoing projects
"A God in Human Drag" - an EP about the sacredness in being queer and trans.
A God in Human Drag is activism bleeding into a love of folklore style storytelling - a project in the form of five songs that aim to empower queer and trans people through stories that depicts queerness as something sacred and powerful. With lyrics that blend fantasy and modern aesthetics, these songs will take you on an epic journey to overcome villains both outside of and within you.
Honorable mentions
"A Bard, Telling Stories (A Song For Pride) [Bedroom Session]"
"A Bard, Telling Stories (A Song For Pride) [Bedroom Session]"
Released 2022 || Listen on Bandcamp
A song that despite its raw, simplistic production continues to capture the hearts of listeners who connect to its folk punk sound and empowering message for LGBTQ+ people who face discrimination.
"In The Chaos" (Demo album)
"In The Chaos" (Demo album)
Released 2022 || Listen on Bandcamp
Our first peek into the story of Hav and Måne, the characters through which Em tells their stories.
This album was stubbornly put together in a one bedroom flat with hardly any resources and limited knowledge of music production at the time. While its technical execution leaves a lot to be desired, it is still public to showcase the ability of an artist to grow, if they dare to show up imperfectly.
(Cover illustrations by Nathan C'ha)
Shows
Past
Past
TransFest Stockholm, 2017
TransFest Stockholm, 2019
The Gunners Pub, London, 2025
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