Emily Riesen

At five, after hearing Mariah Carey sing and seeing Reba McEntire perform on the Country Music Awards, this talented brunette decided on stardom as her life’s path. Country music, which tells the stories of the lives of everyday people and their hearts, perfectly describes the folks Emily Riesen grew up with in Warsaw, Illinois – a small farm-town along the Banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Listening to Garth Brooks and all the pedal-steele she could absorb, this River Rat was touched by country music, the music of ordinary people.

Growing up in a musical family with a dad who played more than 12 instruments and a mother who sang, Emily was exposed to all kinds of music: Jazz, Big Band, Contemporary Christian, Rock, and Broadway show tunes. This multi-musical quilt of sounds was the backdrop of her life and influenced her in many ways. As a youth Emily performed locally in talent shows, school musicals, at theme parks and in choir gaining as much experience as possible. Later, as a grown woman, she was fronting her own band, and taking her passion to another level in college.

Aside from performing, her college courses took her straight to music city to attend Master's classes and lectures with Nashville’s music industry’s finest, all teaching her about the Business from the inside and out. Emily spent two solid years learning from and meeting with professionals from every aspect of the industry: publishers, songwriters, recording engineers, producers, A & R representatives, and label executives. After graduation she moved to Nashville to begin her career.

For Emily, her music is the diary of her life and through it she shares some of her most personal and emotional experiences. She feels that the truth in her music gives everyone something to relate to. She is now working at a publishing company, studying privately with a vocal coach, co-writing, and laying out her career as an artist/songwriter step by step. She is determined to make it to the top. Her attitude is “I can do this.” And why not, Emily has the look, the talent, the heart, but most importantly the non-stop determination that is necessary for all stars. As her career grows, so does her love and passion for country music. She won’t be packing her bags anytime soon. So get ready Nashville!

My Heart's In St. Louis
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