Emma Cole is the one and only “Analog Gurl”, a boundary-breaking artist who currently utilizes nostalgia as one of the main pillars of her sound and songwriting. With it, she aims to move her audiences to reflect on their past in order to come to grips with the present. Rather than simply chasing trends, Emma Cole is described as an “artist’s artist” – someone who uses a variety of mediums to fully express her unique creative vision. Her debut EP, “If You Don’t Holler, No One Will Hear,” earned her the opportunity to open for fellow East Coast rocker Lauren Ruth Ward, as well as contributing background vocals to Ward’s 2019 European and UK tour.

Emma’s newest single, “PARALLEL,” is less about nostalgia and more of a tribute to her close friend and former bandmate/roommate, Laura Peters. Laura was the frontwoman and creative force behind the band Psychic Love, as well as the founder of the feminist collective Play Like a Girl. “PARALLEL” draws inspiration from the infinity mirror  — a configuration of mirrors that reflects an endless series of smaller images. This motif symbolizes the lasting imprint Laura left on Emma, even after her passing. Through the introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes, Emma crafts a nuanced memorial that celebrates the multifaceted brilliance of her dear friend and collaborator.

“PARALLEL” expresses a deep sense of longing and grief. The opening lines convey a feeling of restlessness and an unwillingness to let go or “compromise” in the face of a person’s absence. The chorus paints a vivid image of being in a “dreamlike parallel state of mind” – a metaphorical reflection of the endless mirrored memories and connections shared with Laura. The pleas to “… catch me, as I fall to my knees” evoke a profound vulnerability and need for support in the face of this profound loss.

Photo Credit: Michelle Shiers

The track blends warm, organic tones of acoustic with crispy, early digital sound palettes in a manner that evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection. The ambient qualities of the composition are reminiscent of a large, empty indoor swimming pool — expansive and somewhat mysterious, with occasional drip-drop sounds echoing through the space. This fusion of aquatic, reverberant qualities and layered, emotive musical elements serves as a unique yet fairly appropriate backdrop to the subtle complexities behind Emma’s beautiful musical eulogy.

R.I.P. Laura.

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