Emily King: 2023

Emily King's soulful and sweet paradise of a fifth album, Special Occasion, was also the most challenging for the Grammy-nominated musician to complete. As her nearly 15-year romantic partnership with longtime collaborator and producer Jeremy Most foundered and faded, the pair continued to work together professionally, finding wistful inspiration in their own awkward uncoupling. Still, the intense pain and grief for King — clearly rippling through songs like "Bad Memory" with Lukas Nelson and "False Start" — was also evident in our conversation. Emily mused about love and the harsh absence of love, and how her life has changed, all reflected eloquently and wisely on Special Occasion.

But this is no mere breakup album; there's a lot of joy here, like the delicious groove of "Medal." It was a pleasure to witness King's own happiness and buoyancy when performing that song, as well as "Special Occasion" and "False Start," live for FUV. She gives everything as a performer, bravely wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Listen to the interview in the player above and watch videos below.

[Recorded: 6/14/23; Engineered by Jim O'Hara, produced by Meghan Offtermatt]