top of page
Writer's pictureSTAFF

"Call It Falling" by Emily Ricks: A Review of the Rising Alt-Pop Artist's Fast-Paced New Track


Emily Ricks - The Cage, a music blog powered by Cage Riot
Photo provided by Emily Ricks

By: Staff

Rising LA-based alt-pop artist Emily Ricks has just released her fast-paced new track "Call It Falling," showcasing her blazing vocal prowess. This fiery song is sure to impress with its high-energy, breakneck speed, and sheer vocal power. Despite the intense nature of the performance, Ricks manages to maintain a light, comedic mood, making the overall experience even more appealing to listeners. The Spotify Canvas for the track features a tongue-in-cheek collection of falling situations, adding a playful, humorous element to the audiovisual experience. Just when you think you can relax and settle into the groove, Ricks cranks up the energy even further, with her Broadway-esque vocals truly turning up the heat. This impressive scream power is bound to attract the attention of major labels and fans alike. The supporting musical arrangement is also on fire and keeps up the tempo and when you get to the pre-chorus it's infectious and mesmerizing. This gritty, high-paced musical band performance perfectly complements Ricks' dynamic, powerhouse vocals. It’s a mosh pit in music form that will crush it with festival crowds! Pulling a rapidly growing social media presence of 25, 000 Instagram followers and 88, 000 on TikTok - a single click could send this song soaring. So, add "Call It Falling" to your playlist, crank up the volume, and get ready to sing (or scream) along!


Wait, there's more! We caught up with this exciting and emerging artist in “The Cage” to talk about music and much more.

Here’s how it went:


When did you start making music? 


I started making music when I was 13 years old, now I’m 24, so over a decade ago!



Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you and why you create music?


I started creating music because I lost my father as a young girl, and needed an outlet for my emotions. Even though I didn’t show it to anyone until recent years, It has been the thing that has gotten me through every hardship in my life. 



Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?


I usually write lyrics while simultaneously finding a melody on guitar or piano. It all just kind of flows from there. Then, I will take the base concept to my producer and he will help me turn it into a full song and start developing the sound and track. I am inspired by a lot of alternative and rock music. My favorite band is Young the Giant. On my latest song, I was heavily inspired by the Killers, Paramore and Olivia Rodrigo. 


Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?


I do most of my recording in Atlanta with my producer. We don’t usually record in a formal studio. It’s more of a portable studio rig brought into a large house that we turn into creative place to write and record with lots of vibe. My latest single was mixed by Edoardo Ghigo and mastered by Demitrius Lewis.



What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?


We tried to pack as much feminine rage into one song as possible. I think what was hard is trying to do that cohesively in a song that’s only 1 minute and 55 seconds long. We built the bridge very spontaneously but figuring out how to vocally craft it was a bit challenging because it s a talk/screaming singing bridge. I had never done that before!



Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?


I really hope people can derive healing from the songs I’m putting out. Although a lot are about pain, at the end of the day these songs helped me overcome so much in my own life and I hope that can be the same for others :)



What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?


I am obsessed with songwriting. There is not a moment that goes by that I don’t think about it. The continual journey to writing a better and more significant song keeps me up at night and makes me want to do this forever. 



What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?


Marketing & Promotion! I am such a stranger to social media and learning how to use it has definitely been an interesting journey. I am trying to have fun with it, but it still feels very foreign. 



Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?


I am heading in a very alt pop direction with the music. I’m so excited for the new songs coming out. I feel the new songs have a bit of a Y2K sound mixed with the alternative sounds of today. The next releases will dive into subjects I’ve never really talked about, some painful some not. I’m very excited!



What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?


I play guitar, piano and drums. I will always love the drums, because they were the first instrument I ever learned, but I think guitar is my favorite. It’s so portable and to be able to take your songwriting anywhere is just so special. 



What advice would you give your younger self and why?


Stop worrying. Everything works out. 



What is your favorite song to cover?


At the moment I’ve been doing a crazy folk version of Karma by JoJo Siwa which has been so much fun. 



What is your favorite quote?


“A swimsuit body is a body with a swimsuit on it” - from the movie dumplin’



Taylor Swift has many breakup-based songs. 

How do you feel about writing one based on an ex?


I feel great! I never say any names or specify who the person is, so I don’t feel like I am exposing too much, but writing songs about an ex has been super therapeutic for me. I think being able to turn what was a very abusive relationship into art has been one of the best things in my life. 



When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other world-known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?


Omg! I admire so so many artists. My favorite band ever is Young the Giant. If I could open for them, do a collaboration, literally anything I would cry. That would be amazing. 



When earning a successful living wage from music, what act of selflessness would you like to commit?


I would love to be able to spread access to music. I am so fortunate that I was able to have access to instruments, teachers and music lessons growing up, I would love to find a way to give those same opportunities to people who don’t have them. 



What is the most motivating thing a fan or anyone has ever told you about your music?


Someone recently told me on a livestream, who was based in another country, that they stayed up till the wee hours of the morning to watch me play. It was the biggest compliment I’ve ever received. To know they connected with the music so much they didn’t even go to sleep meant so much to me. 





Check out this latest release and listen to more of Emily Ricks on Spotify & YouTube.















cKay - An Emerging Alternative Folk/Rock Ban


a blog powered by cage riot,


16 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page