Emergency Tiara is not your everyday New York pop ensemble.

Just one listen to their latest single, the retro and catchy gem, “Lighthouse,” will make that immediately clear. The band’s front-woman, Juri, agreed to answer a few questions about the group’s sound, vision, and influences. If you are unfamiliar with Emergency Tiara, it is high time to change that.

So, the first (and obvious) question I have to ask: what is the story behind the name, Emergency Tiara?

I want everyone to get the chance to have a moment where they’re released from their daily stresses and acknowledge how special they are individually. So place a tiara on your head and remember that you’re a beautiful one and feel like a prince or princess.

Your new single, “Lighthouse,” manages to emulate a quality of sound that has been lost to modern recording capabilities, both in some of the backing track and the vocals. How do you manage to resurrect this quality?

One of the many things the ET family (including myself) love and enjoy is live instruments and live recordings. And big thanks to my super talented ET fam! We managed to record “Lighthouse” with all live instruments using vintage microphones. Background vocals are provided by my dear friend, Darcy Callus, another uber-talented musician that I get to work with! We actually used the demo he sent us as a guideline for me to re-record the parts, ’cause he sounded so good!!!

What initially led you to gravitate toward the old-time classics and doo-wop influences that seem to have influenced your signature sound?

I always loved standards and still listen to them a lot. Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Peggy Lee have always been my Idols, so I think the influences are coming from there.

Are there any contemporary artists that you greatly admire or draw influence from?

Yes of course! I love Janelle Monae, Solange, and Lizzo! All the beautiful and strong lady artists!!!

What do you hope to accomplish with your music? What do you hope people get when they listen to you?

Happy and empowered! I hope my music helps everyone to remember how important they are to the world!

Dustin DiPaulo is a writer and musician from Rochester, New York. He received his MFA in Creative Writing from Florida Atlantic University and can most likely be found at a local concert, dive bar, or comedy club (if he’s not getting lost somewhere in the woods).

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