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Tour Bus Playlist: Emily Burns’ essential tracks
The rising British pop star tour across the UK in April and May 2020.
Born in Scotland and raised in the town of Rugby, rising pop star Emily Burns is set to release her new My Town EP on 20 November 2019. She’ll then be taking the release into the new year, touring across the UK in April and May 2020, including a headline show at London’s Dingwalls.
Her latest single, the heart-wrenching Is It Just Me?, demonstrates her softer side. Driven by soft piano tones, it delves into the all-too-real aftermath of a broken relationship. “I know it’s cruel,” she sings, “but I kind of home you’re tortured too.”
Alongside the EP’s title track, revealed in early September 2019, it sees Emily move into introspective pop territory. She gently steps away from the commercial pop sounds of her previous material, unafraid to embrace delicacy and beauty.
Burns first emerged with Take It Or Leave It in 2016, followed by her seven-track EP Seven Scenes from the Same Summer, brimming with fiery, upbeat pop. Standout Bitch in particular saw her embrace her queer identity. “I think there are people who need to see artists being openly gay,” she says, “now I really just want to be open and clear about who I am and to show that it’s really not a big deal.”
It’s a mantra she is taking forward into her new music and EP, putting her true self firmly at the forefront, and looking to encourage others growing up in small towns to see beyond the confines of a narrow society.
As she prepares to release My Town, and with her 2020 tour dates on the horizon, Emily Burns presents a list of songs that get her fired up ahead of a live show.
Lizzo – Like A Girl
“My favourite song on her album… How can you not feel energised and empowered after listening to this song? If I can walk on stage carrying a fraction of Lizzo’s attitude I know it’s gonna be a good one.”
Zara Larsson – All The Time
“Just a straight up banger isn’t it… WHAT a chorus. This song makes me feel like I can conquer the world.”
Charlie Puth – BOY
“Ugh, the groove in this makes me feel levels of sexy I didn’t know were possible. And you’ve got to walk on stage feeling yourself right?”
![Charlie Puth - BOY [Official Audio]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iILJvqrAQ_w/0.jpg)
Kehlani – Nights Like This
“Kehlani is a massive inspiration… the emotion in her voice, not to mention how relatable the lyrics in this tune are. It’s perfect to me. Gets me feeling just the right levels of sad and reminiscent.”
![Kehlani - Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I99qCuWx1mI/0.jpg)
Justin Timberlake – That Girl
“BANGER. The intro to this song always makes me smile and puts me immediately in a good mood. And what follows is just taaaasty.”
Post Malone – Sunflower
“It’s just great vibes right? Puts everyone in a positive headspace. It’s one of those songs that comes on and you can’t help smiling.”
Jon Bellion – Stupid Deep
“My keys player and best mate G actually showed me this tune, whilst driving through Capetown with the windows down in gorgeous weather. Listening to this song takes me back to that moment, it makes me feel so happy and excited for life – the perfect headspace for putting on a good performance!”
Catch Emily Burns across the UK on the following dates:
25 April 2020 – Rough Trade, Bristol
26 April 2020 – The Soup Kitchen, Manchester
28 April 2020 – Attic Bar, Glasgow
29 April 2020 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
30 April 2020 – Dingwalls, London
1 May 2020 – Green Door Store, Brighton
Tickets for Emily Burns are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.
