London-based singer and songwriter Emma Bradley recently emerged with her debut single, and today announces that she’ll be releasing her debut EP, Perfumed By You, on August 11 through tmwrk. Along with the news, she shares the new single “Malibu”, saying:
“‘Malibu’ is about my best friend, who is like a sister to me and means everything to me. It’s an ode to our friendship! I remember reading something that said ‘platonic love saves lives’ and it really resonated with me. I don’t think there are enough songs written about platonic love and how important / special it is. I wrote it at the beginning of lockdown when I couldn’t see her (or anyone for that matter). It’s super nostalgic as it reminisces on a day we spent in Malibu a couple of years ago, which is one of my favourite days of all time. The song is less about the place and more about the feeling and mindset we were in on that day, and wanting to tap back into that headspace – a moment of bliss and peace whilst in a time of uncertainty and solitude. Malibu is my favourite thing I’ve written just because it means so much to me.”
Built on pristine and sparkling piano, “Malibu” may not at first evoke the warm climes of the titular location – but as Bradley states, this is about dreaming of being there, or, more importantly, just being with that special friend. Her voice is tender and beseeching, with a richness that transcends her personal experience and makes “Malibu” into a universal feeling of love that we all have for the important people in our lives. As she layers in more vocals, both spectral and gorgeous, we can feel her receding back in her mind to that special day on the California coast, warm wind whipping through her hair. By leaning into her atmospheric playing and production, we’re also transported, to our own “Malibu” – wherever, whenever, and with whoever that might be.
Listen to “Malibu” below or on your preferred platform.
Emma Bradley’s Perfumed By You EP comes out on August 11 through tmwrk. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
