For generations, Lewis Carrol’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) has inspired kids and adults alike. Emei is no different, and her new EP, Rabbithole, was hugely inspired by the quirky, imaginative book by the English author. In her new record, the singer-songwriter talks about panic attacks and examines mental health, fame, and friendships. Just like Alice, we went down the rabbit hole to explore this curious, sometimes senseless world.
“This entire EP, Rabbithole, was inspired by my anxiety and panic attacks, descending through the pressures of young adult life around love, friendship, and career pressures as well, and mostly the pressure I put on myself,” Emei explains. “This project was heavily inspired by the world of Alice in Wonderland, emulating each scene through the classic story. Each song is a different room in my brain — the initial commit descend into the rabbit hole, ultimately ascending back into reality through The Part.”
The record’s first song, Rabbithole, is indeed the entranceway into Emei’s psyche. Just like Alice enters Wonderland through it, we get a glimpse of the artist’s concerns and thoughts straight away. “I can see them now, I can hear them saying: / ‘Look at her, wow, there she goes’ / Must’ve lost her mind for your entertainment,” reflecting on the effects of fame a living as a public figure — something that isn’t certainly easy, when everybody scrutinises each step you take and every decision you make.
Rabbithole’s upbeat electronic style and rich synth textures are quickly transformed into a jazzy song in All These Kids, proving how genre-bending Emei can be. She’s here to express herself and music is an instrument in itself, so she won’t abide by any rules shoe doesn’t see fit. The soft saxo intro though is also then transformed into a rap-style beat, something that resonates with K-pop. If you thought you’d heard it all, 9 Lives becomes Emei’s first acoustic song, another testament to her versatility and talent.
The EP closes with two exclusive new songs (the other three had been already released as singles since August): Sugarcoat, the ‘tea party’ of the record, and The Part, where Emei is back into the ‘real world’ after reflecting on her life. A life that is always fast-paced and demands a lot — but she delivers. In 2025 she’ll be touring the UK, Europe and the US to bring the EP to life and connect with her eager audience, visiting cities like London, Glasgow, Vienna, Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and more. So be sure to check her out!
