Mandolin phenom Wyatt Ellis plays on “Off the Rails” and “What’s Best for Me.” Notably, Justin Moses appears throughout the album on mandolin, dobro, fiddle, and banjo. She plays ukulele and brings in guest artists to join the members of her family band. She has an undercurrent of old-time, with flavors of bluegrass, country, and blues. At 19, Emi has grown into the songs and carries on with the same confidence that has marked her career so far.Ĭategorizing EmiSunshine poses challenges. Her original songs, co-written with her mother, Alisha Hamilton, and some of the most successful songwriters in the industry, often deal with adult themes. The East Tennessee singer has been building an enthusiastic following since she was 9, when a YouTube video led to appearances on national television.
The album opens with a carnival barker announcing, “She’s here and now - alive, alive, alive!” - voiced by Emi’s tour manager “Bones,” who worked as a carnival barker for 30 years on Long Island.
