Emma McGann is an English singer-songwriter from Coventry, born in 1990. She works in pop and is associated with the label X My Heart Records.

Career

McGann begins performing at open mic nights around Coventry in 2008 and builds a profile in the Midlands and beyond. She also hosts a weekly local showcase called Songbird, which begins in January 2009 and runs every Monday at the Phoenix in Coventry.

Recording and songwriting

Her debut album is Start the Show. She describes her writing process as changing from song to song rather than following one fixed method, and says that varying the environment and approach helps her keep ideas moving and avoid writer’s block.

Recognition

McGann is awarded StudyvoxFM Musician of the Year 2010 by Kylie Minogue and is named Band of the Month by BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Introducing in June 2010. Commentary on her work highlights her use of catchy choruses, unusual song structures and a pop style with an edge.

Other work

Alongside performing, she takes part in charity work, events management and promotion in Coventry and the surrounding area. She promotes local artists at live music nights and organises events including Bank Holiday Lovin’, Aardvark Acousticka for the charity SoLo, and the acoustic stage at Covfest 4 in aid of the Telegraph Snowball Appeal.

Influences

McGann cites Katy Perry, Imogen Heap, Ellie Goulding and Suzanne Vega among her influences.