Emily Wells: Makes Static her Own Way

While watching the "Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" at the tender age of 3, Wells was so moved by what she saw on the TV screen, that it left a lasting impression that has shaped her life up to this day.

"I saw this girl who was around 14-years-old playing [the violin]," she explains. "I was young, but I have a very clear memory of it. From then on I was like ‘ok that’s what I want to play.’"

So, long before most children learn to put their shoes on the right feet, their multiplication tables or even learn about the birds and bees, Wells was mastering the violin.

"From there on I just picked up the guitar and started writing my own songs," she says. "I’ve just always had this weird inner competence about music."

It’s that natural tendency towards music that has allowed her to create a style that defies traditional song writing standards.

Though its gone through various stages over the years – ranging from simplistic to experimental – Wells’ music has always had a rather "organic" feel to it and her approach towards songwriting has always been somewhat unconventional. Rather than composing songs loaded with hooks and choruses, Wells says she has always "let it be what it is."

While not conforming to the musical standards of 30- to 40-year-old men in suits and ties, Wells today finds that doing things on her own is the best way to stay true to herself and to her music. In fact, if anyone embodies the DIY ethos, it’s Wells. She not only writes and performs her own music, but she produces, records and puts herself on tour as well.

"It’s a lot of sleeping in cars or splurging for a sleazy motel room," she says in regards to life in the road.

While Wells would love to get back out on the road, she says that right now, she’s first trying to make it here in L.A.

"It’s a tough place to grow because everybody is shooting for similar goals, so it’s a lot of competition and I’m not a big fan of that," she says.

"But in the same sense you get people who are really supportive."

As Wells attempts to conquer L.A. she’s also hoping to expose people to her new album, Making Static, a CD she says is filled with grief and realizations about being alive.

Much of the inspiration for the album, Wells says, came from the death of her grandfather.

"I spent his last three days with him. Seeing the reality of death, showed me the reality about being alive, rather than just floating around, not thinking about anything," she says. "It showed me that we all have an expiration date. Even though I already knew that, I certainly felt it much more."

With Making Static Wells hopes to help others who might be going through a hard time or who don’t know how to deal with pain or death of a loved one. And, as Wells aims to get her name and her new music out for people to hear, her ultimate goal is to connect with people, on some level, through her music.

"When I’m gone, I just hope that I will be remembered and my music will be cherished," she says.

Making Static is currently available. Emily Wells will play Nov. 18 at Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.emilywellsmusic.com