Emerson Announces New Single and Music Video ‘I Want You To Know Me’
This time last year, Emerson was just signing up to compete in Smokefreerockquest as a solo artist, joining 893 other acts performing their original music. By September, she had claimed first place nationally.
Over the summer, she teamed up with producer Josh Edmonds in his Auckland studio, Ambian Studios, to craft I Want You To Know Me. Later, she worked with Grammy-nominated producer Rory Noble to create a second version of the track—resulting in two unique takes on the same song.
The original version, produced by Edmonds, highlights Emerson’s musicianship, featuring Carlos Martin (Park Rd) on bass and Sam Edmonds (Paper City) on drums. Layered with her signature vocal harmonies and her own guitar work, this version reflects her roots as a band member of a number of local bands, including her own band, Fan Club.
The main version, produced by Noble, reimagines the song as a polished pop track reminiscent of Devon Again, using the same vocal takes of the original version but transforming the sonic landscape.
Both versions of I Want You To Know Me will be released on April 4, followed soon after by a music video directed by Tom Grut.
I Want You to Know Me – The Story Behind the Song
I Want You to Know Me is about craving real connection in a world that often values appearances over authenticity. It’s about the frustration of being seen as an object rather than a person, the tension between wanting to be desired and wanting to be known.
“I wrote this song as a reflection of my own experiences—the moments of questioning, what do you really see when you look at me? Is it just an image, or is it me—my thoughts, my passions, my heart?” – Emerson
The lyrics capture the push and pull between attraction and self-respect, between wanting to be wanted and refusing to compromise who you are to fit someone else’s desires.
“This song is a message to anyone who’s ever felt like they had to trade a piece of themselves to be loved. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to change, shrink, or strip yourself down to be worthy. If someone really wants you, they should want all of you—beyond the surface.”- Emerson
So if you’ve ever questioned whether you’re enough just as you are, I Want You to Know Me is for you.
I Want You to Know Me is set for release on April 4.
Single Release show: April 3rd @ The Tuning Fork, Auckland
