Meet Emily Franke

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Emily Franke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

When I think about my creativity, I think about the act of creation; of a product at the end of a process.

My very first college class was Acting one and I remember climbing the stairs of the drafty building tucked away in the corner of campus my first day. I knew that I loved telling stories and being creative and that theatre satisfied that insatiable need to express myself.

As cliche as it may sound, my acting professor imparted some words of wisdom on me that first day that turned me into a more well rounded creative. He said, if even a small part of you wants to do anything else, or would be happy doing anything else, do it.

He went on to talk about how our craft would always lack the depth of a lived and varied experience if all we did was pursue it and nothing else. He encouraged us to look outside the theatre to learn what we needed to be present on stage. While the sentiment was highly specific to acting, I find myself looking back on it in reference to my creative process as a whole.

I remember thinking then that there was nothing I would love as much as the outlet of theatre. But now, I know I have the capacity to find joy and inspiration in so many other creative outlets. Things like songwriting, music, poetry, journaling, and even making playlists, watching movies, doing my makeup, and putting together outfits, are all examples of outlets that have given me a more well rounded creative life.

For me, keeping my creativity alive is actively seeking joy through any creative process that calls my name and not being afraid to step away when I need it. While the product of my creativity isn’t always joyful, I want the act of creation to be. When I let my creative process take a new form or happen more subconsciously, throwing myself into a more fleshed out process later is all the more satisfying.

I know that my creativity is always there, but the physical act of creation will naturally wax and wane. The saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is something that comes to mind. When I feel burnt out, giving myself time to miss my creative process allows my creativity to continue to bloom and not feel overwatered. I’ve found especially that with the current state of the world it’s so easy for me to feel completely drained or overwhelmed when trying to express myself. Actively participating in activities that aren’t inherently creative – like being outdoors, riding my bike, camping, laughing with my friends, are all things that help fuel that desire to express again and give my creativity room to grow.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My current focus is creating as a singer-songwriter. I live in Chicago and create folk music under both my name, Emily Franke, and as a part of a duo called “The Devil Said Jump” with Megan Loveless.
I’ve been writing songs since I was around fifteen and taught myself to play guitar in my childhood bedroom. The first song I learned was ‘State of Grace’ by Taylor Swift and like many singer-songwriters my age I’ve found a ton of creative inspiration in Taylor Swift’s music. I was an avid reader growing up and always loved the feeling of being able to watch a book like a movie in my head while I read. I admired the way that feeling was replicated with her songs and how she could really paint a picture with her lyrics.
In the summer of 2023, Megan and I started our collaboration The Devil Said Jump. We’ve been writing together for about 2 years and recently released our debut album “All Shook Up”! This project was self written, recorded, mixed, and mastered and we had the experience of having our hands in every bucket of the creative process.
A collaborative musical effort is something very new to me. I’m typically a very independent writer and tend to keep my thoughts and writing close to my chest. While I’m still trying to find my footing in a songwriting partnership I really love the message we’ve been able to develop as a duo and how satisfying it feels to create together. Being able to share very personal stories through music and then stand together on stage with someone who you know has your back is incredibly comforting. It’s also so rewarding to see people relate to and enjoy our music when we perform and I feel very fortunate for the spaces we’ve been invited into in Chicago. We’ve almost subconsciously created a queer-country theme as The Devil Said Jump’s vibe and it’s so empowering when we get to stand in front of people who relate to our queer experiences and really listen and hear our songs for what they are. Being able to perform songs that are loudly and explicitly queer is such a gift and it’s so important, especially now, that we continue to share those stories loudly.
The Devil Said Jump is currently working on new music – you can find us on social media @thedevilsaidjump and “All Shook Up” on all streaming platforms.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think I’m still early in my journey in so many ways! What’s helped me along the way so far is learning to follow my gut and trusting that I will make the right decision for me. Allowing myself time to breathe when I need it, and journaling!

1. Trust Your Gut
Always easier said than done, but trusting yourself to make the choices that are right for you is incredibly important. Ultimately, I know that I know myself best and know what I need to succeed.

2. Give Yourself Time
I’ve gone through periods of intense self discipline and other times where I’ve consumed more art than I’ve created. That balance is so integral to not burning myself out and making sure that I give myself the space and time I need to not burn out.

3. Journal!
If I had to share an action item it would be to start a journal. I absolutely love the insight my journal gives me into myself, the way that it allows me to clear my mind, and how I can process things with myself prior to bringing them to other people. I have about three pages left in my current journal and I can’t wait to start a new one. It’s such an amazing tool to document where you are and how far you’ve come.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Currently, I’ve been battling a lot of imposter syndrome, especially in a band dynamic. I previously mentioned that I’m naturally a very independent writer, and it’s consistently difficult for me to feel like songs I write are good enough to bring into a space where other people will also want to work on them.
My current writing process involves writing a handful of songs and picking the one I feel has the strongest base to work off of. Then, I’ll flesh it out lyrically and make sure I love the word choice until I feel like it’s got the guts to eventually stand as a full song.
But, bringing that song to another person can feel incredibly intimidating and it’s something I’m still getting used to. Finding the confidence to share songs that aren’t polished but still wanting other people to understand them and work on them can feel incredibly contradictory in the moment. But, I know if I were to flip the scenario around, and someone were to share a song with me that wasn’t polished, I would always want to hear it.
It’s hypocritical of me to think that my songs are any different. But also, easier said than done to not have the imposter syndrome sneak in and tell you that your song’s aren’t enough.
I know that if I’m able to share the song anyway, even if it doesn’t feel good enough in the moment, that’s what will get me closer to being comfortable.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Josie Benedetti
Giantess Creation
Amy Schwartz

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