Artist to Watch: Emily West

Newcomer Emily West caught the attention of critics and fans alike with a heart-wrenching ballad she co-wrote with Gary Burr about her parents’ separation after 32 years of marriage. “Blue Sky,” which features West’s labelmate Keith Urban on vocals and guitar, is a very personal song and that’s something that Emily tries to keep constant with her music.

Honesty in her writing is important to the singer-songwriter as she places her heart in her lyrics creating a collection of songs that paint a picture of where she is on life’s journey. But, along with the heart, Emily has a big, fun-loving personality which transforms her not only into a performer but an entertainer. It's no wonder that she cites artists like Patsy Cline, K.T. Oslin and Bette Midler as influences.

However, Emily was a shy child who grew up in Waterloo, Iowa as part of a large family when she discovered of the music of the iconic Pasty Cline. Her passion inspired her to begin performing in local talent competitions and Emily's shyness subsided. After high school graduation, she packed up and moved to Nashville and by the following month, she had signed a publishing deal which lead to her recording contract with Capitol Records Nashville.

Earlier this year, Emily appeared alongside of Luke Bryan in a country-flavored episode of The Celebrity Apprentice. Currently, fans can check out Emily on the Country Throwdown Tour. To find out more, visit her official website.

Image courtesy of Capitol Records Nashville

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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