WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THIS WEEK
From self doubt to seasonal sparkle, Emily Burns has had quite the year.
Words: Stephen Ackroyd.
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett.
In the cosy glow of year end, somewhere between the first mince pie and an urgent need for a New Year’s resolution, Emily Burns sits at an interesting crossroads. The Scottish-born, London-based artist is wrapping up a transformative year that’s seen her emerge from uncertainty into the spotlight, with a debut album ready to launch as 2025 beckons.
Like finding an unexpected gift under the tree, Burns has surprised even herself with this musical milestone. “I kind of went through a period when I wasn’t sure if I’d ever release music again, so I’ve shocked myself a bit there,” she reflects, the warmth of gratitude evident in her voice. “In a really good way.”
That journey from doubt to debut is particularly poignant during this festive season, as Burns embraces both her artistic evolution and her unabashed love of all things Christmas. When asked where the holiday ranks among her favourites, she doesn’t hesitate: “Slap bang at the top. It’s the most magical time of the year.” This enthusiasm for Yuletide cheer mirrors the genuine passion she brings to her music. The path from her early days in West Lothian to her current status as an emerging indie-pop force hasn’t been straightforward. The former Abbey Road Studios receptionist has transformed those front desk days into a launching pad for her musical ambitions, crafting songs that feel like intimate conversations.
Looking back at 2024, Burns finds herself caught in that familiar end-of-year whirlwind. “2024 has gone SO fast it’s frightening… can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas,” she marvels. “It’s been an amazing year for me in terms of personal achievement, I’m really proud of all the music I’ve been releasing and to have my debut album coming out is so exciting. It’s something I’ve wanted to release for a really long time, so I’m very grateful I get to do that now.”
Her musical tastes reveal an artist deeply engaged with contemporary pop’s evolution. She cites Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ as the year’s biggest stand out, calling it “an absolute pop masterpiece in my eyes. Every song is genius.” This appreciation for bold pop statements, alongside mentions of Billie Eilish’s ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’, Charli xcx’s ‘Brat’, and Coldplay’s ‘Moon Music’, suggests an artist who understands the delicate balance between commercial appeal and artistic integrity.
Between writing sessions and recording, Burns fully embraces the festive spirit in her personal life. “100% we’ll be putting up a tree,” she declares. “I do like to be a bit OTT at Christmas – candles, garlands, fake snow, y’know? All of it.” This commitment to celebration extends beyond her own flat, as she describes how her entire building becomes “a bit of a winter wonderland” thanks to close relationships with neighbours.
Some might find it endearing – or perhaps entirely fitting – that an artist on the cusp of her debut album release still maintains certain childhood Christmas traditions. “I still like to leave a note, glass of milk and carrot out for Santa and Rudolf before going to bed on Christmas Eve,” she grins. “I might regret telling you this.” This warmth extends to her gift-giving philosophy, too. Burns shares a touching story about one of her most meaningful presents, and frankly Hallmark should be getting her on the blower. “My girlfriend gave me a daisy chain in 2020 when we met up in a park during lockdown. I took it home, pressed it in the back of a book and then framed it and gave it to her this year on her birthday with the date she had made it written underneath. She had no idea I’d even kept it all that time, so she was genuinely so shocked.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Burns maintains a refreshingly grounded perspective. “I feel good about what I’ve got to come in 2025. It’s hopefully a chance for me to tour this album and play in a lot of cities I haven’t had the chance to yet,” she shares. “It’s really nice to see my music being listened to further and wider than ever, so I’m excited about the next year and what’s coming.” Her solution to the creative’s end-of-year anxiety? A piece of wisdom from home: “My Grandpa always uses the phrase ‘get on with your own knitting’ which I really love, haha. It’s a great mantra for life!”
Between her debut album landing and holiday preparations (she admits to being “quite a last-minute-dash kind of person” when it comes to Christmas shopping), Burns embodies the spirit of an artist on the verge of something special. She’s even developed some unconventional holiday opinions along the way: “I’m obsessed with Brussels sprouts. Always eating everyone else’s who refuses to eat them. More for me.”
Standing at the threshold of 2025, Burns represents something refreshing in today’s music landscape – an artist who’s as genuine about her Christmas traditions as she is about her craft. Her ideal Christmas speaks volumes: “At the risk of sounding super cheesy, for me, it’s all about the people you spend it with, not necessarily what you do. As long as I’m with the people I love, it’ll be a perfect day.” In an industry that often mistakes cynicism for sophistication, Burns’ earnestness feels like exactly what we need. ■
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