Teen Prodigy Emma Temlett Shakes Up The Local Music Scene

Johannesburg, 7 July 2023 | For 16-year-old pop star Emma Temlett, music has always been a major passion. She has been working hard over the past few years to discover her sound, hone in on her talent and write the perfect song before officially introducing herself as a musician. Now, it’s officially time for her to step into the limelight as she premieres her powerful debut single ‘Claustrophobic’.

It’s rare to find a singer who can effortlessly compose her first original release, brimming with profound lyrics and moving melodies, which she then masterfully delivers with a powerful vocal performance—at just 16 years of age. That’s why Emma’s debut single is such an exciting release.

‘Claustrophobic’ is an anthemic, upbeat pop track with a poignant impression that evokes emotion while making the listener want to move at the very same time. On the track, Emma wanted to share the personal journey she has faced in her friendships in a way that would easily connect to audiences while entertaining them at the same time – showing off her remarkable voice as well.

The line “You stopped breathing and I couldn’t feel a pulse” lets the audience in on when Emma felt giving her heart to someone she loves with everything she has, and it not being reciprocated. On the song, Emma explains that this outpouring of love made the person feel claustrophobic – something that has lead to a lot of heartbreak.

The song was produced by platinum-selling SAMA-nominated producer Daniel Baron who helped bring out the song’s emotion while creating a sound that is both fresh and complimentary to the artist Emma is cementing herself as.

Emma Temlett, a grade 10 student at Red Hill High School in Sandton, has always had a passion for singing. As a young woman who wears her heart proudly on her sleeve, she has only recently discovered her love for songwriting. Emma says that she always knew that she wanted to make music, solely because of the way music makes her feel. Now, her aim is to create music and tell stories that allows people to feel their emotions in a world where true feelings are suppressed. “I want to make people feel the way I do when I listen to good music,” Emma explains. “I believe nothing heals the heart like a good song and I hope my music has that effect on people.”

Emma will be performing the song for the first time at the upcoming Redfest Music Festival on the 28th and 29th of July where she will be performing alongside top acts like Goodluck and Jesse Clegg.

Now that ‘Claustrophobic’ has been released, Emma is setting her sights on completing her debut EP which is expected to drop in 2024.

‘Claustrophobic’ is available on all major digital music platforms now. Download or stream it here: https://linktr.ee/emmatemlett.