Recently, Emerson Day visited the K-LOVE Studios to record an exclusive performance of her new single, “Get Behind Me.” We sat down with the artist to hear more about her inspiring story, including her musical upbringing, her early career in law enforcement and what inspired her journey to become a Christian music artist.
K-LOVE: “Get Behind Me” is on rotation right now. It has a really heavy, beautiful rock sound to it. Will you tell us what inspired that song and how the melodies came together with the lyrics?
Emerson: That song was inspired by something my grandmother taught me when I was little. If I went to her with anything I was afraid, upset or anxious about, she would always say, “Those feelings are not from our Heavenly Father. Those are from the enemy, and you need to tell him, ‘Get behind me in the name of the Lord.’”
I wanted a song that embodied that idea, that people could sing over their lives…and tap into our power and authority through Jesus Christ. A lot of times, we view God as the healer and provider, but He is also a protector and a defender.
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K-LOVE: We heard your story about growing up in Maryland, loving music from a young age, and returning to the world of music after getting your degree. Could you share about when you started feeling that call back to ministry and music?
Emerson: Music was always a part of my life, but I never viewed it as a career. So, I graduated from college, moved back in with my parents, and I had been offered a position with ATF, which is a federal agency. During that time, I picked up the guitar again. I started writing, and I started playing. I felt like the Holy Spirit just put it on my heart: “You’re not supposed to do law enforcement; you’re supposed to do this.”
So, I started pursuing music right then and there and have never looked back. It’s taken seven or eight years now to get to where I am today, but God has been faithful and opened a lot of doors, and I’m grateful.
K-LOVE: What would you say to people who feel a call from the Lord but are unsure of the next step?
Emerson: First and foremost, you will never regret saying yes to the Lord. So, anytime you feel that calling and you get to say yes, you will never regret making that decision. Then, just be in tune and ask what the next step is. God wants to be in the details.
It’s OK to ask about the big things and the little things. He will make it clear and make it known what you’re supposed to do. I would encourage anyone who is on the fence about it or struggling with it, you’ll never regret saying yes, and then just ask Him.
K-LOVE: That’s so good. It reminds us of your new single, “Middle Of A Miracle.” That song, in particular, has so much rich, visual imagery. There’s the cross, the empty tomb, the ashes, but then there’s that beautiful new roots image. How did that song come about?
Emerson: It was one of those songs I felt was just downloaded. I remember having that title, driving home in the car one day. I just got that title and started writing the lyrics, and they just fell onto the paper. I remember being so overcome by the weight of the words and weeping over this song…and that picture of new roots taking hold, because a lot of times, the roots are the first thing to grow. The growth is happening, but you don’t necessarily see it because it’s under the soil.
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K-LOVE: That’s incredible. In terms of your songwriting process, is it typically like a mental image or a line that comes to you? How does that work?
Emerson: It’s a little bit of everything. It could be experiences I’ve had, Scripture or experiences somebody else has. It can be stories; it just depends. Sometimes it’s a title, sometimes it’s a phrase, sometimes it’s a whole chorus. Every time it’s different, and that’s part of what I love about the songwriting process.
K-LOVE: What are you working on next?
Emerson: Right now, we are writing a lot, working on new music and seeing where the Lord leads and what we’ll do next. But I’m hoping to have some new music maybe on the horizon. But we’ll see. Nothing as of right now, but I'm hoping for that.
K-LOVE: Well, we’re cheering you on.
Emerson: Thank you so much.
