Emily Nash interview: 'It felt unreal playing to so many people'

Meteoric. A word that could be correctly applied when looking at the short and yet extremely fruitful career of Ministry of Sound artist, Emily Nash. Her lightning quick rise out of the underground and into the charts is one that you can't help but step back and admire.

Dropping her first release just as the pandemic took hold in early 2020, she wasn't dissuaded from her course where many forgivably might have been. If anything, Nash was spurred on, working even harder at honing her craft in the studio. Subsequently, she issued her breakthrough release just a few months later, 'Strangest Thing', gaining airtime on Jaguar's BBC Radio One Dance show.

Fast forward two years and her accomplishments are stacked. Collaborations with the likes of Aussie legend Fisher, Navos, and Lancaster natives, LOWES, remixes for the likes of Josh Parkinson and KC Lights, a run of shows across some of the UK's biggest festivals and venues, including London clubbing hotspot, Printworks, and, not to forget, that aforementioned signing to iconic Ministry of Sound label... It goes without saying that we can't wait to see what this still developing and obviously incredibly talented still has to share in the years to come. 

In the lead up to Highest Point Festival this week, we managed to sneak in a quick chat with Nash as she prepared for her live set at the event this coming Friday. Discussing everything from her future ambitions to the artists she's excited by at present - Continue reading below to learn what she had to say...

From obscurity to global recognition in a very short space of time, your glow up has been astronomical, to say the least. What have been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moments on your journey so far?

"For me, I think playing my second and third ever gigs at Creamfields and Leeds Festival. They were definitely both 'pinch me' moments. It felt unreal playing to so many people at such an early stage in my career."

Joining the likes of London Grammar, Sigala and Franky Wah, you signed to Ministry of Sound in the summer of last year. How did this opportunity come to be?

"I sent a few demos to them and one that particularly jumped out was my track 'Garden'. I went down to London to meet the team and they expressed that they wanted to sign me, which was incredible." 

-

Your latest release, ‘Garden’ really struck a note with dance fans in the UK, amassing over a million streams on Spotify alone, since mid-January, and claiming BBC Radio One’s ‘Hottest Record In The World’. Can we expect more of the same to come this year?

"You definitely can! Garden was more of a tech house track but my upcoming releases are slightly more dance. I’m excited to get them out there for everyone to hear!"

-

Whose sound has had the most influence on your creative output? And are there any artists you remember growing up listening to that have continued to impact how you produce music?

"My most influential artists would be Gorgon City or MK. I grew up listening to their tunes and I think you can expect to hear a bit of the inspiration from their records in my work over the next few releases."

Regarding your live sets, is there a particular track in your collection right now that you always look forward to dropping? A bonafide dance floor heater perhaps?

"I have an edit of a Chase & Status track, 'Time'. I played it out at The Warehouse Project in Manchester and as soon as I came off stage, my inbox was full of people asking what the track ID was. So I think this will be a dance floor heater in all my sets for the future."

-

We cannot wait to see your performance at this year’s Highest Point Festival. Speaking directly to the fans coming to see your set this May, what should they look forward to? What can they expect from an Emily Nash show?

"So, I normally produce tech house or dance music I can also produce D'n'B. In my sets, I tend to play mostly dirty tech house tracks but towards the end of my set I sometimes like to throw in one or two drum n bass tunes to surprise the crowd! Works every time!" 

-

Considering some of the many other names on the festival's eye-popping lineup, is there anyone that you're particularly eager to see at Highest Point?

"I love Low Steppa, so I think he’s one person I’m excited to see. And Example!"

Musicians and artists always seem to have their finger on the pulse when it comes to new artists and music. With that being said, have you found any new names that you just can’t stop listening to? Anyone we should be keeping a keen eye on?

"I am really loving Nia Archives at the moment but also a good friend of mine, Louis Millne has been sending me some of his latest tracks and they are something special!"

-

Looking forward to the rest of the year and beyond, what are your ambitions? What’s still left to achieve on your list? What big things have you got coming in 2022?

"I’ve achieved so much already and experienced some seriously big moments. One's to tick off the bucket list. Another big ambition of mine is to play in Ibiza at some point. Fingers crossed this will become a reality soon! I’ve also got a load of brand new music to come out which I’m super excited for everyone to hear."

-

Finally, some quick fire questions to conclude our interview...

Go-to festival beverage?

"Vodka and Diet Coke."

-

Best festival snack?

"Pizza."

-

Wellies or boots?

"Boots."

-

Camping or non-camping?

"Camping."

-

Front of the crowd or at the back chilling out?

"Front."

-

Catch Emily Nash performing live at Highest Point Festival 2022 alongside the likes of headline acts Richard Ashcroft, Clean Bandit and Kaiser Chiefs. Head to the bottom of this page to secure tickets before they're all gone! 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.

Tickets are no longer available for this event