Emilia Walasik
Emilia Walasik is Contemporary Christian Singer-Songwriter and Catholic worship leader from Chicago. She started singing as a child and began singing at church when she was just six years old. During her high school and college years, she discovered her love for songwriting and composing music. She has lead worship and performed both nationally and internationally. Throughout her musical career, Emilia has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life. Performing at a variety of venues, making dozens of appearances, all the while recording new songs, she has earned the admiration and affection of many, serving as both an inspiration and role model.
Several of her major performances include: In 2006 she sang for Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, and she was selected as a performer for the World Youth Day international gatherings with Pope Francis in Poland (2016) and in Panama (2019). Emilia earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Dominican University and a Master of Music degree along with studies in the music business from the University of Miami. Additionally, she received a Master's degree in Theology to complement her work in ministry. Aside from music, Emilia is a disability advocate for individuals with disabilities like her brother who was born with Down Syndrome. She is a trained public speaker for the National Association for Down Syndrome and in 2010 received the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. In January of 2019 Emilia released her debut Christian/Gospel album "Authentic" and she will be releasing her second album in July 2021.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!!
Idiosyncratic, Uplifting, and Thought-provoking
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
My favorite part would have to be having a positive impact on others through my voice and through my songs. I also love the recording process in the studio!
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
For me, being in the recording studio is a way of escaping the stresses of the world. It's a place where I can just freely let out of my creative genius and express it in unique ways. It's a place and moment where I can truly be myself. Being in the studio is also like an ideal therapy session where you can transform your pain and difficult life experiences into something beautiful, positive, and also into something that can further be transformative to others once they hear the finished product!
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Oooo this is a good one! There are several things. I actually really enjoy reading historical fiction novels and also really love traveling, good food, and good company! Besides my work as a performer, I am involved in Catholic ministry at several Churches, disability advocacy for individuals like my brother who was born with Down Syndrome, and I also am a grade school music teacher. I absolutely looooove passing down the gift of music through teaching my students!
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
I truly admire Carrie Underwood. She is not only an incredible singer but also an amazing wife, mother, and person of faith. She is unashamed of her faith in Jesus and recently released a full length Gospel album which was absolutely stellar! As a performer I love for energy, her style both musically and fashionably, even things such as the outfits she chooses to wear! To me she is all-around an amazing artist.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it?
One of the most emotional songs I've written is called "Something Better" and it's actually going to be released in a few weeks as part of my new album coming near the end of July! Throughout my life I've gotten to know several amazing people but who all struggle with some form of addiction. In the process of getting to know them I saw the good they had deep down but also the incredible struggle and desire to be free. Being a person who wants to help others whenever I get the chance, I tried helping them in any way I could but over time I realized that some things are out of my control and that if I don't let go I can get hurt in the process of trying to fix them. I realized what I should instead do is leave them and my worries in God's hands while they seek professional help in their addiction recovery. This is a song of letting go, surrendering, but also having faith and hope that healing is possible for those you love, whether that be your friend, family member, co-worker, etc.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
So as I mentioned in my previous answer, I will be releasing my second full length album in just a few weeks, near the end of July! I will also be releasing several new music videos throughout the rest of the year. SO excited!
Tell us where fans can access your music.
Listen on Spotify!
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