About a year ago, the world was introduced to Emma Hessels through 'Insular', the first single from what would become her debut EP ‘Constant Distance’. Since then, her career has taken off in a way few could have predicted: stages and festivals at home and abroad, a growing and devoted fanbase, and a name that has become impossible to ignore when talking about the most compelling new voices in (Belgian) music.
Anyone who has seen her live knows the moment: somewhere in her set, Emma plays a cover of 'I Wish It Was Me' by Nigerian-British artist Obongjayar, who has since spoken out as a fan of her version. The attentive listener will also recognise Fred Again's 'adore u'.
It's not a song she chose by chance. 'I Wish It Was Me' grew into a deeply personal song for Emma about the bond she shares with her mother, about the way you look at someone with pride and admiration, and how that is answered with the same gaze. It is at once a homage to Obongjayar, whose original she treats with great respect, while unmistakably making it her own.