With a new single every few months, 2025 has been another productive year in the development of Tāmaki Makaurau singer-songwriter Emily Bateman. Her own Spotify artist description cuts to the chase as ‘yearning-girl pop’, dreamy ballads and indie pop songs she delivers with effortless style. Her latest single, Sixth Sense, was included on NZ On Air Music‘s July NewTracks compilation under the alt/indie label.

What is your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

Emily Bateman! I’m from Auckland and I play guitar and sing.

What’s the background to Emily Bateman becoming a recording artist?

I always wanted to release my music but struggled with the logistics of how to do it. I started recording a few demos with Dave Rowlands in 2021/2022, who I’ve known since I was 12 or 13. Then I worked with Tom Broome, who really helped me with finishing the project and recording a couple of other songs. I released my first EP in 2024. It was so affirming to finally have music out that I loved and had been sitting with for years.

Was there debate before you settled on using your own name?

Oh definitely! I was pretty against using my own name for a while, it felt less cool to me for some reason, but I’m honestly horrible at naming things, haha. My music started off very insular, just writing by myself and barely showing it to anyone unless I had to at university. So, in the end using my own name felt the most natural. I’d be keen to start a side project with someone else at some point, and maybe that’s when I’ll come up with a cool name.

How has your writing evolved from your early songwriting to now?

I used to write from a really abstract place when I was younger – my songs just conveyed a feeling or a mood more than a specific experience or narrative. I was into poetry and short stories when I was a teenager. I remember reading Raymond Carver’s short story collection and was big into Ariel by Sylvia Plath. Lyrics always came first and then I’d work on fitting them around the music. I think my approach is much more holistic now, and I value the music as much as I do the words.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date? 

I got to open for Georgia Lines at The Powerstation last year, which was really cool. Just playing in a larger venue where I’d seen some of my favourite artists play was so awesome. I’ve also had a few songs be added to Spotify editorial playlists which is cool. I know Spotify is bad vibes but it still feels great, I won’t lie!

What made Sixth Sense stand out for you as a single choice?

It feels fresh stylistically and production wise – I haven’t worked with electronic drums in the way we did with this one. I also just think it’s a catchy little pop song!

What is the story behind Sixth Sense?

Sixth Sense is about feeling like a relationship is nearing its end but having conflicting feelings about it. Some days it’s good, some days it’s bad, and just not really knowing what to do with that. Do you throw everything away and start over or try to work on it?

Who did you record/produce the single with ? 

I wrote the song at home on my guitar when I was playing around with some jazzier chords. It’s a really simple song and I knew I wanted an electronic drum loop for my vocal to sit over. I took it to Andrew Isdale who I’ve been recording my second EP with. When I took it to Andrew he got it immediately and we finished it in a few hours!

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

My favourite part is probably the ‘ah ah ah’s’ in the post chorus. Andrew put an effect on them and they sit so nicely in the mix, there’s a cute 1960’s bossa vibe going on!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

Hmm, maybe just that it’s okay to not know what to do, things will work out eventually.

The ‘yearning-girl pop’ description is apt – though it’s currently a busy genre!

Very true! When I think of my songs, most of them can be summed up by a sense of longing or desire for something to change or shift. When I get the urge to write a song it’s usually because I need to feel like there’s a way out of something, and it’s me trying to figure it out. The music might sound chill but it’s often coming from a place of desperation. Yearning-girl pop sounds less insane than desperate-girl pop!

Who else is in your team?

I’m completely independent! Would love someone in my team lol, hit me up!

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? 

I have an EP coming out soon, and then I’m going to hunker down and write a million songs with lots of different people and see what happens, that’s my plan for now anyway!

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

Fazerdaze: A Thousand Years
Heidi Simpson: Vampire
Lips: Everything to Me

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NewTracks?

Yes! You’re On Your Own, Kid in March 2024 and Most Wanted in October 2024.

Have you previously applied for NZOA funding? Was there any criterion you struggled with in the application? 

I’ve applied a couple of times now, not no luck yet. It took a while to reach the criteria, but happy I’m there now! I think the streaming and follower criteria felt out of reach at the beginning.

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

B-sides on bFM is a cool new series they’re doing. Other than that, I generally use podcasts as an escape from music. I like listening to people talk about pop culture or deep-dive into absurd historical events like the Great Molasses Flood in Boston!

How can we find you on social media? 

Instagram
Tiktok

Is there a music video for Sixth Sense?

Sadly no music video, but I did work with Isabella Rose Young on some short form stuff that you can find on my social media!

Any last words?

Thank you for letting me ramble! New music soon 🙂