Flames Collective have been wowing audiences, performing alongside the likes of RAYE, Sasha Keable, Cian Ducrot, James Vickery, Hillari and more. In our new series, we go behind the scenes to meet the members of Flames Collective that make up the coolest vocal ensemble in the UK.
First up, meet indie pop purveyor, emre…
Who are you? My name is emre and I’m an indie pop artist that draws from ballad and jazz influences.
What do you do? At one of my shows, you’ll probably find me singing some original music and accompanying myself on piano. I love playing for other musicians too, some recent performance credits include RAYE, Cat Burns, Sasha Keable – most of which were with my Flames Collective family.
When did you join Flames Collective? I joined Flames Collective in early 2024 after finding out about the group from a couple of mutual friends.
Where did your journey with music start? My love for music started in Performing Arts at the age of 10. I trained at Centre Stage school and wrote my first song a year after I joined. I wrote it that summer whilst at my grandparents flat in Cyprus. I remember wanting more independence so 11 year old me wrote ‘Let Me Go’: a heartfelt pop ballad, written to my mum about how I want to go to the corner shop by myself and that it’ll be okay. It’s safe to say that she did not let me go and wander the streets alone after it all but I’ll always treasure that song. I produced it with my Centre Stage singing teacher, Matteo, shortly after writing it and I’ve kept the studio version safe in my files to this day.
Are you releasing music? The music video for my single ‘ribs’ is currently out on all social media platforms. My debut single release is soon to come. I’m super excited to share my sound with the world- so much love goes out to everyone who’s helping me make it all possible.
Who are your musical influences? Rex Orange County and Matt Maltese are definitely two of my biggest influences. I love how authentic and vulnerable their music is, you can tell they care a lot about what they do.
Where do you find your inspiration? I write about the stuff I care about; I like to think of my songs as little tethers to myself. Most of the time, inspiration just comes from life being life, and then my voice memos and notes app start piling up again.
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt while navigating the industry? Your biggest enemy in this industry is probably yourself. It’s hard to think about but I think it’s important to reassure your head that you’re enough and as long as you keep going, you’ll get to where you wanna be.
Can you give us a personal highlight from your experiences with Flames Collective? Wembley Stadium with RAYE at the Capital Summertime Ball, 80,000 people. One of the best days of my life. The roar of the crowd and performing some incredible music with some incredible musicians- there is genuinely nothing else like it. But what made it even more special was coming home to my little siblings telling me about how they were screaming ‘EMRE!!’ every time they saw me on ITV’s live broadcast. I will never forget that feeling.
Favourite thing about UD/ Talent House? Everyone knows everyone. There’s a beautiful community with such a strong foundation of support.
Tell us something random about you – a hobby, secret or something we might be surprised by?
I think I was definitely a chef in my previous life. I’ve got a note on my phone named ‘emre’s kitchen’ with all of my recipes on it: Chorizo and King Prawn Paella, Honey Soy Salmon and Korean BBQ Wings are a few of my favourites. One day I’d like to make a cook book to hand over to my kids with all of my most-loved dishes that might grow to become theirs too.
Is there a dream event or stage you’d like to perform on? I would love to headline The London Palladium one day. When I watched Rex live for the first time, it was in that theatre and it was probably one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while.
How do you define success as an artist? Success to me is to feel connected. I think you’d be pretty successful if you were able to connect with others through the power of sound and through your art.
Where do you see yourself in a year? Alongside my single releases, I would love to play many more headline shows within the next year. Recently, I sold out my headliner at Pizza Express Live and it was such a great night. I appreciate every single person that came out to support me and be a part of something special.
What’s next for you? My debut single release!
Where can we follow you? Instagram & Tiktok plus find more HERE.
Words: Interview co-ordinated by Orobosa Okundia-Best on behalf of Flames Collective. Find out more about Flames on their official website HERE.
