EARLY CAREER-
At the age of nine, I started my performing career in a band called 'Loud N Proud' we played festivals around Scotland and gathered a small fan base at a very young age. At thirteen, I began writing my own songs and learned how to play the piano and guitar. In July 2014, I won TeenStar, a well known national singing competition performing my original music. Shortly after, at the age of 17, I came fourth place in the thirteenth series of The X Factor in 2016, known as Emily Middlemas. I went on to perform a UK area tour followed by a headline UK tour in 2017 which consisted of 11 sold out dates.
2018 TO PRESENT-
In August 2019, I announced that I would be using the stage name ili and released "A Little Bit" as the first single under my new stage name. The following month, "Changes" was released as the title track from my debut EP, followed by the five-track EP itself, "Changes". This EP gathered a total of 250,000+ streams on Spotify and gained attraction from industry professionals from the likes of Warner, Sony and Columbia. Track 3 from this EP, "Plastic knife" is currently being played in retails stores like ZARA and H&M worldwide and has attracted new fans in the UK, Brazil, China and Japan simply from Shazam-ing the song while shopping. "Plastic Knife" will also be featured in a new Amazon Prime thriller premiering in March 2022 called 'Master' which is starring Hollywood actress, Regina Hall.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been writing songs online through Zoom. In 2021, I received my first ever number 1's as a songwriter. I had the pleasure of writing for 'Sunnee' who is a megastar in China, the single, "Gimme Gimme" was number 1 in China. I also wrote "Fake Love" for Polish star, 'Doda' which landed the number one spot in Poland and is currently being played in Polands top radio stations. I also went on to be a main artist feature and writer on the song "Strange World" which was released by the well-known DJ, 'Ummet Ozcan'.
While working on my new sound and artist project during the pandemic, I have been posting original songs and covers on my social media platforms to keep momentum for my fans. These videos have been doing extremely well and have even been recognised and reposted by credible artists such as Willow Smith, RAYE, Shania Twain, Kylie Minogue and Summer Walker.
After the success with launching my new artist project and writing for others (alI of which, I have done independently). I am ready for the next chapter of my solo career. I have re-connected with my live routes and truly found myself again during the pandemic. I now have new, raw and authentic music to release.
The new leading single 'Time Goes By' was produced in my bedroom which sparked support from BBC Radio London, Amazing Radio, Wonderland Magazine and landed NUMBER 4 on the iTunes singer/songwriter charts.
Shortly following my recent success, I have released a new single called '2 Cool 2 Be Somebody' which delivers flavours from the 80s with a modern twist. Gaining support from Spotify with New Music Friday and being the cover of their 'Fresh Finds' playlist.