Emay Holmes lives a double life. By day he launches F-18 fighter jets from the flight deck of USS Nimitz and at night he takes his maple-topped Martin acoustic into ‘a rusty little corner of the boat’ to craft a unique brand of heart wrenching soul music.

Growing up in Houston, TX, Holmes found himself drawn towards the poetic side of rap; in fact it was his poetry that first gained him a devoted audience on Instagram. Recently this account has become host to a series of short video performances in which Holmes, surrounded by iron pipework, delivers poetic lyrics in his timeless baritone backed by a distinctive acoustic picking style.

These videos are now taking full-form as Emay’s debut album Deep Down. Written both out to sea, as well as back home in Houston, Texas, through these 10 cuts Holmes takes the listener on a journey through acoustic soul, poetic blues, and six-string slow jams.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Emay about the latest project, challenges, motivations and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

Born and raised in the beautiful Houston,Texas. I’ve yet to put a title to this style, every song has a different feel to it mostly. ‘Deep Down’ is like Hip-Hop and Blues while ‘Mexico’ is folkish. ‘Show Me What Love Means’ is full-on soul while ‘The Deployment Song’ is like soul, country, and some rock. It’s a cool feeling to not really have a category ya know.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

For me it was joining the Navy, it led me to some dark situations that caused me to rely on music more than I’ve ever had to in my life. It sorted belted the music out of me on its own. Guess that’s how life works. Sometimes you just need that nudge. Back then I was pretty self-motivated. These days it’s the people, the messages, the love, the connection, it’s really humbling man. Especially when someone says ‘what’s next?’ Haha, like there’s this hunger to hear more that is just so dope to me.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

I put a lot of poetry out prior to this. But I didn’t really have a story, I was really impractical I think. But within the last year I really struggled, really went thru some stuff, and this music is kinda what came out. There’s a level of direction in this project that I’ve never had before..like with anything haha.

Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?

It took some adjustment. I’m more of a ‘live’ person I think. I love performing in the moment. I think technology gives snapshots of that but there’s nothing really like a live show. However it’s difficult to just get gigs any and everywhere so I’m taking to YouTube this summer! ‘Emay Mondays’ coming soon!! ((Go subscribe)) haha.

Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?

Everywhere! IG—> @emay.holmes
Twitter —-> @emayholmes
FB —> Emay Holmes

YOUTUBE —-> Emay Holmes

Anything else before we sign off?

Chase your dreams, sacrifice, and do what it takes to do what makes you happy!!