Who is EMJAY? [Q&A]

Photo by Jesus Soto Fuentes

EMJAY is an artist who’s always searching—for meaning, for truth, for herself. She’s a songwriter and singer rooted in what she calls “anti-perfect pop”—music that values honesty over polish.

Even within the major music industry, she’s always fought to release what truly connects with people. Her work constantly explores the role of women in music, while pushing boundaries and reinventing itself as a form of quiet revolution.

She represents a new wave of pop—one that feels raw, emotional, and real—and is emerging as a voice for Mexico on a global stage. Her sound is fresh but deeply authentic; she writes from lived experience, which is why her songs feel so personal.

OnesToWatch: Who is EMJAY?

I’ve always been searching for my place in the world, and I found it through music—in the most honest and vulnerable ways of expressing how I feel. I think I’m here to help people who are going through similar things as me—the good and the bad.

Sometimes we just want to feel seen, heard, or understood. That’s why I make music—whether it’s to escape what we’re going through or to hold onto a feeling so we never forget it.

My label always tells me I’ll be the biggest pop star, but I just want to be myself. I want to express my pain, my love, my frustration of never feeling like enough. If my lyrics can connect with people, that’s more than enough for me.

For those weak in Spanish, explain Confesiones de las que me voy a arrepentir.

Confesiones de las que me voy a arrepentir literally means “confessions I thought I was going to regret sharing.”

At first, I felt like I had said too much—like a “lyrical hangover,” where you regret what you revealed… except this time it’s recorded forever.

But now, I don’t regret it at all. I always say that not releasing honest art feels like a sin—and that goes completely against who I am.

The EP touches on everything: fame, people I hate, a girl I fell in love with who became one of my best friends, parasocial relationships… literally every emotion I’ve been going through.

It’s my most honest project so far.

Any collaborators? Who produced the EP?

There are no collaborations—it’s my first fully solo project. Just pure confessions.

The EP is mostly produced by Vinco (5 out of 6 tracks), a producer from Chile. I met him through this project, and from the first song we made together (“No me veas así”), I felt like I had found my perfect artistic partner. We haven’t stopped working together since.

The second producer is Albert Hype, an incredible producer from Puerto Rico, based in Miami. He’s worked on songs I listen to almost every day—like “telepatía” by Kali Uchis and “Tarot” by Bad Bunny and Jhayco. Working with him was an amazing experience, and “bellaka” is the result.

Basically, Vinco and Albert Hype are the only ones who know who these confessions are really about.

Describe your music as a color / activity / place.

Color: somewhere between gold and silver—it shifts, and that shift changes the entire mood.

Activity: a real-life performance. My music feels like a soundtrack to chaos, beauty, and emotion all happening at once.

Place: everywhere. Music isn’t meant for one place—it’s meant to follow you through everything.

Besides this EP, what should we be on the lookout for?

I’m getting ready to go on tour with a brand-new show—and it’s going to be very rock. Rock, rock, and more rock.

I was a little scared about how to follow my last tour (me estoy volviendo loca), because it was so intense and chaotic—but this new show feels just as energetic in a different way. Performing live with my band is pushing me into new challenges, and I love that. I feel more like myself than ever on stage.

I’m also working on my third album. I don’t want to leave people in the middle of a sound without giving them a full project. It’s been a crazy, busy time, but I love the challenge.

I feel like I’m living “the life of a showgirl.”

But I won’t say more about the album… you’ll have to wait.

Take us on a date in CDMX.

I’d want something that breaks my fast-paced routine.

I’d start the day with pilates and a sauna, then go for coffee and vintage shopping—that’s one of my favorite things to do.

After that, we’d get nigiri, then head to Bosque de Chapultepec to walk, sit by the lake, write, read, and listen to music.

That’s my perfect date—when life is so busy, sometimes all you want is to slow down and feel grounded. No party.

What’s inspiring you right now outside of music?

My chaotic life—and the women I admire.

Best way to experience your music?

Some people love it at the gym, others when they wake up. It really depends on the mood.

That’s the point—there’s an EMJAY song for every moment.

Who are your OnesToWatch right now?

Anytime I can recommend my friends, I will—because I genuinely listen to them and believe in them. I really think we’re entering a moment where women can lead the industry.

Iza TKM (alternative pop), Flvckka (urban), Cachirula and Yerimua (reggaeton), Rixxia and Chzter (experimental indie), Sayuri & Sopholov, Alanis Yuki…

My girls are leading every genre, and I’m proud to be living this moment alongside them.

Listen to Confesiones de las que me voy a arrepentir below: