Ok new song and video up just in time for Valentine’s Day! This one is especially important to me. The video footage was actually shot when I was a teenager, and the proceeds of this song are going to be donated to a foundation that works to combat bullying in schools. To purchase the song and show your support, CLICK HERE.
EMA – TAKE ONE TWO
This footage comes from a South Dakota trailer park in the mid-90s, and features a small group of freaks and misfits who seem to be having the time of their lives. Dressing up, hanging out, making up funny skits, and lots of laughing. When I look back now at our fresh young faces (yes that is me with the short dark hair and cat-eye liner), I’m amazed at how simply happy we all look. This is especially remarkable as I know what was going on outside those plywood walls: getting called names, shoved into lockers, and threatening to get our asses kicked for being queer or punk or just plain weird. But despite all that, there is a joy, strength and self-acceptance in our faces that I find inspiring and wanted to pass on.
I’m offering the proceeds of this song to an anti-bullying non-profit called The Jamie Isaacs Foundation. The organization was started by Jamie, a 15-yr-old girl in Long Island who was a victim of bullying for years before switching schools. It works to bring youth advocates into schools and pass anti-bullying legislation, as well as empathic education of students and faculty. To learn more, visit her site or check out this video.
When I first put together this video I sent it out to the people involved to get their take on it before it was released. My friends thought it was “adorable” but I didn’t hear back from the sweet boy in the turquoise teddy. I worried that it was too much, too revealing, and he wouldn’t want that footage put out into the world. Finally, I got a message back:
That was the most beautifully done video I have ever seen I love it I love it I love it! I could not stop bawling I don’t think I’ve ever felt so secure as when we were all hanging out in the trailer bedroom.
Erika. Lacy. We all 3 of us went thru some pretty tough shit. But we made it through. Lets use what we learned and give it to somebody else that needs it.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. This one’s for all the weirdos out there: cherish your friends, fuck the haters and let your freak flag fly.
lookit that came outta nowhere 
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Love the song and video. I tried buying the song on iTunes from the UK and can’t.. seems only US accounts can access it. Is that something you can sort out? Looking forwards to another UK/ London gig..soon I hope!
Wow. First you make the best record of 2011 (and one of the best of the last 5 years)– then you try to use your fame to help others. The music world and the world at large needs you. Thank you, and I can’t wait to see you in DC.
I am in Argentina watching this, and crying,I am here because all my life I had been running from those bullies , to realize I am my own bully, self acceptance man it’s fucking hard. Thank you EMA.
beautiful video
I love this. Poignant memories of being a teen freak. Hold on to each other.
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