Emily Russell, hailing from the Kansas City, Missouri area, is a singer-songwriter challenging the status quo of Christianity through her latest project, "Sundays With Emily." A project born from her shock at recent Christian behavior, Emily processed the loss of the community she once knew by pouring her heart into her music, resulting in her latest release "Submarine: The Bittersweet Descent," which debuted on Bandcamp on September 15th, 2022.
Despite standing at an impressive 6'1", Emily often leaves strangers disappointed when she reveals she has never played basketball. However, her towering height has nothing on her immense musical talent that was discovered early on. After moving her audience to tears during a 5th grade solo, she learned to play the guitar at 14 and quickly found herself performing at various events around Missouri.
Her early career included notable performances at the State FFA talent show and a pre-show set at Starlight Theater, where she showcased her original songs. Emily later collaborated with Kansas City artists to form the band "Running @ An Incredible Rate," which notably triumphed over local favorite Axium in a heated Battle of the Bands.
After becoming a mother, Emily's life took a turn towards a spiritual path, leading her to Christianity and a position on the worship team. Her profound performances often moved the congregation to tears, reinforcing the impact of her music. However, her faith was tested as she delved into anti-human trafficking advocacy work, witnessing heartbreaking stories that made her question the existence and plans of God.
In the wake of the 2016 election, Emily's quest for understanding took a new direction. She broadened her perspectives by engaging with diverse communities and challenging her own perceptions. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with a wave of social issues, left her in shock at the reactions from a community she thought she knew. Emily identified her feelings as grief, having lost a community that once felt like home.
But true to her nature, Emily turned her pain into art. On her 40th birthday, she released her first full-length album "Submarine: The Bittersweet Descent." The album is a reflection of Emily's journey through questioning her beliefs and is meant to provide validation and solidarity to those who have "deconstructed" their faith. Emily hopes that her lyrics will provoke thoughtful consideration among evangelicals about their political and cultural alignments and how these may impact the message of Jesus they profess to worship.
For more information on Emily and her work, please visit:
- Website: www.SundaysWithEmilyMusic.com
- Email: SundaysWithEmilyMusic@gmail.com
- Bandcamp: https://sundayswithemily.bandcamp.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sundays_w_Emily
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPEiP2neFHI_Uz9fZFt6RmQ
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sundays_with_emily
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sundayswithemilymusic
Embark on a musical journey with Sundays With Emily and experience a refreshing perspective on faith, music, and community.