2008 Woodie Awards
Student songwriter stirs local music scene
By Madison Flournoy
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Culture
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Hammett said she began playing the piano when she was seven years old.
On her thirteenth birthday she received her first guitar and began to sing.
She still plays classical piano and acoustic guitar, and also plays the pipe organ at her church. Her first show was Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
"I sent in a demo and they called me saying I was a finalist at the competition in Nashville, at age 14," Hammett said.
Hammett said she performs pop-girl pieces that are her own personal creations. "I wrote my first heartbreak song about a boy from McCallie High School who broke my heart," Hammett said. "I feel most like myself when I write."
Ann Pope, Hammett's high school piano teacher from Cleveland, Tenn., has been teaching piano for more than 40 years and has worked with Emily on classical music for four years.
"Emily is a well-rounded performer and gifted musician," Pope said. "She is a wonderful young woman."
Hammett has performed at several venues including Las Margaritas, Midtown Music Hall, Rhythm and Brews and Club Fathom. She has played at Riverbend, opening for Carolina Rain and has also played Nightfall, opening for Chris Thile from Nickel Creek.
Paul Downer, from Chattanooga, has been a friend of Hammett since last fall when they met at a Young Life cookout.
"Emily is a phenomenal musician. I remember how surprised I was when I first heard her CD, 'Private Property.' I couldn't believe she was from around here and that this was only her second album," Downer said. "Everyone I've introduced her music to has been blown away by it."
Downer said Hammett's live shows are much better than most he has attended.
"It's what live music was always supposed to be," Downer said.
Hammett said, "I made a CD last summer that was released over Christmas that people seemed to love."
"Get involved, she said "There are great shows around here."
Hammett performs live every other weekend at Las Margaritas and has other show dates and times posted on her Wen sites, Emilygracemusic.com and myspace.com/emilygracemusic.
