Esmae Talks New Single With OMI ‘Depend On Me’ And More

Oct 3, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By WMA Agency

Rising newcomer Esmae has released her new single with singer OMI called ‘Depend On You’. We are very pleased to bring you our interview with Esmae on the track’s release date here:

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest musical memory is growing up in the family home, listening to my mum and her sisters doing their rendition of Paddy McGuinty’s Goat. There was always music playing in the house.

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote my first song when I was 16, but I circled back to music as a career in 2019 after realising I wasn’t doing what I love. Becoming a mum was a game-changer – I realised I was telling my children to follow their dreams, yet I hadn’t done the same. That made me feel like a bit of a hypocrite, so I decided to go all in.

You have your new single Depend On You released on Friday 3rd October 2025. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

This track is really special. The idea came to me while I was on a catamaran in the Seychelles, surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. The sun was beating down, the sea was crystal clear, and the beaches were pure white. No wonder it’s the first truly happy song I’ve written!

Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?

It began as a solo track, but when I took it to my co-writers and producers, we decided to mix it up a bit. Once we started shaping it, we instantly knew OMI would be the perfect addition – and he truly was.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Not at all. The whole thing flowed from start to finish. It’s been one of the most enjoyable pieces to work on to date, and the energy from everyone involved was spectacular.

The single is a duet with OMI. How did that collaboration arise?

I knew from the very beginning that I wanted OMI on this track. Once we had the song where we wanted it, we sent it to him. He loved it straight away and said yes.

What he brought to it was perfect. He’s such an amazing person to work with.

Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?

Yes! We filmed it at Black Island Studios in London, using a massive green screen. That gave us the flexibility to be playful with the visuals and create the possibility of being anywhere we want to be.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I recorded my parts in London with my co-writers and producers Helen Boulding and Jonas Persson. OMI recorded his vocals in Jamaica with his team and then sent them back to us, I love his writing and vocals on there!

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

One of my favourite memories was when the whole project came together and OMI flew in from Jamaica for the shoot. Apparently, my chin was looking overly red on camera and the makeup team had a real job keeping it under control.

We joked about “chin therapy” all day! Honestly though, he’s such a great guy – we had so much fun on set, which you’ll see in the video and behind-the-scenes footage.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We really wanted to create a fresh sound on this track, so we experimented with different production layers and vocal textures to give it that unique, timeless feel.

Which of your new tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

• Depend On You is definitely me at my happiest – relaxed, free, and letting go.
• Undone is my most reflective; it captures the complexities of relationships,
where you can feel torn but too invested to walk away.
• Fire is my angriest and most empowering – it’s fiery, unapologetic, and all
about burning down what no longer serves us.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

Yes, we’re already planning the next single – lots more music to come.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

To feel proud of my performance, and to know I connected with the audience – that they related to my music in a real way.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

My microphone is my favourite thing – the moment it’s in my hand, I feel completely free. I also love performing with my dancers; they bring so much talent and sass, and their energy fuels me on stage.

How do you look after your voice?

Plenty of rest, and lots of honey and lemon water.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I would choose The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a story about following your dreams and trusting the journey, even when the path isn’t clear – and that really speaks to me. As an Artist and a Mum, I’ve had moments where I had to take a leap of faith and listen to my heart, even if it didn’t make sense to others at the time.

That’s exactly how I came back to music. Musically, I’d want it to feel uplifting and soulful, full of light and energy – the same
way I felt when Depend On You came to me in the Seychelles. That song represents me finally letting go and embracing happiness, just like the novel celebrates finding your treasure by following your own path.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Teesside in five words: resilient, creative, proud, diverse, evolving.

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

I was due to tour with Sonique but had to pull out due to double foot surgery. Once I’ve fully recovered, you’ll definitely see me performing live again.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My biggest influences are Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, and more recently Anne-Marie and Lola Young. My recommendation is to listen widely – stay openminded and explore every genre.

What makes Esmae happy and what makes you unhappy?

I literally love life and meeting different people. Surrounding myself with those who have a positive outlook and push themselves to grow makes me happiest. What makes me unhappy is when people let you down – especially in the moments when you really need them.