Mental Health Sounds Like This is a heartfelt and deeply personal guide blending science, storytelling, and soul, to explore how music can be used not just as an outlet for emotion but as a structured process for healing and transformation. Why was this an important book for you to write?

As I mention in the book, I began teaching vocals when I was just 17, and in 2019, I expanded my work into what’s now known as Empowerment Through Songwriting Coaching. What’s always fascinated me is that my clients rarely come to me just for music; they come seeking confidence, personal development, and healing. All the while: I was writing and singing my own music of self-actualization, expression and growth. So it made sense that for a long time, people struggled to understand why I chose to both sing and coach. “Why not just focus on becoming famous and using your gift for yourself?” they’d ask. But for me, it’s never been about fame: it’s always been about purpose. From early on, I knew I wanted my music to mean something – to do something. And that’s exactly what this book represents: a reintroduction to who I am, what I do, and why I do it. It’s an invitation for the world to truly understand what Emma G Music is all about.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Good question! I think it goes back to the principles behind my work: The importance of providing safe space for my clients to truly show up, the importance of leading by example, the scientific, cultural, spiritual, and practical reasons behind why music [especially singing and songwriting] are so powerful, and how imperative it is that we seek out proactive approaches for mental, emotional, spiritual, social and even physical well-being.  

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about? 

It wasn’t necessarily “hard”, but I found myself waking up from dreams about different situations that occurred as a teenager that I’d definitely buried over the years. Writing this forced me to open that can of worms back up, and really analyze some of my experiences, and responses… and the what if’s. I have several catalogs of music documenting those parts of my life, but I hadn’t really looked at those songs in depth for a long time… it was cathartic. Painful at times, but healing. 

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Mental Health Sounds Like This?

That their voices matter. Their experiences matter. Their truth matters. In fact, that’s where their power lies. By ignoring or suppressing the difficult parts of ourselves; we cut ourselves off from growth, and strength building. I want people to understand that they can sing their pain away, and come out the other side: a whole, healed person. But they need to first lean in, and learn to express themselves authentically.

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