There is always hope for a new day to come

There is always hope for a new day to come

An independent Dutch composer, arranger and artist, Stephen Emmer began his career in the early 1970s as an avant-garde writer. In the years since, he has collaborated with many big name performers, including Lou Reed, Midge Ure and Julian Lennon; legendary producer Flood handled the 1982 WEA release Vogue Estate. Still prominent and demand, Emmer’s 2014 album International Blue was ranked as the year’s number two album by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which called it the “most beautiful orchestrated, arranged and composed album of the year.”

2017 brings a new album from Stephen Emmer, which is set for a June 9th release. It features appearances by Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, Leon Ware, Kendra Foster, Mary Griffin, Frank McComb, Andy Bey, Dwight Trible and Ursula Rucker. PureGrainAudio is proud to premiere the first video from the forthcoming set, “New Day Has Come,” which features Andy Bey. Emmer also answered some questions for us about what’s coming up for him.

Interview

How would you describe the “New Day Has Come” video to someone who hasn’t seen it yet?
Emmer: The video is a tale told/sung by an old man, but in the video we first see a young man, then two, then three, then 8 of them, trying to find out how to live life with new hopes on the horizon.

Do you have a favorite moment in the video? What about in the song?
Emmer: My favorite part is where one of the skaters in slo-mo waves the American flag where the lyrics tell us there is always hope for a new day to come.

What’s coming up for you career-wise? More videos to come from the album?
Emmer: Yep, so much to do so little time. But more albums, some selective live-gigs and indeed more videos for the album and a remix surprise track — all in one hot summer.

Any idea when we’ll be seeing you live in North America?
Emmer: We’re right now looking for a few gigs, as touring with this lineup is a little difficult, as everyone is touring throughout the world at the moment. So when we will eventually gig, it will be a smaller lineup, and maybe I’m hoping for the one or two gigs with the full lineup later this year!

Finally, Stephen, any last words for the kids?
Emmer: Don’t sit back waiting for things to happen, go out and about and do it — whatever it is — yourself. Go x go!