Courtney Lynn Emil West

Music is what bonded Courtney and Emil from the very start. Emil had just arrived to Berkeley, California to complete his degree project. Courtney was soaking up the creative, easy-going pace of the West coast, when they found themselves sitting next to one another at a party with guitars in hand playing along to each other’s songs.

While becoming friends, they took some road trips, which proved to be a great inspiration for their original music. Only weeks after meeting, they had co-written two songs and were playing at an open mic night. The momentum of the music resounded with the rhythm of LIVE YOUR DREAMS.

Emil's major influences are Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, and Jackson Browne to name a few. Courtney has been inspired by an array of artists such as Jewel, Natalie Merchant, Dolly Parton, and Alicia Keys.

While Emil and Courtney were traveling throughout her native state of West Virginia, Emil asked Courtney if she would like to come to Sweden. Although this would be a courageous plunge, the freedom and happiness she felt hanging out her Swedish Cowboy soon led the West Virginia Girl across their “Sea of Liberty” to find once again their “Open Road” on Swedish soil.

During the time in Sweden, Emil worked with graphic engineering and Courtney as an English teacher; however, it was still the music that blazed the trail. They played at cafes and bars around the area and befriended musicians in Gothenburg with whom they would share a groove or two.

This past winter they took their act to the US, gigging in Brooklyn and Greenwich village, in addition to playing some shows in West Virginia.

Emil and Courtney are now hearing the fruits of their labor as their Country Roots Rock sound weaves in and out of each other’s unique style which is evident on their new EP. Their music resonates with the freedom of an "Open Road" which is worth a listen.