Live Music: Emily Shirley

Emily Shirley’s brand of thoughtful songwriter pop/rock is as finely tuned and brightly colored as the graphic design projects she works on for her day gig. Ghost Ranch, her latest release now available as a limited edition disc, is a genre-bending hybrid of indie-pop melodies woven over thoughtful, grounded lyrics and continues Shirley’s presence as a vibrant writer who has come into her own in the Austin, Texas scene. Produced and engineered by Taylor Tatsch at Audiostyles in Fredericksburg Texas, Ghost Ranch features Shirley’s signature earworm melodies and indie-pop arrangements. Shirley tells life stories through song, revealing interesting characters and settings in a way that keeps us engaged and on our toes. In addition to performing in and around Austin solo and with her own band, Shirley is also as part of Austin-based bands, Sister Golden Hair and The Belle Sounds. “Like the surprise of opening of a Christmas gift, each of Emily’s songs presents unexpected delights in backing harmonies, instrumental embellishments, and gentle acoustic and electronic touches.” - Andy Bargerstock, Fringe Toast Music