Exclusive Interview: Emily Mulenga on Her Debut EP and DIY Dreamworlds

With her debut EP I Saw This And Thought Of You set to release on July 25, Emily Mulenga invites us into a rich, emotive world crafted entirely from her bedroom. The 5-track collection, featuring previously released singles “Oliver” and “Call Out My Name,” is a genre-blending DIY project that balances sparkling electronic textures with vulnerability and intimacy. A self-produced journey through electro pop, house, bubblegum dance, and hyperpop, this EP manages to sound both futuristic and nostalgic. It’s playful, it’s heartfelt, and it carries the unmistakable touch of an artist who knows how to merge emotion and aesthetics into a cohesive sonic universe.

We sat down with Emily Mulenga to talk about the creative process behind I Saw This And Thought Of You, the personal stories that shaped the record, and what’s next for this rising artist.

Interview with Emily Mulenga

1. Your debut EP I Saw This And Thought Of You is almost here—how does it feel to finally release these songs into the world after crafting them in such an intimate, DIY space?

Emily: It feels strange – the songs have been around for so long, whether that’s been in my head, or on my hard drive. They’ve been such a personal project and it’s going to feel different for them to be out there. I’ve wanted to release a music project since forever, and after dabbling for years it’s special that it’s happening.

2. This project blends electro pop, hyperpop, house, and even bubblegum dance—but also feels deeply personal and nostalgic. How did you find the balance between high-energy production and emotional storytelling?

Emily: I usually like to have something to provide a counterweight in my work. If something’s very sweet I add a dash of salt. I think it’s just how I exist as well – I love a whole spectrum of things and I think it’s interesting to combine them.

3. As a classically trained musician in piano and flute, how has your classical background shaped your approach to writing and producing electronic music?

Emily: It’s given me a solid knowledge of what sounds right. Also, sometimes when I’m figuring out harmonies or chords I’ll go to my piano and work it out there. It’s nice to have a bit of a more physical element to the process.

4. You’ve already released “Oliver” and “Call Out My Name” from the EP. What made those songs feel like the right introduction to your sound and vision?

Emily: I was really excited about Oliver – I love the song and when I wrote it (or it wrote itself) it confirmed for me that the EP was happening. I already had two songs in the works and Oliver pushed everything forward. It was also different from anything I’d written before. Call Out My Name feels like ‘me’, and feels nostalgic in itself, like it’s a song I already knew.

5. There’s a real sense of intimacy in knowing this EP was made in your bedroom. How did that environment influence the textures and themes of the record?

Emily: It’s very DIY and I just used what I have. It’s not fancy but everything you hear came from my vision. Having complete creative control is important to me; I don’t like to outsource. You know it’s direct and authentic.

6. You’re also a visual artist—did your visual art background influence the aesthetic or emotional tone of this EP? Are sound and image interconnected for you?

Emily: Sound and image are connected for me, yes. I use a lot of music in my video art and often the ideas for visuals are sparked by a song I know. They’re part of the same universe for me. People will recognise the feel of the EP from the art I’ve made.

7. The title I Saw This And Thought Of You is beautifully suggestive. What’s the story behind the name, and how does it tie the five tracks together?

Emily: It’s something we say a lot when sending pictures to each other – maybe a meme, or something we took a picture of when out and about. I thought it conveyed the intimacy of the record, and the tenderness and mundanity of some of the subject matter.

8. Each track feels like a glimpse into a moment—sometimes playful, sometimes tender. What kinds of stories or feelings were you most drawn to capturing on this record?

Emily: I was drawn to longing and yearning and desire, and growing from those experiences.

9. Now that your debut EP is on the horizon, what’s next? Are you already working on more music, or planning to bring this EP to life through visuals or live performances?

Emily: I’m working on more music!

10. For someone discovering your music for the first time with this EP, what do you hope they feel or take away after listening to I Saw This And Thought Of You?

Emily: I hope my listeners feel entertained, and that the EP offers a little portal to enter into my world for 15 minutes, as a space we can share. It would be cool if someone felt touched by it in some way. I’ve been told the songs are catchy, so I would love for them to continue to get stuck in everyone’s head!

I Saw This And Thought Of You lands July 25. Be sure to follow Emily Mulenga on social media and streaming platforms to stay tuned for all the music, visuals, and magic still to come.