From the opening licks of Emilia Dahlin’s “God Machine,” it’s clear that she’s something special. In a region flooded with singer/songwriters, she stands out with clever storytelling, crisp melodies, and an undeniable passion. She excels at sending her listeners on journeys, and she can bend her acoustic guitar to meet the genre that fits the […]
By Justin Shatwell
Jun 09 2008
From the opening licks of Emilia Dahlin’s “God Machine,” it’s clear that she’s something special. In a region flooded with singer/songwriters, she stands out with clever storytelling, crisp melodies, and an undeniable passion. She excels at sending her listeners on journeys, and she can bend her acoustic guitar to meet the genre that fits the trip best: sometimes folk, sometimes Latin, sometimes Gypsy jazz. She understands that strings don’t have to be strummed — they can be plucked or struck.
Emilia Dahlin charms her audience to the edge of their seats with her wry smirk and clarion voice — then drops them to the floor with foot-stomping, head-shaking grooves. Her live shows are a lesson in intimacy. Two solid albums and a flare for performance have won her a growing legion of fans based around her Portland home. With a new album set to drop soon and more tour dates to follow, it looks as though Maine may have to share its best-kept secret.
For information and a performance schedule, go to: emiliadahlin.com
Justin Shatwell is a longtime contributor to Yankee Magazine whose work explores the unique history, culture, and art that sets New England apart from the rest of the world. His article, The Memory Keeper (March/April 2011 issue), was named a finalist for profile of the year by the City and Regional Magazine Association.
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