At age 9, musician EmiSunshine shocked viewers around the country with her video of a 2014 flea market performance. After going viral, she landed performances with Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam and a gig at the Grand Ole Opry. Now 12 years old, EmiSunshine has developed an authentic folk voice and plays almost 150 shows a year. Her passion for Appalachian and classic country music are the foundation of her precocious talent.
C-VILLE: Who is your favorite musician?
EmiSunshine: Wow! So hard. There are so many. But right now I’m deep into Jason Isbell. His writing and music style really speaks to me.
What do you do for fun, outside of music?
I love to hula hoop. Anywhere, anytime. I’m learning to do lots of new hooping techniques.
How do you spend your time while on the bus?
I practice a lot and do homework, but I also love to be a Play-Doh chef. We make a menu and make food and serve it.
Do you have a favorite book?
Right now I’m reading The Isle of the Lost, but I also love the Big Nate series.
Who does your hair and wardrobe?
Mostly me and mom. We gather clothes and hats and hairstyles from all over—thrift stores, magazines, fans, yard sales.
What’s the most exciting thing that’s happened to you?
Meeting my heroes: Jamey Johnson, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Buddy Miller, etc. Just getting to meet them is amazing enough but then getting to play the same stages as them…that’s too cool.