If ever there was an artist that defines the whole Buckle & Boots Festival - it is Emilia Quinn. Unknown to #TEAMw21 prior to the 2019 festival, she gave us an early preview of her debut EP which came complete with the first of her many striking covers that she would release over the coming years. It showed her hair in motion flying about wildly - and instantly made her an enigma, for there was no real clue as to what she even looked like, just a batch of songs on an acoustic guitar, high on melody, rich in detail, and quite unlike anything else.
In 2021 she would return to the festival as a spectator - early copies of her "Medicate" EP were circulating, with another stunning, possibly slightly disturbing cover. Sheer coincidence would end up with #TEAMw21 sitting next to Emilia, and having heard the new EP we boldly made the prediction to her that we expected her to headline the Paddock Stage the very next year.
Twelve months later the prediction came true, Emilia would return with a band to play a set that was both electric and completely mad - she evacuated the crowd that had been at the Main Stage, so many were at the Paddock Stage that it was at times enjoyable chaos. A permanent live wire, her set opened to two unreleased songs, her hair was once again flying around, she would truly rock out in one of the sets of the festival - our review concluded that her next destination was the Main Stage!
Her third visit to the festival in 2023 would see her afforded a slot on the Main Stage, it was an early evening slot, but what a difference. The madcap mayhem of the previous year was replaced with a steely professionalism, her band would be loud and rocking and she would look every inch at home on this big stage. Towards the end of the set, Emilia would move to the keyboard and play "Backroads" and all of a sudden the full potential of just how big this tiny lady from Leeds could become was apparent.
Our reason for highlighting Emilia Quinn as being one to see is that this might prove to be her last visit for a while, At this years C2C Festival, she put in 2 quality sets, that easily rivalled and if anything outdid our Nashville based cousins for sheer excitement. Friday night will see the Emilia headline the Main Stage at Buckle & Boots 2024 - the culmination of five years of effort.Her next step must surely be to follow Kezia Gill, to bigger stages, larger festivals widening her fan base even further. So when the lights dim and Emilia takes to the Main Stage savour every second and when as she surely must, plays "Backroads" make sure there is enough energy in your phone to wave and let Emilia see your appreciation.