Be a good daughter / Listen to your father / Even when he isn’t right.
Emma Gerson knows these are not words to live by. That’s why she launched lucky break, a new musical project dedicated to the art of being wholly and unapologetically oneself. Her debut EP, Biggest Thing, is nothing less than a proclamation of love for the world around her – and for the person she is becoming.
NYC-bred and based in San Fransisco, Gerson was inspired to pursue music full-time after experiencing gender discrimination working at a major music label. She released her first single as lucky break – a soft, sweet folk tune called ‘Honeysuckle‘ – back in February. The song appears again as the first track on Biggest Thing.
I have seen my heart / My heart is a honeysuckle.
These lyrics serve as something of a thesis statement for the entire EP. To Gerson, it is of the utmost importance that we cherish the softer sides of ourselves, and that we embrace the beauty in the simple pleasures given to us.
It’s made clear throughout the rest of the EP, however, that there’s a tougher side to lucky break; the softness and vulnerability so central to her music requires fierce protection by thick skin and quick wit. The second track, ‘Burning String‘, grapples with the pressure we often feel to hide our true selves for fear of ridicule and shame. Singing over bright acoustic guitars, tasteful jabs of string instruments, and layers of gentle percussion by producer Elliott Woodbridge, Gerson wisely suggests that, though following your intuition might have its costs, it’s pretty much always worth it.
The latter half of the EP takes a turn for the loud. The songs ‘Red Balloon‘ and ‘One Way to Be‘ are anthemic rock songs laced with clear influences from legends such as Elliot Smith and Fiona Apple while still retaining the hooky, poppy charm that Gerson’s songs have always had. “One Way to Be” laments the impact that the age of social media and hyper-visibility has had on Gen Z (of which Gerson is a somewhat proud member). Balancing light-hearted humor with anger and sadness on behalf of her generation, the song is yet another testament to her strong will and sense of self.
We should have danced at 17 / Instead they put us on TV.
Biggest Thing is a stunning debut that is bound to inspire young listeners and make lucky break a known name in the indie world. You can find the EP on all major streaming platforms now.
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