Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Whitney Otte
Montreal-based alt-pop artist Emi Jeen recently released her intoxicating new single “I’m (Not) Good” on May 9th via all streaming platforms.
“I’m (Not) Good” was co-written by Emi Jeen, Lexie Jay (Featurette) and JUNO Award-winning Hill Kourkoutis (Aysanabee, Leela Gilday, Sebastian Gaskin), who also produced the track. Driven by an entrancing bass line and pulse-pounding beat, the song showcases Emi’s powerful vocals and fearless dive into bold, new sonic territory.
Emi is also gearing up for a series of shows across Europe this May, leading up to a performance at the iconic Osheaga Festival in Montreal on August 3rd.
Emi Jeen is known for her magnetic stage presence and raw, emotional storytelling, seamlessly blending dark pop aesthetics with anthemic melodies. In 2024, she made major waves – completing a 45-show tour across the US, Europe, and the UK, dropping her Razzle Dazzle project, and going viral on TikTok with over 17 million views. Her fierce, emotionally-charged sound has already captivated the alt-pop music scene, solidifying her status as one of the genre’s most compelling rising stars.
I had the opportunity to chat with Emi Jeen about her new single, her musical journey so far, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey so far?
Emi Jeen: Hi, I’m Emi Jeen. I’m based in Montreal, but I’m originally from a small town just outside Quebec City. I started singing in bars with my mom when I was just 7, and from the very beginning, music felt like magic. It wasn’t just something I loved—it was something that lived inside me.
There was only one classical vocal teacher in my hometown, and even though I didn’t follow the classical path, she gave me the foundation and technique that still shapes how I sing today. Over time, I realized music wasn’t just a passion, it was a gift. And I knew I had to share it with the world.
Before launching my solo career in 2019, I was in an all-female band that toured across Asia, including shows in Dubai, Thailand, Morocco, and Malaysia. That experience gave me my first taste of life on the road and taught me how to truly connect with an audience.
Since going solo, I’ve released five EPs and built a growing, beautiful community around my music. One of my TikToks even hit over 17 million views! Last year, I toured across the U.S. and Europe with Kelsy Karter and Charlotte Sands, and now in 2025, I’m playing Osheaga, a total dream moment.
Right now, I’m pouring everything I’ve got into my debut album. It’s raw, nostalgic, louder than ever and I can’t wait for you to hear what’s coming next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your new single “I’m (Not) Good”?
Emi Jeen: “I’m (Not) Good” isn’t just a breakup song, it’s the sound of finally saying the things we usually keep buried. It’s about the weight of silence, staying in situations too long, keeping the peace, swallowing hurt just to avoid conflict. So many of us do that without even realizing it… until it all builds up and breaks.
I’m definitely guilty of it. I’m a people-pleaser, and I tend to say “I’m fine” even when I’m not. I come off bubbly and upbeat, but I carry a lot inside and music is where I finally let it out.
But this song isn’t just about relationships. When we wrote it, we were feeling the heaviness of everything happening in the world, the chaos, the uncertainty, the constant pressure to hold it together. “I’m (Not) Good” is for anyone who’s ever smiled through the storm while quietly falling apart. It’s a reminder that there’s real strength in being honest about where you’re at, even when it’s messy.
Kat: What was the creative process like for this project? Any unique challenges or memorable moments you can share with us?
Emi Jeen: I wrote this one with Hill Kourkoutis and Lexie Jelilyan, and I’ll never forget that session. We came in feeling overwhelmed, there was so much uncertainty in the world at the time, and we were just sitting there like, “We’re okay… but are we really?” That feeling of pushing through while quietly feeling lost really hit all of us.
We’ve written most of my upcoming project together, and there’s honestly something magical about the way we create. With this track, it all came together so naturally. The idea just showed up in the room, and it felt like we were just there to catch it. When that happens, it’s like a little spark, you know it’s something special. That day was definitely one of those moments.
Kat: How do you approach songwriting? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or something else?
Emi Jeen: It really depends! I have tons of voice notes and scribbled phrases in my phone, titles, random lines, little sparks of ideas. Honestly, a lot of them come to me in the shower, which is kind of funny but also where my brain seems to open up the most.
Sometimes we’ll just sit down and start with chords, and from there the melody flows, then the lyrics follow. When the energy is right, it all comes together really quickly. I love when a song feels like it’s just waiting to be found, we’re just there to catch it.
Kat: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Emi Jeen: For me, music is therapy, it’s where I release the feelings I don’t always know how to say out loud. I write from a really honest place, and my hope is that listeners can find a bit of themselves in the songs. Whether it helps them process something, feel less alone, or just feel something deeply, I want the music to be a space where people can connect and heal in their own way. Everyone’s journey is different, but if my songs can be part of someone else’s story, even for a moment, that means everything.
Kat: What has been the most rewarding experience of your music career so far?
Emi Jeen: It’s hard to pick just one moment, but touring has been the most rewarding part of my journey so far. Every show feels like this one-of-a-kind night where we all share something real—and that energy is everything.
Last year, I toured across the U.S. and Europe, and one moment that completely touched me was in Cologne, Germany. The crowd was singing my lyrics back to me like I’ve never experienced before. It was overwhelming in the best way. I had to stop for a second just to take it in.
And now, I’m about to play Osheaga, a festival I’ve been going to for years, always telling myself, “One day, I’ll be up there.” And this year, I am. That full-circle moment is everything to me.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you this year?
Emi Jeen: I’m heading out on tour across Europe and the UK this May for 12 shows, and I honestly can’t wait to be back on the road connecting with everyone. I’m also in the final stretch of finalizing my first ever album. So, you can definitely expect a lot more music, more shows, and way more behind-the-scenes content. I’ll be sharing vlog episodes again that take you inside the making of the album and life on tour, real, unfiltered moments from the journey. It’s a big year, and I’m bringing everyone along for the ride.
Connect With Emi Jeen
Facebook: /emijeen
Twitter: @emijeen
Instagram: @emijeen
Website: www.emijeen.com