ouchouch asked: The song you played on Google’s guitar (when I dared you) doesn’t sound familiar. Is that a new song that will be on the next album or was it born that very moment or you had a song lying around and figured it was perfect to play on Google’s guitar? There’s a second part to this question but I’ll wait until you answer this one. - Mary

VE: It was born that moment.  It’s nothing. 

chessimprov asked: I just started watching the series Beck. Even though you may not be an anime fan, I’d suggest giving this one a go cause I know that all bands were once that struggling garage band just yearning to get their name out. (Maybe you still feel that “burn” at least somewhat.) So it’s a well-done masterpiece that you could empathize with, especially considering the difficulty translating the slang and possibly music lingo too. Not that people are asking you to do a million thousand million things anyway, haha.

VE: Where can I view this masterpiece?

Anonymous asked: Will the Web concert and Live studio web feed kickstarter packages be archived? I work, so I would hate to miss out.

VE: If I can make that happen (and I think I can), I certainly will.

contradictions-flutter-out asked: whenever I’m having a bad day, I listen to your music to cheer me up and it always works. thank you for being so awesome. <3

VE: I like your Tumblr name.  And I like even more your post.  Double thanks.

Anonymous asked: was there ever a plan to film a music video? after watching your mini series on how to make a successful video i was slightly disappointed that the Marilyn Monroe concept never went through!

VE: We did plan on doing a video and since it’s not going to happen I can tell you.  I was going to rescue Marilyn (the framed poster) and take her back to the east coast.  Simple but we ran out of time.  Matt at some point asked me if I thought people would be irked that there was no video to follow the series.  I said I didn’t know.  Your comment is the first I’ve heard about it.  Still, we had a lot of fun doing that little miniseries.

Anonymous asked: i feel like i’m going through a quarter life crisis, i can relate to every song you’ve ever written .. do you actively strive to write and sing songs many people can relate too or does it just come naturally?

VE: This blog is titled “At The Risk Of Sounding” so allow me to risk any reputation of modesty by saying I believe (nay, I know) I have a keen sense of what moves people.  It’s something that I’ve cultivated over the years but I’ve always had it.  Why do I know this?  Because I pay too much attention to what I’m feeling and we are all essentially the same.

Anonymous asked: Hey Val, I’m so excited for your new record, but to hold me over during the wait .. do you have any 2011 records you recommend ? or anything your currently digging?

VE: I love the new Peter Bjorn and John record and also the Bon Iver record. 

Anonymous asked: Hi, Val! I’d like to offer a.) my apologies for not writing back to you sooner and b.) my congratulations for reaching all three of your Kickstarter goals in less than three weeks! I’m glad I was able to play a small part in helping your next album become a reality, and as icing on an already incredible cake I get the personalized Val Emmich song my sister wanted to buy me for Christmas after all! (I can’t stop using exclamation points!)
   Enthusiastic punctuation aside, I’d also like to thank you and your Tumblr fans for your lovely responses to my original post. I wrote it one night on a whim and clicked the “send” button before I gave myself a chance to back out. Everyone has been so kind (Thanks, Mary!), and you even included a photo! My and my sister’s first reaction was something along the lines of: “Oh, my god! Look! That’s totally the shirt!” But we both agree we can’t be 100% certain of this fact, since our seats for the show were very nearly nosebleed and, well, seven years is a long time. Regardless, we appreciate you taking the time to find the photo and share it with us.
   Any snowballs I might’ve created were unanticipated but — here’s hoping — ultimately happy accidents. Best wishes for and good luck with the new album! Oh, and two questions:
   1.) Is there a chance you’ll play a Tuesday or Wednesday night show between now and the end of September? I’m in the Adirondacks again this summer, but can’t make either of the shows you have scheduled because of work.
  2.) What do you think of Aimee’s Snowball as a potential personalized song title?
  Thanks again, Aimee

VE: Welcome back.  I’m glad you followed that whim of yours and hit send.  I try to do the same and most of the time it’s worth it.  Even the times I get into trouble.  At least it’s honest.  1) Not sure at the moment but keep your eyes peeled at valemmich.com for show dates.  It’s possible.  2) I can make that happen :)

Anonymous asked: Val, I just wanted to say I really enjoy your q & a and I read them all so thought I would ask a question since it has been awhile. First of all I am super excited about the whole Kickstarter campaign and watching the total grow. I knew you had some awesome fans but it made me feel less lonely to see how committed people are to your new album being made. If that makes sense? In this day and age of truly awful music it is great to have someone who really is talented and one of my worst fears is that one day we will not have any more Val Emmich music. So thanks to everyone who donated so we have another album!! My question is how does it feel to see so many people so willing to donate money to make your album?
Thanks! Susan

VE: Thanks Susan, for donating and for the post.  It makes me feel good, gives me some validation, like I’m not crazy.  Everyone needs to be told that every once in a while, “Hey, you’re not crazy.”  The whole experience has been pretty overwhelming in the best way.  In fact, an unexpected byproduct as been a reminder that I have to pay-it-back to other artists who I enjoy the way you guys have done to me.  I was telling the whole concept of this crowd-funding thing to a friend who had never heard of it and it sort of blew his mind that it was possible.  He asked, “What’s to stop an artist from taking the money and screwing people over?” And I said, “Nothing, I guess.”  It reminded me how much trust and faith you all showed in me and that really hits me hard.  So thank you.