For this week’s Deep Dive Series, we are interviewing musician, songwriter, artist, and Britain’s Got Talent hopeful, Emma Hunt!

@EmmaHuntArtist is an incredibly talented and creative musician on Clapper. Earlier this month, she auditioned for both America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. Emma’s goal is to be able to merge her passions for music and art together in a never-been-seen-before entertainment experience. We sat down with her to discuss her experience auditioning, living with a disability, touring potential, and so much more!

Keep reading this Deep Dive Series to find out more about this creator’s fantastic story. Make sure to tune in every Thursday at 5pm CT on our @Clappertalks account to listen to the bonus questions that will only be available on our live radio show: Clapper Talks. And keep an eye on Emma’s profile for any Britain’s Got Talent updates!

Deep Dive into this amazing creator’s story!

What made you want to audition for Britain’s Got Talent?

Well, I need to go back to when I wrote my first song. My nerves were so bad I couldn’t even do a voice note knowing that somebody else would never hear it. Then I was on TikTok, allowing myself to get continually bullied. I was frustrated because I wasn’t engaging with anybody. Then I was introduced to Clapper, and I really wanted to share my music so badly. I owe it to the whole lot of this community that I’ve got to the point where I was brave enough to audition. It was another creator who sent me the link to Britain’s Got Talent audition. I’ll be totally honest with you, I wouldn’t have had the balls if I hadn’t had a couple of drinks! I never thought I’d get picked for an audition.

First I did America’s Got Talent. They said you’ve got 90 seconds and no more. I was so nervous, but I went in and I held up a bit of artwork, then I played and didn’t put a finger wrong. So, I felt quite confident going to Britain’s Got Talent. I got into the producer’s room with my guitar and put the slideshow of my artwork on. Then I looked at the chair beyond the desk and realized “I’m going to need that chair”. And I looked at the producer and thought “I haven’t got time. I don’t want my chances to be messed up because of my disability.” So I stood up with that guitar, knowing full well I couldn’t do what I needed to. And I failed. But my audition for Britain’s Got Talent isn’t over because the video auditions are still counting. I’ve just got to wait.

I can’t imagine the mental and physical strain of having to experience of that hustle and bustle. And then the fact that you did it not just once, but twice is amazing! Because America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent were back-to-back, correct?

Yes, they were! I don’t know whether or not I should be getting excited, but I logged onto the account and there are some new dates there it’s asking more pertinent questions about the visa, and it’s not saying “in front of the producers”. It’s saying “in front of the celebrity panel”. But I’ve not had an email to confirm, so I don’t want to get excited. I know I did a good job and if that one didn’t work out, there’ll be no regrets at all. I know that I did my best and I believed in myself, and that’s good enough. It’s just a question of whether or not I’m what they’re looking for.

How do you feel after Britain’s Got Talent audition? Do you feel that, after experiencing two auditions, you feel more confident in your ability and more comfortable?

I don’t have a lot of confidence anyway. I know it might seem like I do, but I’m starting to get to a point now where I just let go and go for it. It doesn’t matter what you think about me, I’m enjoying myself. That’s the thing you see on these karaokes every night. It’s a beautiful thing when you see someone just let go – it doesn’t matter how good they sing, because you see that magic in them. I’ve learned by being on this karaoke and watching other people and their performances to just let go and go for it.

So, the answer to the question is yeah, I probably would have more confidence. They did invite me back next year, but obviously, video auditions still count so I’ve got to wait for an answer there. I’d do it again but I’ll probably want to make sure that I’m not rushing. That’s the biggest mistake any musician can make because then you’re bound to mess it up. I’ve read about performance nerves and it really helped me. One of the first bits of advice is to chill out, calm down, slow down, and remind yourself of whatever it is that you do that will make your trip up. And just breathe. I won’t be put off by it.

What do you think you’ll do differently for your next audition?

I think that I would be more honest about my disability instead of trying to hide it so that I can be comfortable and can do the best I can and give the best performance I can offer. The truth is I’m not a rockstar; I need a chair.

I know that you don’t want people treating you differently, but I believe people are thinking about how talented you are. And if you do feel comfortable enough to let people in about that aspect of your life, I think you’d be surprised with how many people value you more than your disability.

Thank you. I appreciate that because I’d rather say that I’m enable not disabled because I’m doing something. With the Britain’s Got Talent thing, I think what ran through my mind was “they’re here to make money off of me as a songwriter, as a musician, as a singer”. And if they saw me as disabled then maybe they’d be looking at me and going, “How is she going to be well enough to tour? How are we going to be able to maximize this, because she clearly is disadvantaged?” I know that people say that doesn’t happen but it does, so there’s that aspect to it as well. I worry that might hold me back. Realistically I’ve only got three years left to gig, and go out on tour, so that’s why I’m in such a rush.

You can definitely consider other tour options as well! Touring doesn’t have to look like the old way, you could also do tours virtually. Would you consider that?

That’d be really cool, actually! There are some apps where you’ve got AI and you can set up and use your own backgrounds. Maybe I could actually create that environment I’m dreaming of. I’m always looking for ways to bring my music and my art together. Currently, I’m looking for a way to fund a songbook, which would have a page of artwork and a page of lyrics. Two years ago today I started writing music and I’ve written 94, and I’ve got hundreds of pieces of art and images.

Everything I’m doing, I thought was about the music and about the art, but it’s not true. I want to make a difference and I want to help people. I want to use what I’ve got and give a message somehow because I think that we need to see more goodness in the world and there are a lot of good people in here right now that are just the same. They’re not selfish people, they’re there and are supportive, and that’s what is so special about Clapper. I see them everywhere, more than I do in society. So, thank you all for shining your light. I see you all.

You’ve mentioned the challenges of performing with a disability. What have you learned from your own experience that could help another person with a disability who wants to be a musician or a creative?

My ultimate lesson would be not to fear perception. I should have just gone for it. I should have made sure I was sat and comfortable instead of thinking “I don’t have time” and worrying about the perceptions. And…I think people with disabilities are driven in a different way. You know, I’ve got Ehler’s Danlos syndrome, and I’m not going to be an old person. But the thing is when I wake up in the morning, I’m glad I’m here. You can control your own future, and you’re only here once, and when you’ve got a disability you’re more aware of that. So just seize the day, and go for it.

You mentioned earlier that you loved your Clapper community. For a long time, you’ve connected with so many creators. What’s helped you in your creator journey and how can others maybe follow in that example?

I think the biggest thing is just, to be honest, and just be you, and just be real. People either look at you or they don’t, and they’ll move on or they’ll stay. For me, it’s all been about the encouragement and support that I’ve had, and I’m totally in debt to that. I’m looking at the names, and I’ve got so much love and respect for everybody in here. My Clapper journey’s been really amazing. To get the opportunity to work with you guys, to be endorsed, to be seen, and to be heard, means the world to me. Nobody makes artwork for nobody to see or appreciate. Nobody makes music for nobody to hear. But I got a lot more out of my Clapper experience than I thought I would. So thank you, I love you.

Hope you enjoy getting to know Emma Hunt. For our latest deep-dive on @FreakinQuinn, read here.