Delusion Susan – Emily-Mae

From West End cast lists to your Spotify playlists, Barnsley-born powerhouse Emily-Mae is stepping out of the theatre spotlight and into the studio with her debut EP, Delusion Susan. This autumn, the performer behind Hamilton channels a period of uncertainty, daydreams, and self-reflection into a bold, intimate collection of songs. With a voice that balances raw emotion and storytelling finesse, Emily-Mae proves that her artistry thrives both onstage and in the recording studio.

Q: Your debut EP is titled Delusion Susan — what inspired the name, and how does it reflect the themes of the songs?

Emily-Mae: When writing these three tracks I was facing a lot of uncertainty in my life. I had just finished a touring acting job with nothing to do go to next. No job, no auditions, no place to live. So, I was back in my childhood bedroom scrambling at part time work and wondering what was going to happen next. With a lot of free time, I found my mind wondered into daydreaming and delusion. Although I do think a little delusion is good and a neat trick to combat imposter syndrome I was struggling to connect in the real world. So, giving my delusion an alter ego of “Delusion Susan” felt like a good way to channel my newfound free time. The tracks on the EP were all written in this time, so it felt right to name them Delusion Susan.

Q: You’re balancing life as a West End performer in Hamilton with releasing your own music. How do these two creative worlds influence each other?

Emily-Mae: Balancing life in Hamilton and releasing my own music is currently going quite well. Hamilton is such a huge part of my life right now and being show ready 8 times a week takes a lot of resilience and self-care. With my own music it’s been a great creative outlet and an extra focus to keep my mind fresh and open for the show. Although they’re contrasting in styles and vocal abilities it’s been so refreshing to push my brain/voice/creativity in both aspects. I feel having something else to focus on other than Hamilton has made me rethink acting choices in the show and see other perspectives now I’m open to new challenges.

Q: Your EP showcases your skills as both a singer-songwriter and storyteller. Which track do you feel best captures your personal voice, and why?

Emily-Mae: Let Me Be as a track feels the most authentically me and really expresses my personal voice. It was the first track I wrote, and it came to me in just one afternoon sitting at my piano in Barnsley. I wasn’t writing it with the intention of releasing or anyone ever hearing it, so it really feels like a true reflection of my emotions at that time. I really leaned away from trying to be cool or sellable but rather just writing a diary entry to music. I love listening to songs that feel real and with a story you can connect with so I’m proud that my music has had such a nice impact on people.

Q: What was the most challenging part of bringing Delusion Susan to life, from writing to recording?

Emily-Mae: The most challenging part of releasing Delusion Susan for me has been the releasing itself. I’ve never released music before so the technical aspect of uploading and promoting is all new to me. The making and producing was the most fun and engaging part of the process. With my producer and co-writer Sam Hall we worked in a calm, friendly environment and really experimented as we went. There was no time constraints or pressure for it to be a certain way. Creating from a story telling background really helped in working out the overall feel and texture of the tracks.

Q: Looking ahead, what’s next for you musically — are there plans for live shows, collaborations, or a full-length album?

Emily-Mae: A full-length album is bubbling away in my mind. The process of Delusion Susan was such a fun collaborative experience I just must do it again! I’m a performer through and through so I would also love to get some live shows of my own music under my belt. Performing live is my life blood and the best way to really connect to the work, so I’m excited for what the future has in store!