Emei, an up-and-coming alt-pop artist from Los Angeles, returned to Boston in March as part of her “RABBITHOLE” tour. The Chinese-American musician, who has gained a growing following, made her mark at Wellesley College in Spring 2023 with a performance at the Chinese Student Association’s Culture Show. Despite a series of viral singles under her belt, Emei remains a relatively unknown figure to many — as evidenced by friends’ questions about her when I mentioned attending her show.
At just 15 years old, Emei competed on “Chinese Idol,” a popular reality singing competition in China. She later began releasing her own music in 2021, with early tracks going viral on TikTok and propelling her music career forward. To date, Emei has released three EPs, with her latest being “Rabbithole.” Her diverse sound blends electropop, pop-rock, and acoustic ballads, addressing themes that go beyond the typical romance-based pop songs. Her lyrics explore personal growth, family relationships, and her struggles with anxiety, stress, and ADHD.
For her VIP experience in Boston, Emei treated fans to an intimate acoustic set that included two of her standout tracks, including “Dear Emily,” one of my personal favorites. During a Q&A session and fan meet-up, it was clear the crowd was deeply engaged, with many attendees donning white, black, and red — the signature colors of Emei’s tour. The VIP event was a hit, and the energy in the room only grew when the crowd swelled for her sold-out show.
After the opening performances by Ashley Mehta and Haiden Henderson, the lights dimmed, and red spotlights slowly illuminated the stage. Emei kicked off the show with her viral hit “Love Me Not,” a catchy pop-rock anthem about overthinking. From there, the set was a high-energy ride with tracks like “Cynical,” “Irresponsible,” “Crazy Stupid Love,” and “That Girl,” keeping the crowd moving and singing along.
The show was filled with fan surprises, including Emei tossing tour merch into the crowd. She also played several new tracks, such as “Rabbithole” and “9 Lives,” which showcased the range of sounds in her catalog. While “Rabbithole” is an upbeat track, “9 Lives” offers a slower, more reflective energy — a perfect example of Emei’s musical versatility.
The set concluded with “Scatterbrain,” the title track from her previous album, which speaks to her experience living with ADHD. But the night wasn’t over yet. As expected, Emei returned for an encore, performing “711,” a fan favorite that delves into her anxieties and emotions. The crowd erupted in applause as Emei closed the show on a powerful note.
Watching Emei perform live made it clear how her music serves as a tool for confronting and reshaping public perceptions of her. She confidently addresses the way others may view her, particularly as a Chinese-American woman, while also tackling the often-stigmatized topic of ADHD. Known as a “white boy disorder,” ADHD is frequently misunderstood, especially among Chinese-American women. By transforming her personal experiences into fun, relatable music, Emei makes the topic more accessible, helping listeners better understand their own inner worlds.
Bold, colorful, and unapologetically herself, Emei is a rising star in the music scene. With her distinctive style and willingness to tackle complex topics, she’s one artist to watch in the coming years.
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