Balancing Passions and Pursuing Creativity Across Acting, Music, and Earth Sciences
Toronto Pages Magazine is thrilled to introduce Emily Drew McDonald, an emerging artist whose diverse talents span across music, acting, and Earth sciences. Emily’s latest song, Faux Nostalgia, takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of feeling out of place in one’s own time, blending heartfelt lyrics with a modern-vintage sound. With a background as a freelance actor at Seneca Casting, a Master’s degree in Earth Sciences from the University of Toronto, and experience as a volleyball coach, Emily is no stranger to wearing multiple hats. Her ability to balance a passion for performance, science, and sport sets her apart as a dynamic, well-rounded artist. In this interview, Emily opens up about the inspiration behind Faux Nostalgia, the challenges of pursuing multiple passions, and how her academic journey has influenced her creative work. We also get a glimpse into her personal interests, from her love for coaching to her evolving music career. Let’s dive into the world of Emily Drew McDonald.
Emily, you’ve got a unique blend of interests—acting, Earth sciences, coaching volleyball, and now music. How do you balance all these passions, and how do they influence each other?
I’m someone who has a hard time focusing on one interest 100% of the time, partly because of my limited attention span, but also because I’m passionate about so many things! Ironically, having all these interests actually helps me stay productive, as it forces me to keep a very tight schedule. Switching gears constantly keeps my brain and creativity active. I also appreciate how different these interests are, as it rounds me out as a person—both in character and personality, and in my appreciation for different aspects of life.
Your background includes a Master’s in Earth Sciences from U of T. How does your academic journey intersect with your creative pursuits, particularly your music and acting?
I get really excited whenever I see an acting role centered around a geologist or environmentalist. Having that practical background helps me bring authenticity to the character and enhances the performance. I also wrote a song about climate change, which was inspired when I switched my degree to Earth sciences and fell in love with the topic. I fully intend to embody that environmental focus in my artist persona and future songwriting. My studies have even influenced my modeling career, as I’ve developed a strong interest in sustainable fashion and production.
You recently released your latest song, Faux Nostalgia. Can you tell us what inspired this track and what it means to you personally?
This track came to life in real-time in the studio. I had some lyrics written during the pandemic about feeling trapped—unable to leave our homes or “bubbles.” I didn’t like the original melody, but when we started working on Faux Nostalgia, I repurposed that trapped feeling into something broader, reflecting the sense of confinement by the limitations of our generation and a longing for another era.
“Faux Nostalgia” is an intriguing title. What does the concept of “faux nostalgia” mean to you, and how did it shape the lyrics and sound of the song?
The melody came first, and it immediately gave me a vintage, almost modern Bee Gees vibe. That led to the lyric transformation I mentioned earlier. “Faux nostalgia” represents the idea of longing for a time you didn’t live through—idolizing the past even though you don’t really know what it was like. That’s how the title and concept of “Faux Nostalgia” came to be.
Can you walk us through the creative process of making this song? What was the most challenging part of bringing it to life?
The melody came first, followed by vocal improvisation to get a sense of what the melody was drawing out of me. Then I worked on the lyrics and recorded the leading and backing vocals myself. The most challenging part was trying to capture the essence of 70s disco pop!
How would you describe your musical style, and how does Faux Nostalgia reflect or differ from your previous releases?
Historically, I’ve had more of a jazzy or musical theatre-type voice, but with my new releases and upcoming EP, I’m leaning more toward a dreamy, indie-pop sound. My previous releases were experimental—I tried alternative pop, rock, and even EDM styles. Eventually, I’d love to master a jazzy-pop fusion.
You’ve now released two songs—what have you learned from the process, and how do you see your music evolving in the future?
(I’ve actually released four songs, with my fifth coming out on September 20th! Haha.) What I’ve learned is that you shouldn’t cut corners or take shortcuts when it really matters. If something’s important to you, invest everything you can into it. I’ve also learned that each experience helps you grow and evolve.
Which artists or genres have influenced your music the most, and how have they impacted the creation of Faux Nostalgia?
ABBA, especially with Faux Nostalgia. I’ve also been inspired by early 2000s pop icons and older bands like The Mamas & The Papas and Fleetwood Mac. Indie artists from today’s music scene have also influenced my sound.
Are there any specific themes or messages you hope listeners take away from Faux Nostalgia?
I’d love for people to feel transported back in time, especially those who, like me, have an idyllic image of the 70s. More than anything, I just want listeners to feel happy, upbeat, and like they’re having fun.
How did you transition from acting and modeling into music? Was it something you always wanted to explore, or did it develop organically over time?
Music was always my first love, with acting as a close second. My family can definitely attest to that with all the “shows” I put on as a kid! I always knew I wanted to perform, and when I moved to Toronto at 18, I pursued acting since it was the industry I had some knowledge of. Modeling followed during the pandemic, and then I realized I could pursue anything I wanted—including music. That was in 2021/2022, and since then, I’ve gained a much better understanding of the music and entertainment industries.
As a freelance actor, you’ve been involved in various projects. What has been your favorite acting role so far, and why?
My favorite role has to be the lead in an independent horror film called Storage Room. It was so challenging, physically and emotionally, and really pushed me as an actor.
Besides music, acting, and volleyball, what other hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I love reading, learning languages (I’m on my fourth now!), hiking, yoga, and learning in general—whether through school or non-fiction books.
You coach beginner’s volleyball as Coach Emac. What drew you to coaching, and what do you enjoy most about working with beginners?
I’ve played volleyball for about two decades, with 15 of those years at a competitive level. Coaching came naturally when I started playing varsity. I love teaching the sport and watching people grow in both skill and appreciation for volleyball. Coaching also helps me in my own varsity career, and vice versa.
If you could travel to any destination right now, where would you go and why? Do your travels inspire your creative work?
This is a tough one! I’d love to visit Australia or Portugal right now. My travels definitely inspire my creative work—taking time off from everyday life helps me recharge mentally, which makes it easier to draw musical inspiration.
When it comes to music, what’s currently on your playlist? Any guilty pleasures or unexpected favorites?
Besides the oldies I mentioned, I’ve been listening to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Grae, and Benee. My guilty pleasures are Tears for Fears and R.E.M.!
How do you unwind after a busy day filled with various activities? Any go-to routines or rituals?
Honestly, after all those activities, my days typically end with even more work until very late—usually with a cider in hand! Once that’s done, I follow my skincare routine and have a snack while watching half an episode of a show.
What role does social media play in your life as an artist, and how do you balance authenticity with your public persona on platforms like Instagram?
Social media is, first and foremost, a marketing platform, but it’s also a space to connect with people on a personal level. While my pictures often represent my artist-self, my authenticity comes through in the captions or my stories—my real personality can’t be hidden. The weirdness always comes out! Hahaha.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next few years in both your creative and personal life? Any upcoming projects or dreams you’re particularly excited about?
The first thing on my mind is finishing and successfully releasing my debut EP. After that? Hopefully, my first album, getting cast in a feature film or TV show, walking in Paris Fashion Week, and maybe even playing pro volleyball in Europe. If I can achieve those, I might go back and try for a PhD. Ha!
Your message for us at TorontoPages (TOPS) magazine:
Thank you for having me! It was so nice to express myself to you and to anyone reading. You guys are awesome, and I hope readers reach out so we can connect and chat! <3
