In an age of fleeting digital connections, the story of a song born from a 10,000-mile collaboration is a compelling one. Andy Smith, the UK-born, South Australia-based singer-songwriter, and Emily E. Finke, an American vocalist with roots in classical and early 20th-century pop, have crafted such a song with their new single, “Legends.” The track is a product of their shared membership in the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) and a creative process that spanned three continents. The result is a piece of music that feels both expansive and deeply personal, a sonic document of two distinct artistic voices finding common […]
Andy Smith And Emily E. Finke Releases A Song Forged Across Oceans "Legends" In an age of fleeting digital connections, the story of a song born from a 10,000-mile collaboration is a compelling one. Andy Smith, the UK-born, South Australia-based singer-songwriter, and Emily E. Finke, an American vocalist with roots in classical and early 20th-century pop, have crafted such a song with their new single, "Legends." The track is a product of their shared membership in the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) and a creative process that spanned three continents. The result is a piece of music that feels both expansive and deeply personal, a sonic document of two distinct artistic voices finding common ground. The song itself is a carefully constructed piece of storytelling. The lyrics speak of "crossing mountains of gold and chasing cities of light," painting a picture of a grand, almost mythical quest. This is not a simple pop song about love or loss; it's a meditation on time, distance, and the way stories evolve into something larger than their origins. The central idea, that time turns legends to myth and distance separates mirage from truth, is a sophisticated one. It brings to mind the way ancient mariners' tales would grow with each telling, the sea monsters becoming larger, the treasures more dazzling. Smith and Finke have tapped into this fundamental human practice of storytelling, of building narratives that outlive their creators. The sound of "Legends" is as intriguing as its backstory. The press release mentions a "murmuring wind and the ringing of bells," and while these specific sounds are not overtly present, the atmosphere they evoke is palpable. There is a spaciousness to the production, a sense of openness that mirrors the vast distance over which it was created. Smith's folk and rock sensibilities, honed over a career that has seen him win accolades like the International Single of the Year at the ISSA Awards, provide the song's foundation. His guitar work is intricate without being showy, providing a steady, rhythmic pulse. Finke's voice, with its classical training and vintage pop influences, soars over the top, adding a layer of ethereal beauty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCOL1EcXDpk It's a combination that, on paper, might seem unlikely to work. Yet, it does. As Finke herself explained, "We didn't put ourselves in a box, and the result is a song that neither of us would have written on our own yet feels 100% authentic to us." This authenticity is the song's greatest strength. Despite the remote nature of its creation, with files flying back and forth between Australia, the USA, and the UK for mastering by Andy De Rosa of Wave Mastering, there is a warmth and immediacy to "Legends." A key part of this was the decision to record the vocals together in Atlanta, Georgia, during the 2025 ISSA Awards in August. This in-person session clearly provided the spark that brought the project to life. You can hear the chemistry in their harmonies, the way their voices intertwine and support each other. It's a reminder that for all the wonders of modern technology, there is still no substitute for two artists in a room, sharing a microphone and a creative vision. The track's title, "Legends," is fitting. It's a song about the making of legends, and in its own small way, it's a legendary accomplishment. [caption id="attachment_63274" align="alignnone" width="1274"] Andy Smith And Emily E. Finke Releases A Song Forged Across Oceans Legends[/caption] It's a story of two artists from different parts of the globe, with different musical backgrounds, coming together to create something new. It's a story of perseverance, of creativity in the face of logistical challenges. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to build something meaningful with a collaborator who is far away. Smith himself noted that the project was "very different from my usual style, but that was the excitement of doing this project." This willingness to step outside of comfort zones is what makes the track feel so fresh. "Legends" is a quiet triumph. It's not a song that shouts for your attention, but rather one that invites you in with its intricate melodies and thoughtful lyrics. It's a song that rewards repeat listens, revealing new layers and nuances with each play. Andy Smith and Emily E. Finke have created a piece of music that is both a beautiful artistic statement and a compelling human story. https://open.spotify.com/album/4q6Sjlj8xEo2yF0iHWDOGY?si=DO-I7aaCSO2LY_3ojmYJng
