Get to know: Emma Grace Pfeiffer, 13-year-old musician

At just 13 years old, Barrington artist and YouTube sensation Emma Grace Pfeiffer has her own country album on iTunes.

An eigth grader at Station Middle School, Pfeiffer told Barrington Suburban Life about her inspiration for recording the album titled "Emma Grace – Behind Her Smile."

Q. How long have you been singing? What inspired you to start?

I have been singing for most of my life, actually. I love to sing. I don't know that there ever was a beginning. It's just a part of who I am.

One of my main inspirations in singing is Carrie Underwood. I love her music and I love the way she represents herself. I really enjoy listening to her, and I am always excited to sing one of her songs.

Q. Do you write your own songs? What genres do you like to sing?

I have been practicing at songwriting. On my album, I wrote "Nothing At All." I really like that song. My producer, Rodger Adler, wrote the rest. I like to sing mostly country and some R&B.

Q. Do you have any instrumental interests?

I am interested in the guitar and the piano. I know a bunch of chords on the guitar but am not comfortable with it yet to play in front of a crowd so my mom does that. After the guitar, I would like to learn piano because I think that it is a wonderful and beautiful instrument, and I hope to pursue that, as well as the guitar.

Q. When did you create your album? How long did it take you?

The writing happened last winter/early spring and recording took place this past spring and early summer. In all, it took maybe six months.

Q. Who are your musical idols? Have you met any famous musicians? Who would you like to meet?

I definitely really like Carrie Underwood and I would love to be like her one day. I have met one famous musician – Vince Gill. He was extremely nice.

In the future, I would love to meet Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. I think that both of them are most likely just wonderful people and I hope to grow up and be like them someday.

Q. Where do you showcase your talent publicly?

I sing at a place called J & D’s Bar and Grill (usually on Saturday nights) from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It’s a lot of fun, and the owner, Jose, is very nice. They have karaoke on Saturdays and Jose’s ribs are to die for.

I’ve also sang at the Silver Dollar Saloon (Nashville) with the Ron Bedal Orchestra and Hudson McCoy, and with the band Chasing Amy in Genoa City Wisconsin.

All of my gigs are posted on my website at www.emmagracesinger.com under the "Events" sub-heading.

Q. Where would you ultimately like to take your singing career?

My main goal is to ultimately become a successful singer and just stay grounded.

Q. Do you have any other hobbies or interests? What do you like to do when you aren't busy with schoolwork and singing?

I like to horseback ride and read in my free time. I really enjoy the new book, "Divergent" [by Barrington native Veronica Roth]. I also like to watch Pretty Little Liars. In fact, for those people who haven't seen the most recent episode, you're in for a thrill.

Q. What can be the most challenging about putting your talent on display? How do you handle criticism at such a young age?

Well, I definitely would say that the most challenging part of putting my talent on display is balancing my practicing with my homework. I like to give a good performance so I practice a lot before gigs.

As far as the criticism, my parents tell me to just push forward because there are always people out there who will want to knock you down no matter what it is that you do – sports, singing etc.

Q. Any advice for other young artists?

If you are a young artist who would like to seriously pursue being a vocalist, find a teacher you like and trust, practice a lot and don't be afraid to just get out there!

Q. What's the most rewarding aspect of finishing a song, album or video? What's your favorite type of project?

The most rewarding aspect of finishing a song, an album or a video is the positive feedback. I've had a lot of people tell me how beautifully I bring out the message in "Behind Her Smile." It's a song about bullying. I really love when I touch a person's heart. I also love to see the crowd's live reaction to a new song. I absolutely love it all – the videos, the recording work, but I definitely love performing live the most!

Q. What's some of the best advice you've received?

Stay grounded and follow your dreams! Rodger Adler told me, "Anything goes during a live performance," meaning anything can happen, good or bad! You just have to get out there and do it.

Q. What are your plans for the near and far future?

My immediate plans are to just keep playing gigs, expanding my craft, writing, practicing guitar and surrounding myself with positive people. My far-reaching plans are to continue doing those things and to become a successful professional singer and recording artist.