Stephanie Spear 
Virginia-based Emily Woodhull is inspired by the natural beauty of the state. Her newest single, Virginia I’m Home, is an homage to the Old Dominion, its scenic vistas, and the welcoming feeling Emily has experienced here. The Fairfax Girl chatted with Emily about her career as a musician, her journey to Virginia, and what she finds so inspiring. Read on for more with singer-songwriter Emily Woodhull.
About Emily
Even though music has been a constant throughout Emily Woodull’s life, she didn’t consider it a career until somewhat recently. Emily grew up in Capitol Hill, the fifth of six children. She started piano lessons at age 5 and guitar at age 11. “My dad was in a garage band and my first performance was ‘opening’ for him,” she said. “I was probably 13 or 14 at the time.” From there, Emily went on to perform anywhere she could, such as open mic nights.
Emily graduated high school from St. John’s College High School in 2019 and started college at James Madison University. “I thought I would be a teacher, and go back and teach at my high school,” she said. “I was inspired by the great teachers I had, and how they were able to connect with students. I wanted to connect with people like that.” She dropped out after two months, realizing she wasn’t ready for college. While Emily’s time in Harrisonburg was short, it made a big impression on her. “I loved being able to walk out of the dorms and see the mountains,” she said. Emily fell in love with Virginia, and after a gap year back home in DC, she moved to Fredericksburg. “I really knew I was home here,” she said.
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Throughout it all, Emily consistently posted videos of herself performing on Instagram. “It was me singing and playing piano, it was a lot of covers,” she said. A video of Emily performing a cover of the Olivia Rodrigo song Drivers License caught the eye of a Nashville-based music scout in the spring of 2021. “The music was a way to connect with people,” she said.
In September 2021, Emily signed a contract with a Nashville-based music development firm, and doubled down on her music. “I started working with a vocal coach and a song-writing team,” she said. After months of sending song title ideas back and forth, Emily went to Nashville in spring 2023 for an in-person writing and recording session. “We worked on eight songs and picked two to record,” she said. “One of them was Virginia I’m Home.”
Emily’s Music
Virginia I’m Home is Emily’s debut single and it’s an homage to her adopted home state. “There aren’t many songs about Virginia, and it’s so beautiful,” she said. “I was welcomed with open arms here. Fredericksburg is a small town with a big music community. Being here really helped kickstart my career, and I wanted a song for that.”
Emily’s music is described as alternative country. “Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Childers, and Koe Wetzel have been big influences on me since 2019. But since then, I’ve been inspired by Wyatt Flores, Turnpike Troubadours, Ella Langley, Treaty Oak Revival, and Ole 60,” Emily said. “I think fans of Tyler Childers, Wyatt Flores, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, and Morgan Wade would be fans of my music.”
After writing the song in 2023, Emily continued working with her team in Nashville and her vocal coach. 2024 was the year she hit the pavement with live performances. “It was a slow build of getting my name out there, I started with 2 to 3 performances a month,” she said. “Now I play 3 to 5 times a week throughout Virginia, DC, and Maryland. I’m a regular at some places, and I’m looking to expand. I play everywhere – bars, restaurants, vineyards, private parties, you name it.”
A highlight of 2024 for Emily was opening for musician Bryan Martin at the Pearl Street Warehouse. “His single We Ride went Platinum the week that we performed together,” Emily said. Now, Emily’s song is on the radio. “It’s on the radio in Michigan and Texas and will be on in the Midwest soon,” she said.
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What’s next for Emily is more of everything – singing, songwriting, and spending time in Virginia. “2024 was a big year,” she said. “I had a lot of heartbreak and it made me come at my career in a different way.” The best way to keep up with Emily is through social media, and her website has upcoming tour dates listed.
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