Discorder Magazine
June-July 2021
Emma Lee Toyoda E
m m a L e e To y o d a i s n o stranger to vulnerability. For proof, look no further than their 2016 debut album sewn me anew, which is as rich in profound lyricism as it is in lush instrumentals. It only takes one listen to understand Toyoda’s talent for translating the intensity of their feelings onto paper — and on their latest EP, i don’t wanna play ur show, they’re taking this intensity to new heights. Backed by a simple trio of guitar, bass,
and drums, Toyoda’s distinct, husky vocals dominate the project. As they touch on sensitive topics such as gender identity and mental health, they seem entirely uninhibited, allowing each growl
that as progressive movements gain This pushback is most evident in the EP’s titular track, in which Toyoda rejects speed, organizations are quick to adjust expectations of obedience and being a optics but slow to effect real change. ‘model minority’ with biting sarcasm: “I was feeling like all of these emails “But I keep trying to act professionally I was getting [from bookers] were just trying to get me to do things to make them look good, without actually having care for me as a person. There's this idea that we should just be thankful for the opportunities, but when those opportunities aren't actually safe for my well-being, then what's the point? Then I'm just put in a position to serve you.” It’s not that Toyoda doesn’t see value in representation — in fact, they describe being “stoked” by the / While I keep opportunity to encourage saying 'no' Asian kids to pursue and you their interests in music. hear 'yes What they’re opposed please' / to is being a spokesOh jeez, you person for their race must know or gender, and the better than impossible expectame / Silly tions that come with me.” such a task. Although “I want someone to music has been see the full me,” they an outlet for these say, their tone both frustrations, it’s also been urgent and sincere. a source of them. Much of i don’t wanna play ur show is inspired by interactions Toyoda has had with “‘progressive’ and ‘liberal’ organizations” that claim to be interested in supporting diverse voices, but instead end up exploiting them. It’s clear to Toyoda
This EP is definitely a lot of pushback against things I've internalized over the years as a young AFAB Japanese-Korean kid and scream to meander through the complex maze of their frustrations. Toyoda often describes their music as “sad soft punk,” and while this may hold true for their previous releases, I think i don’t wanna play ur show is a bit different. Coexisting with sadness and softness is a powerful sense of defiance. Defiance hasn’t always come easily to Toyoda. As we speak over Zoom, they open up about the ways in which silence has been expected of them throughout their life. “This EP is definitely a lot of pushback against things I've internalized over the years as a young AFAB Japanese-Korean kid — [There’s a standard of] obedience that comes with that. You’re seen but not heard.”
photo by Melissa Kagerer
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“Emma Lee Toyoda”
