Dublin-based producer, writer, and vocalist Jack Casey — known as EMBRZ — has steadily built a reputation for his emotionally rich soundscapes, blending chill house, ambient pop, and melodic electronica.
Photo credit: EMBRZ – Facebook
With over 200 million streams and support from BBC Radio 1, SiriusXM, and global acts like Lane 8 and SG Lewis, EMBRZ has carved out a space defined by introspection, calm, and emotional clarity.
Now, after a period of personal burnout and creative reckoning, he returns with ‘Find Your Light’, his most vulnerable and expansive work to date. Out now via Colorize, the album presents a cohesive journey through layered textures, immersive songwriting, and a renewed sense of purpose — featuring collaborations with Montgomery, Maria Lynn, and more.
In this conversation, EMBRZ opens up about the real experiences behind the record, the importance of self-compassion, and why slowing down changed everything.
EG: Hi, Jack! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. How have you been doing?
EMBRZ: Thanks for having me! I’m doing well.
EG: First of all, congratulations on the release of your new LP, ‘Find Your Light’! You must be very excited to be able to finally share this one. What has the initial reception been like so far
EMBRZ: It’s early days, but seems to be going down well so far! It’s not easy, but I do my best not to get too sucked into what people think. My rule has always been to write music for myself, if I like it, then it’s good to go. But obviously it’s lovely if people send positive messages about the music.
EG: So, what can people expect from the incoming record? Is there a concept or thread running through the album?
EMBRZ: Last year I was super burnout. I didn’t realize how much of an impact the constant writing and touring had on me. I started to feel really unwell, so much that my hair fell out from how stressed I was feeling. So a lot of the music was written during that period. I was trying to write about what was happening, things I learned and ultimately that things will eventually get better – which is what the last song and title track (‘Find Your Light’) is about.
EG: How long have you been working on this project? What was the recording process like?
EMBRZ: I think for a year or so, honestly it was pretty stressful. I think what I needed the most was rest, but I also felt compelled to write something. There is a weird addiction to being creative. It can be some buzz when you write a song you like, and it can also be very therapeutic. But writing an album is a huge ordeal, and towards the end I started to get even more burnout, so much that I had to cancel my tour which was heartbreaking. Writing an album about burnout, and in the process getting burnout – dunno if that’s poetic or ironic haha, but I hope it makes the album feel genuine.
“if you’re on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough, falling behind or will be forgotten”
EG: One of the lead singles, ‘Count To Three’, was inspired by a rather powerful moment. Can you share that moment with us?
EMBRZ: Yeah it’s about having a panic attack, and for anyone that’s had them, you know how awful and scary it feels. I remember when I was having a panic attack, I googled “ways to stop panic attacks” haha. And one of the tips was to count three things you can see, touch, smell etc. It’s a way of trying to get back into your body. But ultimately the only thing that ends a panic attack is time and just letting it pass. And the song is about having someone ‘wait with you’ during that – cause that’s all you can do for a friend if they’re having one. I thought that was a lovely sentiment, and it just came out in a song.
EG: What things or actions have you changed for the better following that “gray” period, in terms of mental health?
EMBRZ: Without sounding cheesy, self-compassion is massive! I feel like I was constantly so hard on myself and it pushed me into doing things I didn’t really want to do. Pushed me to work to the point of burnout, and it’s just not nice to have that critical voice going on in your head all the time. Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your friend.
I also think I’m at a point where I’m genuinely going to slow down and take a break for a while. It’s so unhealthy to be stuck constantly writing and touring year after year. Putting all that pressure on yourself to stay relevant. I feel like I had to learn the hard way, but I’m also grateful that I went through all of it, cause I’ve come out the end a much happier and compassionate person to myself.
EG: Now, stepping outside of the studio…What are some of the biggest challenges artists will face in the near future? What advice do you have for them?
EMBRZ: I think looking after yourself. The industry is so competitive now, anyone can download software and make music in their bedrooms. And if you’re on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re not good enough, falling behind or will be forgotten. I’ve tried to change my relationship with social media. I don’t have instagram on my phone. I’ll download it when I need to post something and then delete it. I think it’s just poison for your brain. I know it’s cliche, but I think deep down we all know how bad using social media every day is for our self-esteem. I will say I do use twitter sometimes, but mainly for football stuff when liverpool are winning haha. But I try as much as I can to not get glued to my phone anymore and I feel so much better.
“Writing an album about burnout, and in the process getting burnout – dunno if that’s poetic or ironic, but I hope it makes the album feel genuine”
EG: What’s next for EMBRZ? What milestones are you looking forward to now? Will you be presenting the record in some form of live setting?
EMBRZ: I’m taking it easy, and have no plans, which feels lovely to say. But I like doing shows, so after a bit of time off, maybe there could be some shows at a much-scaled back level next year, but we’ll see!
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Jack! We wish you all the best in the future. Take care!
EMBRZ: Appreciate yas having me! Thanks a mil!
EMBRZ’s ‘Find Your Light’ is out now on Colorize. Stream and download here.
Follow EMBRZ: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram
