Kris Kristofferson

Emily Armstrong is an American musician and vocalist, best known as the lead singer of the rock band Dead Sara. Born in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1980s, Armstrong was drawn to music from a young age. Her passion for rock, particularly her admiration for legendary rock vocalists, combined with her tenacity, shaped her distinctive and powerful voice, which has become a signature element of Dead Sara’s sound. Armstrong's journey from a young music enthusiast to a leading figure in modern rock is a story of persistence, talent, and defiance of the odds that many female musicians face in a male-dominated genre.

Early Life and Influences

Emily Armstrong grew up in a family that appreciated music, but it wasn’t until she was a teenager that her deep connection to rock music began to solidify. She was particularly influenced by the sounds of 90s alternative rock, as well as classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Armstrong has often cited Freddie Mercury of Queen and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin as some of her earliest inspirations. These iconic vocalists helped shape her singing style, marked by raw intensity and a wide vocal range.

Growing up in Los Angeles gave Armstrong the benefit of being immersed in a vibrant and diverse music scene. In high school, she started playing guitar and writing her own songs, often gravitating toward themes of rebellion, empowerment, and personal struggle—common motifs in the rock genre. Armstrong’s early forays into music were marked by an intense desire to make a mark in an industry that has not always been welcoming to women, especially in rock.

Armstrong’s raw talent and unique voice caught the attention of musicians and producers in the local scene. However, rather than rushing into the spotlight, she took her time to refine her craft, aiming to build a band that could stand out both musically and culturally.

Formation of Dead Sara

In 2005, Armstrong co-founded Dead Sara with guitarist Siouxsie Medley. The two met through mutual acquaintances in the Los Angeles music circuit and quickly realized that they shared a vision for the kind of music they wanted to create—hard-hitting, guitar-driven rock with a strong emotional core. Armstrong’s powerful vocals and Medley’s gritty guitar riffs formed the backbone of the band's sound.

The name “Dead Sara” was inspired by a misheard line in the Fleetwood Mac song “Sara.” The line, “Said Sara,” was misinterpreted as “Dead Sara,” and the duo felt that the name captured the raw and haunting quality they wanted to bring to their music.

From the outset, Dead Sara faced the challenges that come with being a rock band in an era when rock was no longer dominating the mainstream charts. Moreover, as a female-fronted band in a male-dominated genre, they had to deal with stereotypes and preconceived notions about their capabilities. However, Armstrong and Medley were undeterred, driven by their love for the music and their belief in their vision.

Dead Sara's early years were spent playing in small venues across Los Angeles, slowly building a dedicated fanbase. Armstrong's live performances were especially noteworthy; her intense, emotionally charged delivery made an immediate impact on audiences. Word spread quickly about her stage presence, often described as a mix of vulnerability and ferocity.

Breakthrough with “Weatherman”

In 2012, Dead Sara released their self-titled debut album, which would prove to be their breakthrough. The album received widespread acclaim for its raw energy and strong songwriting, but it was the single "Weatherman" that catapulted the band into the spotlight. The song, a hard-hitting anthem with blistering guitar work and Armstrong’s explosive vocals, became a hit on alternative rock radio stations.

"Weatherman" captured the essence of what made Dead Sara stand out in the modern rock scene—aggressive yet melodic, with a gritty authenticity that resonated with listeners. Armstrong's performance on the track was especially lauded, with critics praising her as one of the most powerful new voices in rock.

The success of "Weatherman" opened up new opportunities for the band. They were invited to perform at major music festivals, including SXSW and Warped Tour, and were handpicked by legends like Muse and The Offspring to join them on tour. Armstrong’s ability to command a stage in front of thousands of fans solidified her reputation as a formidable live performer.

Vocal Style and Stage Presence

Emily Armstrong’s vocal style is often compared to some of the greatest rock vocalists of the past, yet it is distinctly her own. She combines the raw power of singers like Janis Joplin and the emotional depth of Fiona Apple, delivering performances that range from tender and introspective to fierce and aggressive. Her voice has a rough-edged quality that adds an extra layer of intensity to Dead Sara’s music.

On stage, Armstrong is known for her dynamic and often unpredictable performances. She throws herself into the music with abandon, often thrashing around the stage, interacting with the audience, and allowing the emotion of the song to take over. Her stage presence is electric, and she has a rare ability to connect with her audience on a visceral level.

Armstrong has spoken in interviews about how performing live is an emotional release for her. The stage is where she feels most free to express herself, and she doesn’t hold back. This raw authenticity has endeared her to fans, who appreciate the vulnerability and honesty she brings to her performances.

Challenges as a Female Rock Musician

While Armstrong has found success with Dead Sara, her journey has not been without its challenges. As a female musician in rock, she has faced sexism and discrimination from both within and outside the industry. In interviews, she has talked about the challenges of being taken seriously as a female-fronted band, and how Dead Sara has often been overlooked or underestimated because of gender biases.

Armstrong has also been vocal about the lack of representation for women in rock music. While there have been iconic female rockers like Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, and Patti Smith, the genre has historically been dominated by men. Armstrong is determined to change that, not just through her own success but by encouraging more women to pursue careers in rock music.

Despite these challenges, Armstrong has remained focused on her music. Her success with Dead Sara has helped break down some of the barriers for women in rock, and she has become a role model for young female musicians who want to make their mark in the genre.

Recent Work and Legacy

Dead Sara has continued to release music and tour, maintaining a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. In 2021, they released their third studio album, Ain’t It Tragic, which showcased Armstrong’s continued growth as a songwriter and performer. The album explores themes of personal struggle, resilience, and the challenges of navigating the music industry, all delivered with the band’s trademark intensity.

Armstrong’s contributions to rock music go beyond her powerful voice and dynamic performances. She represents a new generation of rock musicians who are pushing the boundaries of the genre and challenging the status quo. Her willingness to speak out about the difficulties faced by women in the music industry has made her a prominent voice for gender equality in rock.

In addition to her work with Dead Sara, Armstrong has also collaborated with other artists and musicians, further establishing her as a versatile and respected figure in the rock world. She has lent her vocals to various projects and has shown a willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles, all while staying true to her rock roots.

Conclusion

Emily Armstrong’s journey from a music-obsessed teenager in Los Angeles to the frontwoman of one of the most exciting rock bands of the 21st century is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and passion for the genre. In a time when rock music has often been sidelined by other genres, Armstrong has helped keep the spirit of rock alive, bringing her unique voice and perspective to the forefront.

Through her work with Dead Sara, Armstrong has carved out a space for herself in the rock world, proving that women can not only succeed in the genre but can also redefine it. Her powerful vocals, intense stage presence, and dedication to her craft have made her a force to be reckoned with in modern rock, and her influence will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Emily Armstrong’s impact on the world of rock music is only just beginning. Whether leading her band through blistering performances or speaking out on important issues within the industry, Armstrong is a true rock star in every sense of the word. Her story is one of resilience, defiance, and the unrelenting pursuit of musical excellence.