Montreal-based artist Libby Ember makes a striking entrance with her debut EP, I Kill Spiders. Across four tracks, she opens a window into her inner world—thoughtful, restless, and unflinchingly sincere. The collection traces her passage through self-doubt and quiet reflection, weaving together the glowing textures of indie-pop with the raw vulnerability of indie-folk. The result is a moving meditation on growth, conscience, and the quiet weight of everyday choices.
With I Kill Spiders, Ember guides listeners through moments of questioning, yearning, and self-examination, shaping a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. Her hallmark introspective lyricism shines throughout, supported by production that is warm, inviting, and deeply personal.
What first got you into music?
I grew up in a very musical home. Both my parents studied and played music. Because of them, I was constantly being exposed to new music and encouraged to study them myself. My dad even curated playlists for my sister and I to go to sleep to since, at the time, we slept to music. I started piano lessons at around 7 or 8 years old, singing at 9, and guitar lessons at 11. I started writing at 11 as well. It was definitely thanks to all the support and encouragement I had growing up that I felt inspired to continue down this path.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I typically create indie-pop, sometimes indie-folk music. It’s very much inspired by artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, Holly Humberstone, etc. I find that it’s really easy to get my thoughts out because it’s not too restricting. I can go my own way. It also lets me get a little poetic, which is fun.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Definitely Lizzy McAlpine. That would be so cool. She’s one of, if not the biggest, inspirations for my music, and she is a huge reason as to why I got into songwriting seriously. I first discovered her music in 2021, and I haven’t stopped listening since. I can really tell that my songs have always been influenced by her style. I can even hear in my old songs that I was very influenced by her old style, and now it’s developed.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It’s definitely all about posting nowadays all the time. If you’re not consistently posting and promoting yourself on the internet, it’s gonna be a lot harder to reach people. There are definitely some good effects, like how it’s way more accessible now to be noticed; therefore, people have more opportunities. On the other hand, though, this part makes it a lot harder to stand out since there’s just so so many great artists out there.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What is the secret to making yourself noticed?
I’ve noticed that the artists that really make it are the ones who stand out in their own way. They all have their own thing, whether that’s their music style, lyrics, visual look, etc. They just have something new that’s different from everyone else. I feel like that kind of thing definitely can’t be forced, though, and it takes time to figure out what makes you different. I don’t even know if I’ve figured that out yet.
Who are your top two favorite artists of all time? Why those artists?
Phoebe Bridgers and Lizzy McAlpine are my top two. They’re the reason I’m here doing what I’m doing, they’re my inspirations. They’re also just insanely talented and their lyrics and melodies speak to me so much. Some of the strongest feelings I get come when I’m listening to Phoebe or Lizzy.
Are you planning any videos for your music?
I’d love to work on a music video for I Kill Spiders. My good friend (@ellaaonfilmm who shoots all my stuff) and I are brainstorming ideas at the moment.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can shake my eyes really quickly from side to side.
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy bear or other stuffed animal sitting on your bed at home?
I actually have a pillow in the shape of a french fries box that I’ve had for 9 years now. I take it everywhere, and I sleep with it every night.
What would be the ideal food to have cooked for you on a date night?
Rice and tofu. I love tofu; it’s my favourite food ever. I’ve been vegetarian my whole life so it’s all I eat.
What makes you nostalgic?
Looking through photo albums and seeing all the cute baby photos. I wish I could remember those times.
What is your favorite board game?
Settlers of Catan is the best. I play it all the time with my dad and my boyfriend and we get very competitive. We’ve been buying all the expansion packs too, we’re crazy with it.
Stream on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/i-kill-spiders-ep/1833383765