Emily Zimmer

Guitar, Bass, Writer/Producer

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10 Reviews (3 Verified)
Emily Zimmer on SoundBetter

I want to make your song shine. My extensive experience, education, and dedication to making great music will bring out the best in your recording. Specialties: pop, rock, r&b, Americana, country

I am a soulful guitarist, bassist, songwriter, and producer. I have played on hundreds of singles and albums as a session musician, made 9 albums with my own groups, taught hundreds of music students, and created fully-produced custom songs for clients like you (DM me for full list of recording credits).

My unshakable passion for the musical artform has kept me touring, recording, and performing internationally since 2002. While obtaining an Associate's Degree in Music and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Business, I studied Jazz and Classical Guitar, as well as theory, composition, performance, and more.

My specialties include songwriting, song production, guitar, bass, pop, rock, r&b, Americana, and country.

I love collaboration, and I'm ready to work on your idea. Let's talk.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

10 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Emily Zimmer
  1. Review by Kelsey M.
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    Emily is such a wonderful musician and an all around stellar person to work with. Not only did she help me produce a beautiful piece of music, but she was also very understanding and patient when I was going through some hard times and took a LONG time to get tracks in. I would recommend her to anyone looking to create absolutely perfect songs!

  2. Review by Jacqueline E.
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    Excellent work and great communicator! The process was even easier the second time around!

  3. Review by Jacqueline E.
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    Em was amazing throughout the whole process! She was patient with me as a music novice and took my input with no questions asked. Great collaborator and producer! I am definitely going to do future projects with her!

  4. Review by VK Lynne
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    by VK Lynne

    Emily is both talented and efficient. She brings a creativity and professionalism to each song that is both inspiring and refreshing!

  5. Review by Ante Novaselic
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    by Ante Novaselic

    Emily is a top notch musician/guitarist, but what really sets her apart in my opinion from all of the other top notch musicians/guitarists is the fact that she actually listens to suggestions and asks the rite questions. Emily is a skilled pro. She knows how to deliver the goods.

  6. Review by Laura Llorens
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    by Laura Llorens

    Emily is not only a fabulous performer and passionate instrumentalist but she is also a great listener and very open to specific demands that, myself as an international singer/songwriter, had while creating and recording different tracks. She played accoustic, electric and bass guitar and multiple tracks in different styles and was always there to deliver exactly what the song needed. I'd recommend her to any artist looking for that extra something that will make your song stand out.

  7. Review by Cathy Grier
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    by Cathy Grier

    Emily has not only a passion for music, it is in every cell of her being. I've had the pleasure of working with Emily in recording sessions, and found her sensitivity and ear brought many gifts to our project.

  8. Review by Mike
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    by Mike

    I've had the pleasure of working with Emily for the last decade in various band projects and collaborations. To see her grow and expand her musical and songwriting abilities has been inspiring. The quality, attention to detail, and years of acquired skill make her THE go-to musician for any project. Emily is a force on guitar, and instinctively knows the right amount of flavor needed to take a song to the next level.

  9. Review by Gervis
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    by Gervis

    Emily is one of the most talented and beautiful souls. We bonded as mates at the Steel Bridge Radio Songfest in June of 2019 both freshman. We recorded 2 songs but the one we collaborate on "Crossing the Line" was the most special because we both felt like this was a dream. She is passionate, she is encouraging, she is always positive and always has ones back. She would be a great addition to any group, session, performance etc. God willing I hope to do more work with her. I LOVE EMILY!!!

  10. Review by Stan Baker
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    by Stan Baker

    I had the pleasure of working with Emily Zimmer on one of my past projects. I recommend working with her due to her professionalism and positive personality. Perhaps her biggest strength, along with her clear technical ability,, is her love and passion of what she does. This commitment and spirit translates directly to her recordings.

Interview with Emily Zimmer

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: I was blessed to be a part of Steel Bridge Songfest which is a gathering of dozens of excellent songwriter/musicians who write and record great music for a good cause. I contributed to the "Volume 15" collection on the following songs: "Crossin' the Line," "A Short Bridge," "How You Holdin' Up," "It's Just That Way," "Captain Bridgerto," "Hard as They Try," and "Way Back Home."

  3. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  4. A: Kris Bradley from Boomfox Productions! ...ok, I don't know her personally, but I took some of her classes. She makes great music, has a super professional workflow, and is a wonderful mentor and educator to aspiring musicians/producers.

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Either, depending on the situation. Analog if you have the gear for it and want that old-school vibe and/or are going to put it on vinyl. Digital for the extreme flexibility and versatility.

  7. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  8. A: You will get a high-quality, intelligently interpreted recording from a musician with an educated ear.

  9. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  10. A: Q: How long have you been playing guitar? A: Since 2000. Q: Do you have a music degree? A: Yes. Q: Can you write my song? A: Yes. Q: Can you produce my song? A: Yes. Q: Can you make my song sound like _______________? A: Yes, if it is within my wheelhouse. I will be honest if your song is a style that is not my strength.

  11. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  12. A: Musicians are all slackers or starving.

  13. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  14. A: What do you want your music to sound like (artist or song examples)? What music are you passionate about?

  15. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  16. A: Communication is great. I am here with open ears.

  17. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  18. A: Listen to music that is similar to what you are producing, and don't overthink it.

  19. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  20. A: Americana, pop, rock, and a little bit of R&B. I love developing custom songs as well.

  21. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  22. A: Full song production, session guitar and bass

  23. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  24. A: Fender telecaster, Fender jazz bass, Vox AC30 amp, some beat up old classical guitar, and a strat my friend made shortly before she passed away.

  25. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  26. A: An intense, burning passion for music has always been a part of my being. I made my first studio recordings in 2001 as a (very temporary) teenage session musician. I went on to play in numerous bands (which I still do) and continued my session musician career as a freelancer. My music degree helped me continue to solidify my career as a songwriter, band leader, recording artist, producer, and music educator. I wouldn't trade my career for the world because you can't beat doing what you love for a living.

  27. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  28. A: Everything, but mostly the surprise of what song/style/artist I get to work with next. I love the adventure.

  29. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  30. A: A solo album, several custom songs for weddings and more, several guitar and bass session projects, and writing educational material for my music students.

  31. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  32. A: I love musicians like Susan Tedeschi, Zac Brown, David Bowie, and Yola for their well-rounded songwriting and production skills. They exemplify great artists who also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

  33. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  34. A: Victor Wooten. He's so fluent at bass playing, the role of a bassist, and overall musicality that he can do anything!

  35. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  36. A: Stylistic interpretation. Due to my experience and education, I am knowledgeable about what "ingredients" make up what styles of music and can use that knowledge to craft my clients' custom tracks.

  37. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  38. A: An informed representation of a songwriter's idea. Great work ethic.

  39. Q: How would you describe your style?

  40. A: Well-rounded with a pop-rock flair.

  41. Q: What's your typical work process?

  42. A: First, I love to get to know a song and speak to the artist about mood, style, creative interpretation, and similar artists they may want to sound like. That information empowers me to embody those characteristics and inspire my creativity. Then, I create and we customize together.

  43. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  44. A: I am blessed to have a professional-quality studio in my home. I can record up to 96k, 32-bit and I love my Blue microphones. I have my dream guitars and basses, including two jazz basses, a USA Telecaster, and a Gibson SG. Vox amps are my fave!

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California Blue Suede Shoes by Emily Zimmer

I was the Songwriter, Producer, All instruments and vocals in this production

Terms Of Service

2 revisions included. Prompt service, time frame negotiable-depends on size and complexity of project.

GenresSounds Like
  • Susan Tedeschi
  • Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
  • Chris Stapleton
Gear Highlights
  • Presonus Studio One Professional
  • Logic Pro
  • Blue Mics
  • Fender guitars and basses
  • Gibson guitars
  • Vox amps
More Photos
More Samples
SoundBetter Deal

Ask about multiple song discounts.

  • My New Album Just Dropped!Oct 13, 2021

    My new album, Seasons of Trouble, is now available on all major streaming services.  Can't wait for you to hear it: 

    https://open.spotify.com/album/0DnI4a1OoqCD8nuWsza1p2?si=6vT69yfWQ_6EJTIEPr1H_w&dl_branch=1

  • Teacher of the Year!Jan 09, 2021

    I am honored to have been named Lessonface.com's "Teacher of the Year" for Loog Guitar lessons and classes.  I am incredibly thankful to all of my wonderful students, and to Lessonface. See what we've been up to at my teacher profile.

  • My music students made this awesome video!Jan 03, 2021

    Happy New Year from my music students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIFOnVAb61Q

  • Loog Guitar Winter Warmup ClassDec 27, 2020

    Join Loog Guitar Certified Instructor Emily Zimmer for "Loog Guitar Winter Warmup"class. Great for beginners around age 6-10 with Loog guitars.
    Students will learn the basics of Loog guitar playing, fun games, and more. Participants will learn two winter songs. Enroll here: https://www.lessonface.com/apply/loog-guitar-winter-warmup

  • New Music from Dark Songs 2020Dec 04, 2020

    I am so proud to have helped write this song for this year's Dark Songs livestream music event.  My collaborators, Gervis Myles and Wammo are two incredible musicians I had the privilege to work with. (I play bass and guitar on this track). Check it out here: "Blue Eyed Jesus"

  • Livestream Concert Postponed due to Covid-19Dec 04, 2020

    Hi, folks.  The Zimmer Effect and I are sorry to say that we need to postpone our December 5th livestream concert.  I (Emily), Dale, and Mike have all tested positive for Covid-19.  We're confident that we will all recover, as we are otherwise healthy.  We're sorry that we won't be able to rock your socks off this weekend, but thanks for all of the love and support.

  • The Zimmer Effect Livestream Concert 12-5-2020Nov 11, 2020

    Stir crazy and missing live music?  So are we!


    Rock with The Zimmer Effect at our Livestream Concert Event Saturday, 12/5/2020 at 8pm (CST)
    www.facebook.com/thezimmereffect/live
    No FB account needed to join us, so share the link to share the love!


    Event page here for those who Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/819606358607224

  • Steel Bridge Songs Vol. 15Oct 22, 2020

    I am ecstatic to announce the release of Steel Bridge Songs Vol. 15 - a compilation of original music from over 30 songwriters.  It's all to support the Steel Bridge Creative Foundation..


    Emily Zimmer is featured on:


    "A Short Bridge," "Way Back Home," "It's Just That Way," "Hard as They Try," "Crossin' the Line," "How You Holdin' Up," and "Captain Bridgerto."

  • The latest single from The Zimmer EffectOct 22, 2020

    If you haven't checked out The Zimmer Effect's latest single "Supertown," watch the vid here: https://youtu.be/yYHpR0RNvIY

    The Zimmer Effect - original rust-belt rock from Milwaukee, WI - brings you the latest tale of city nights, messy hookups, and a recipe for epic hangovers.  Hear all about it in "Supertown."

  • "Join us for Dark Songs 2020"Oct 22, 2020

    Join Emily Zimmer and a large crew of songwriters for Dark Songs 2020 - a spooky music video extravaganza, streaming live.  Think Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Mystery Science Theater 3000.  7pm (CDT) Fri, 10/23/20 and Sat, 10/24/20

    Information available at www.edgarallanpolka.com

  • "Thieves" by Emily Zimmer ft. Mary Zimmer Song ReleaseSep 26, 2019

    Visit https://youtu.be/js_ZA_iuH7c to hear the new song "Thieves" by Emily Zimmer ft. Mary Zimmer

  • "Why Study the Fundamentals" Article by Emily ZimmerSep 26, 2019

    Visit "Why Study the Fundamentals" by Emily Zimmer - Article on Lessonface.com to read an article by Emily Zimmer in the September 2019 Lessonface.com blog