By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Emily Pyscher graduated from Clarkston High School in 2021 with a dream to make it big as a songwriter and recording artist in Nashville.
Mission accomplished.
Pyscher pursued her musical journey as a senior in high school, making frequent trips to and from Nashville. Immediately following graduation, she was on the fast track to make Music City her home. Quickly becoming a member of the community, Pyscher immersed herself in the music scene earning a music industry education by fire. She is now a frequent performer at famed Nashville hot spots including Ole Red and Tin Roof, and she’s headlined at The Local.
“Honestly, sometimes it is hard to remember that I am living the life I have dreamed of as my drive to continue achieving goals has me in a very forward-thinking mindset,” Pyscher said. “There are times when I am playing on stages that I have dreamed of, I can’t help but to take it all in and tell myself to always remember this moment. I love waking up in the morning and I can not wait to start my day.
“I remember the first time I heard the crowd I was playing for singing my song lyrics back to me. This moment will forever be stamped in my mind as the best day of my life. I don’t think I will ever get used to that feeling and every time it happens, I try to keep cool, but inside I am very much freaking out and can’t believe it. I have been blessed to work with so many incredible musicians.
On some of her recordings, the voices of Nick Budda, John Willis, David Francis, and Adam Shoenfeld are heard. These musicians have worked with Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, and so many more artists. Pyscher’s producer, Ken Royster, is most known for his work with Luke Combs on his first two albums.
Pyscher released her debut EP, entitled “Memory Lane,” boasting all-original tunes, last September.
During her time in Clarkston, Pyscher attended Clarkston Elementary School, Sashabaw Middle School and Clarkston Junior High School before graduating two years ago.
“Growing up going to Clarkston Schools, I was very lucky to have teachers that prioritized and supported my music career as much as I did,” Pyscher said. “My high school English teacher (Jessica Cleland) really encouraged my journey and for that, I will be forever grateful. I graduated early to fast track my move to Tennessee and made it there when I turned 18. Since becoming a Nashville songwriter, I have been blessed to grace the stage with famed songwriters and win a few awards of my own. This past year, I was named ‘Nashville’s Up Coming Artist’ by Authority Magazine and Nashville Voyager.
“Although my love for Nashville is very strong, there is nothing I love more than coming home to perform. That is why I am so very excited to be in Depot Park Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m. to open for Magic Bus. Words can not explain how good it feels to not only be coming back home and to be a part of an amazing event. I feel honored to be invited and I am counting down the days to be on stage at Depot Park.”
Pyscher added that what she remembers most about her hometown is the community aspect.
“I had so many teachers that really cared not only about academics but my musical dreams as well,” said Pyscher. “I felt so supported and understood, even though I didn’t take the ‘normal’ path after high school.”
Looking forward, Pyscher has attainable aspirations withon reach.
“My short-term goals include lots of songwriting and filling next summer with tons of shows and meeting all of my supporters,” said Pyscher. “My long-term goals seem to change every now and then as I continue to discover new facets of myself, but performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage will forever be on the top of my list.”
And while Pyscher is making a name for herself in Nashville, she does have advice for those looking to do the same.
“My advice is pretty simple – do it,” Pyscher said. “Do it even when it’s hard and you feel like giving up. Keep writing even when people are doubting you. Use the hard times as motivation to keep going. Never stop.”
For more, visit EmilyPyscher.com.

PHOTO: Nashville songwriter and recording artist Emily Pyscher is a 2021 graduate of Clarkston High School. Photo: Austin Heipp/Heipphouse Photography