This Isn't Just A Song. It's A Mum's Fight

You know how some songs just hit you differently? They’re more than a catchy tune; they’re a story, a feeling, a piece of someone’s actual life. Well, get ready, because Hull’s very own country-pop singer, Emma King, has just released a new single today, July 18, 2025, that is exactly that. It’s called ‘Better Than It Was’, and it’s a powerful, personal story about her daughter, autism, and battling a system that’s supposed to help but can often feel like a maze. This is music with a real heart, born from the joys and struggles of motherhood.

From Nashville to Hull: Emma's story so far

If you haven’t come across Emma King before, her journey has been pretty epic. Imagine going from Northern England all the way to Tennessee, the home of country music. For eight years, that was her life. Emma became a regular performer in Nashville at the famous Bluebird Cafe – that’s a huge deal. She even represented the UK at Nashville’s CMA International Festival, which is like the Olympics for country music. She toured all over Europe and her debut album got rave reviews. Seriously, people loved it.

• "A sound that sits mid-point between the gospel soul of Aretha Franklin and the dirty blues of Fleetwood Mac - really something special" - The Blues Magazine
• “A well-rounded and beautifully sung collection of rootsy pop songs” - The Crack
• “A stunning debut” - RnR Magazine

After all that, she returned to her hometown of Hull. And back home in the UK, the support kept coming, with the BBC, including Radio 2, getting right behind her. So, she’s a proper talent with a story that crosses oceans. Her music is a cool mix of sounds, blending different styles into something that’s all her own.

A Pocketful of Sun and a world of challenges

Emma’s forthcoming album, ‘Pocketful Of Sun’, is set to be released on August 22nd 2025. She says it’s like a love letter to the country music she grew up with – think the fun attitude of The Chicks and the rock-out guitars of Sheryl Crow. The album touches on everything from her thoughts on the music industry to friendship and life back in Hull. But the biggest theme is motherhood, with all its amazing highs and tough lows.

And this is where the story gets really personal. Emma’s four-year-old daughter, Eloise, was diagnosed with autism when she was two. Eloise is also completely non-speaking, which means she communicates without using words. Getting the right support and education for her daughter has been a massive battle for Emma. She spent two years fighting her way through the UK’s SEND system. That stands for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities, and it’s meant to provide support for children like Eloise. But honestly, for many parents, it’s a non-stop struggle full of paperwork, appeals, and emotional stress. It’s incredible that Emma even found the time and energy, often late at night, to record the vocals for her new album during all this.

'Better Than It Was': a song with a mission

The new single, ‘Better Than It Was’, is a direct result of that fight. It’s a beautiful Americana-style ballad that really lets Emma’s incredible voice shine. But it’s the lyrics that will really get you. The song is written from the point of view of a child with autism, trying to make sense of a world that can feel overwhelming. It describes sensory overload with lines like, “All the sounds wash over me…all the lights are blinding beams.” It’s a powerful way to help people understand what it might feel like.

After going through official appeals and even court tribunals to get the right help for her daughter, Emma has made it her mission to raise money and speak up for the autistic community. She wants to be a voice for those, like her daughter Eloise, who don’t yet have one. This song isn’t just music; it’s activism. It’s born from real experience, and you can feel that in every note. It’s a message of strength and hope for anyone navigating the SEND system and for the wider community.

Making the video with Eloise

Of course, a song this personal needed a special video. And Emma knew her daughter had to be part of it. Filming with a child who has autism requires a lot of extra thought and care. As Emma explains, it’s all about preparation.

“I knew I wanted Eloise to be part of the visual imagery of this song. It was a reminder of how much you have to prepare when you have an autistic child. We spent a long time scouting out a secluded location that wouldn’t be overwhelming for Eloise but also had the stark beauty we wanted. I always want to encourage Eloise to be who she is truly is - that includes her stimming and tip-toe walking - all of which you can see as the song unravels... The biggest highlight of making the video was seeing Eloise paddle in the ocean, something we’ve been working towards for four years, and that made the filming all the more magical!”

How lovely is that? The video isn’t about hiding the realities of autism; it’s about celebrating Eloise for exactly who she is. And that moment of her paddling in the sea sounds just wonderful. It’s a beautiful final touch to a song that’s already packed with so much meaning. This new single and the full album, ‘Pocketful Of Sun’, are more than just a musical project for this country-pop singer; they are a testament to a mother's love and her fight for her daughter.