Inside Em Beihold’s Upcoming Album, “Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter”
- Fernando Flores
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Article Contributed by Fernando Flores
During a press conference with Em Beihold, she opens up about her upcoming debut album, Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter, set for release on February 27, 2026. Throughout the conversation, Beihold offered an honest look into her creative process, the themes behind the album, and the personal growth that shaped the project.
Who is Em Beihold?
Em Beihold is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who has built her career around honesty, introspection and sharp lyrical storytelling. She first gained widespread attention with “Numb Little Bug” a song that resonates deeply with listeners through its candid portrayal of anxiety and self-awareness. Since then, Beihold has continued to carve out a space that prioritizes meaning over labels, allowing her music to evolve without fitting neatly into a genre box.
Her songwriting often uses playful imagery such as bugs, goblins, and unicorns to translate complex emotions into something tangible. Rather than serving as surface-level concepts, these figures help frame conversations around identity, insecurity, and self-perception. By pairing lighthearted visuals with thoughtful lyricism, Em Beihold creates songs that feel approachable while still carrying emotional weight. A balance that remains central to her artistry and her upcoming album.
Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter
Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter is an album rooted in identity, intuition, and what happens when constantly adapting stops working. During the conference, Beihold shared that following the success of “Numb Little Bug,” she found herself in countless writing sessions surrounded by different voices and perspectives. Over time, that environment showed her that trusting her own instincts mattered more than ever.
This album became a way of growing that trust. Beihold explained that once she sits at the piano, any filter disappears, which allows her to process emotions honestly whether that be through humor or vulnerability. Rather than chasing trends she intentionally leaned into the kind of songwriting that first made music feel like home. Drawing inspiration from artists like Sara Bareilles, Regina Spector and Lily Allen, Beihold focused on meaningful storytelling and emotional clarity ensuring each song had something to say.
Several tracks on the album track back years. “Hot Goblin” began when Beihold was just 13, while “Brutus,” the first song she wrote after overcoming a period of writer's block, played a major role in shaping the project. Though mythology wasn't an intentional starting point, references to figures like Brutus and Van Gogh emerged naturally, helping her explore themes of comparison, pressure and the challenge of staying true to herself.
A Sneak Peek: “Unicorn” and “Van Gogh”
SoundCheck Mag was treated to multiple previews during the conference, including “Unicorn”, the third track on the album. Built around a piano-forward sound, the song explored the emotional contradiction of leaving a partner everyone says you're better off without while still finding yourself dreaming about them. The lyrics reflect longing, obsession, and the difficulty of letting go even when you know it's necessary.
Later in the conference, Em Beihold shared a preview of “Van Gogh” that begins softly before shifting into a faster, more playful rhythm. Featuring a piano section inspired by a famous classical piece, the song pulls listeners into Beihold’s lyrical world, mirroring the chaos, color, and curiosity that define her perspective.
Final Thoughts:
With Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter, Em Beihold isn't trying to reinvent herself, but she's intentionally returning to who she is. The album feels like a collection of moments tied together by reflection, growth and learning to trust your own voice. As she prepares to take the album on tour, Em Beihold is stepping into this era with confidence and clarity.
When Tales of a Failed Shapeshifter arrives on February 27, 2026, listeners can't expect an album that is thoughtful, playful, and deeply personal. An album that rewards those who take the time to listen all the way through.
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