Emily James shares her angsty new track “Underdog” from upcoming EP ‘Summer Nostalgia’.
Emily James returns with the emotionally charged single “Underdog,” a gripping moment from her forthcoming EP, Summer Nostalgia, due August 15. The track, now available alongside its official music video, unpacks the friction and confusion of young relationships, delivering a sonic wave of teenage emotion.
“This is the turning point of Summer Nostalgia,” Emily shares. “The sound of ‘Underdog’ really leans into that teenage angst and the release of all the frustrations you’ve been trying to bury.”
The rock-forward production enhances the track’s raw narrative, echoing lyrics like “When it’s hell, yeah it’s hell… I’m holding on to what could be, but would it be better?” to embody the chaos of youth and emotional upheaval. As Emily notes, it explores a dynamic shaped by “immaturity and incompatibility,” reflective of high school relationships where identity is still in formation. 
“Underdog” follows the recent releases of “Under the Influence” and “Suburbia,” each contributing to the broader coming-of-age arc of Summer Nostalgia. Together, they build a portrait of formative experiences that linger long into adulthood.
Emily is also gearing up to join Donovan Woods for a series of West Coast tour dates beginning June 19, including stops in Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles at The Troubadour.
