Emma Louise Lobb, known professionally as Emma Louise, recently shared her journey of self-discovery following her late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Australian musician, who is also a member of the band Jungle, reflected on how these diagnoses have reshaped her understanding of herself and her creative process.
Lobb, aged 34, was diagnosed with ADHD in her twenties but only learned of her autism in recent years. This revelation prompted a period of reflection and emotional exploration. “I just wish I knew [earlier], because I’ve suffered so much, just feeling unworthy and not good enough,” Lobb stated during a Zoom interview. She emphasized that these feelings led her into unhealthy situations and relationships.
Diagnosis later in life is not uncommon for women, as symptoms of both ADHD and autism can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed during childhood. As society increasingly embraces neurodiversity, many individuals are beginning to understand themselves better. “The last three years, I’ve just been peeling back layers and discovering whole new parts of me that I truly love,” Lobb shared.
Collaborative Album with Flume Reflects Personal Growth
This introspection is central to Lobb’s new project, an album titled Dumb, created in collaboration with renowned producer Harley Streten, better known as Flume. Both artists are based in Los Angeles, though their roots lie in the northern rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, where their musical partnership began. The album’s lead single, Easy Goodbye, showcases a departure from Lobb’s typical folk-pop style, blending her gentle vocals with Streten’s glitchy electronic soundscapes.
Lobb described their creative synergy: “Harley and I are very similar – we struggle with the same things, and we get along really well in a very abstract way that I think neurodiverse people would understand.” This unique understanding allows them to create music that resonates deeply with their experiences.
The album features tracks like Hollow, which appeared on Flume’s 2022 album, Palaces, and includes other songs such as Monsoon and Stay. These songs combine Lobb’s folk roots with a more experimental approach, highlighting the evolution of her sound.
Reclaiming Language and Emotions Through Music
While Dumb is not explicitly about neurodivergence, Lobb acknowledges that her identity subtly influences the album. Music serves as an emotional outlet for her, especially when feelings become overwhelming. “If I get a guitar or a piano, and I close my eyes and play something and start writing … I feel that relief,” she explained.
The pair adopted the mantra of “making it dumb” during their creative process, aiming for authenticity without filters. Lobb is aware of the term’s ableist connotations and consulted with fellow neurodivergent individuals before choosing the album’s title. “I feel like it will, at least, open up a conversation,” she remarked, eager to hear the perspectives of others, particularly those who identify as neurodiverse.
Through this album, Lobb is reclaiming a word that has often been used against her. “It captures everything that I’ve had to heal and overcome,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to release it if I felt in any part of me that I was less than somebody who’s neurotypical.”
The collaborative work of Emma Louise and Flume is now available, inviting listeners not only to enjoy their innovative sound but also to engage with the deeper conversations surrounding neurodiversity and self-acceptance.
