Biography
Emilie was born in the Summer, on December the 13th 1989. Born and raised in the northern Auckland region of New Zealand.
Her passion for singing and music began at the age of 9 years old. She started performing live at the age of 12 years old performing in the chorus for “Oliver Twist” alongside her mother and younger brother Chris. During her years at Highschool she performed at various in school and out of school musical events. Including the Christmas In The Ville concerts held in her home town of Helensville for 3 years in a row.
In 2006, She performed “Ave Maria” as part of a Trio with fellow singers Eraina Walden and Mara Pomana in the 2006 P.A.C.K.S (Performing Arts Centre Kaipara South) opening showcase night. That same year Emilie and a group of musicians and singers from her high school put on an intimate show at Kaipara College for NZ Idol Judge and celebrity Frankie Stevens. Emilie received life-changing advice from Frankie to take every opportunity that came her way and suggested that she audition for NZ Idol that year.
At 16 years old she went on to compete in the third season of NZ Idol and made it into the top 18. The following year she performed on the national stage at Christmas In The Park.
In 2008 she gained a spot in New Zealand's version of the TV series “Stars In Their Eyes” in which she performed as one of her greatest musical inspirations, Celine Dion.
2009 -2010 She attended MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand) where she continued to work on her craft and studied the music industry. While at music school she met and fell in love with her future husband Jared Barton.
She started doing street performances, busking on the streets of Auckland City during her studies at MAINZ and from there many performance opportunities arose. She started working performing 5 nights a week, providing the entertainment for bars and restaurants around central Auckland . From there many more opportunities came. She continued to perform in other venues as well as private and corporate events. Including Weddings, which for Emilie was a dream come true.
Eventually in 2011 she met and joined forces with Yoshin Naidoo to form "The Duet." These two released their self-titled album in December 2012. She also spent a short time as one of the singers in Hipstamatics, a soul funk covers band.
Emilie is presently performing as a covers and original artist, as a soloist and in a duo act, singing with her younger brother Chris Harwood. As well as performing in their family covers band “Old Mate & The M8s”
2020 saw Emilie stepping into her modelling career and beginning a new era in her journey as an artist. Working with various New Zealand photographers and brands from all over the country.
Since the end of 2021 Emilie has also been working alongside the team at Holy Home Orphanage Uganda to provide basic necessities to orphaned children, street children, struggling families, widows and the elderly as well as help with community projects to enhance the lives of those in need.
Emilie continues to perform for various Charity events, weddings, private, corporate and public events all over New Zealand.
She is currently working on new music for her yet to be named first solo album with a New Zealand tour to follow.