emily cavanagh music

Singer, Songwriter, founder of “song for you” foundation

Born to a large Irish American family in Chicago, Emily Cavanagh is an independent artist based in NYC. A Singer/Songwriter & Performer in places like NYC, Chicago, Nashville, and Dublin, Emily has built a distinguished career as a Singer, working often at the intersection of service & songs—In response to the Covid 19 pandemic, Emily launched a music initiative called "A Song for You"....now a 501c3 Charity “ Song For You Foundation-A Song For You” featuring the songs of local, touring, & Grammy award winning Songwriters for patients in hospice & hospital.

As a writer, Emily's music reflects a throwback sound of the 30's, 40's,& 50's while maintaining a great folk & pop sensibility. Her work can be found in commercial placements & her song "Treehouse" was featured in the 2017 trailer for Fox Searchlight & Woody Harrelson's film "Wilson." Her latest EP “New York to Chicago” was released at the end of 2025, and is a collection of the only songs she wrote in the pandemic not for “A Song For You.” She has worked alongside Producers such as Grammy award winning Leo Sidran & Scott Sharrard (Little Feat),Andrew Miramonti, and Bennett Paster. In 2026, she'll work with Daniel Heath, Golden Globe winning Producer and Composer (known for his extensive collaborations with Lana Del Rey and Film Composer, Hans Zimmer.)

As a performer, Emily has played with some of the most regarded musicians on the New York scene.... Venues of note in New York include The Bitter End, Blue Note, City Winery, Highline Ballroom, Irish Arts Center, and Rockwood Music Hall....in Chicago, stages include Schubas and UnCommon Ground, in Nashville the Grand Ole Opry House. On the festival circuit she's enjoyed playing with her Trio (Nir Sadovnik & Frank Wagner) alongside headlining acts like Bruce Hornsby, Diana Krall & Keb’Mo’. Abroad in Ireland,Emily has played as an opening act for beloved Irish Artists, Mundy & Paddy Casey.

Emily remains connected to causes closest to her heart-- her original song "Dark Was the Night" written on behalf of Genocide Survivors, has played at numerous events at the United Nations. Her music can be found on all major streaming sites. Her Charity can be found in publications & podcasts from PEOPLE magazine to UpWorthy, NBC, ABC, Medium, Chicago Tribune, WBGO, and in hospitals/hospices across the states.