In a scant five years, Jersey City resident Val Emmich, 29, has released six original recordings, two of which were produced by giant Epic Records. But while many musicians would rest easy with a major contract, Emmich broke away from Epic in 2006 to make an independent album, Sunlight Searchparty, that felt truer to his principles.
His latest recording, released this fall, is Little Daggers.
Yet music isn’t his only forte. He has written his first novel and recently appeared in the TV hit “Ugly Betty” and the movie Fighting Fish.
While his die-hard music fans might wonder if Emmich is diversifying too much, others revel in speculating just how widely he will cast his net.
What are you most proud of?
The fact that I’m still around—I think that is a big achievement. Plenty of people that I went to college with just aren’t around anymore. It’s one of the reasons that I became a solo artist. I can count on myself.
What are you most recognized for?
I don’t know, honestly. I’m amazed at all the different ways that people find out about me. Someone had heard an old song, someone saw me on “Ugly Betty.” So it’s like a variety, which is cool. Maybe in the future I’ll be known for one thing, but luckily I have a bunch of little things.
How did you get involved in your acting projects?
“Ugly Betty” was part of the audition process. I play a musician. I’m normally hypercritical of music rolls. But this one seemed innocent enough. It was just me being a regular guy and I got to play my own music. It was really cool for that reason.
I auditioned for Fighting Fish like I do for anything else. It’s the first role that I actually wanted. I play a 20-something who is being forced to take care of his half brother and sister because his mom is in the hospital. She’s bipolar. Dad’s gone. It’s a tiny bit of What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Like his own dreams have to be put on hold.
Not only was it my first lead, but it was a really challenging role. It was much different than anything I’ve ever done. I was even hesitant to call myself an actor before I got this and I wasn’t sure if I even liked it. But after doing [the film] I definitely caught the bug. It was an amazing experience, to evolve into a character. Several [of my] songs are going into the film, which is cool. And it’s being submitted to Sundance.
Do you feel like you identify with that role?
Definitely. This character’s got anger just beneath the surface that can come out at any moment. I have been known to have a hot temper. But I thought that was behind me so I had to dig up all these old versions of myself where I would just blow up at people. It’s fun. You learn a lot about yourself.
Are you concerned that you’re going to get typecast as a pretty boy romantic lead?
Well, I might have been scared of that before this film but this guy is a regular Joe. He’s not good with women. I changed my look for it. I think it will go against any kind of type that I’ve been. But yeah, let’s put it this way: I don’t need to play anymore “cute guy seductress” roles.
What are the rewards of acting?
One of the rewards is getting into someone else’s shoes. I had to learn how to drive a stick [for the film]. I like the idea that potentially you could learn how to ride a horse, climb a mountain, or shoot a rifle. You could learn different languages. You really get to expand yourself.
What are the challenges of acting compared to playing music?
It’s different. You have to find a way to say the line that is written. It’s an interpretation and then a performance. In film, it’s even less about what you are saying. The littlest move can say a lot. Both are very physical, both are visual. I finally learned technical stuff like hitting your mark. I think my music career has helped with that. I’ve done several videos. I’m not surprised by a camera.
How does your music influence your acting and vice versa?
Probably just in the trust in yourself. When I write a song I’m trusting that a person will get the feeling that I’m having. It’s all about relating a story. But it comes down to trusting that I know what human emotion is. The difference is, is it a line in a song or is it a thing that I’m doing physically on camera? So being in tune with that is the common thread.
Do you find that acting is a break from the demands of music?
When I get to play music again, I really appreciate it. In our society, it is so compartmentalized. I went back to my college and met an old professor. They are having me at career night which is a tremendous thrill because it validates me in a weird way. My major was American Studies and English and Philosophy. But I didn’t compartmentalize—I never wanted to be just one thing. And I bet most people are like that, but it’s hard to do all those things and make a living. So I feel lucky.
Do you fear that a successful acting career might leave no time for music?
You always make time for things you love. And if I go through a period where it’s not in my life I’m sure it will come back. At a show, someone said, “Can you promise not to stop doing music?” It’s funny that they think it’s a possibility.
When will your novel be published?
Shooting “Ugly Betty” and the release of the album, it’s been busy. But [publishing] is a goal of mine that I plan on achieving. [The book] is about someone in the music business, but it’s not about music per se. It’s kind of a self discovery thing of this 20-something. You find him going in one direction and then another. It’s pretty kooky and hopefully funny.
What is the best part about living in Hudson County?
Everything is at your fingertips. My wife and I went to Palisade Interstate Park. We were only seven miles from the George Washington Bridge and you feel like you are in another world. And then we drive down the block and we are in the city. And with that comes everything else—good food, good stores.
Where do you envision yourself in five years?
I hope to have more legitimate acting under my belt, another record or two. At least the first novel published. I feel like I’m just getting the hang of this. So hopefully this is just the beginning.
For more information about Val Emmich, visit www.valemmich.com.