With a chart-topping debut album and a growing crowd of loyal fans rallying behind the #IamAChloe movement, Emblem3 is riding a wave of early success that stretches far beyond THE X FACTOR. The trio—brothers Keaton and Wesley Stromberg and their longtime friend Drew Chadwick—sees this moment as just the start of something bigger. A conversation with the band delves into music, life on tour, and the role fans play in their world.
What did your experience on THE X FACTOR teach you about the music industry?
Keaton: It taught them everything they know. It happened so fast. The artist development work that would normally take years unfolded in months, and they learned to move quickly and decisively.
Wesley: You have to be ready, know exactly who you want to be as an artist, put in the time, and practice relentlessly. Keaton: Be prepared before you step in.
Wesley: You can’t expect the show to teach you how to be a famous musician. You arrive ready to record, ready to tour, ready to perform for anyone—whether it’s two people or twenty thousand. That unwavering readiness is essential.
Which musicians are you listening to right now?
Drew: Lately, a lot of Bob Marley has been spinning in their minds.
Wesley: It puts you in the best mood!
Keaton: Bruno Mars.
How does your longtime friendship and two of you being brothers affect your band dynamic? Wesley: It makes everything feel amazing and natural. Drew, do you have something to add? Drew: I have so much to say that I’m not sure where to start. I don’t want to say nothing because there’s so much to share. Wesley: Well, you have to say something. Drew: We have the perfect dynamic to keep pushing forward and succeeding—a self-sustaining system of inspiration.
What’s the concept behind your song “Chloe”?
Wesley: Not every girl is the most popular girl in school. We’d rather be with someone we can truly be ourselves with, someone artsy, cool, and beautiful inside and out. We’re saying, “We want Chloe.”
How does it relate to the Twitter hashtag #IamAChloe?
Wesley: The fans started that. They’re saying they are Chloes. That level of connection feels pretty cool, because in a way, many listeners feel a personal link to Chloe.
How did it feel winning the Choice Breakout Group Award at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards?
Keaton: It’s phenomenal. Wesley: Honestly, it’s a complete honor and hard to believe.
What’s the craziest city you’ve visited on tour?
Drew: New Orleans was unforgettable. It was an incredible time. Wesley: Philadelphia is a city that goes absolutely wild; the energy is off the charts. Keaton: It’s a unique kind of rush.
Do you find performing to be nerve-wracking?
Wesley: Not at all. It’s our daily release. Keaton: Up there, there’s a sense of peace. Wesley: After a show, a deep sense of satisfaction settles in. Playing live is the best lifestyle.
Do you work out the lyrics first or the music first?
Keaton: It depends on the song. Sometimes a complete track is there and lyrics are added on top; other times, the words come first and the music forms around them. It just depends on the moment.
What’s been your favorite musical collaboration that you’ve done?
Wesley: Each collaboration has its own vibe; they’re all cool in different ways. Martin Johnson was amazing. The Madden crew were fantastic. Drew: Max Martin was insane. It was an unforgettable experience.
How do you feel about the One Direction comparisons?
Keaton: They aren’t as noticeable anymore. At first, being a boy band from THE X FACTOR invited comparisons, but as people hear our style and see us in interviews, the differences become clear.
Would you have still competed on THE X FACTOR if you had been split up during auditions?
Wesley: No way. If we wanted to pursue an acoustic solo project now, that would probably be okay, but we’d still come back together as Emblem3.
Where did you find the inspiration for “Nothing To Lose”?
Wesley: Life itself—daily experiences, highs and lows, work, triumph, failure, relationships. Everything you can write a song about.
Thank you to Wesley, Drew, and Keaton.