From the silent corners of Suffolk, England, rises a voice that deserves to be heard across continents. Emily Dimes, a pop singer-songwriter and K-Pop cover artist with a magnetic global following, has already captured thousands with her hauntingly tender English ballad renditions of Korean hits. But in “Make You Proud,” which came out on March 27, she steps boldly into her story and it’s breathtaking. Influenced by the likes of Avril Lavigne, Olivia Rodrigo, BTS, and TAEYEON, Dimes fuses alt-pop emotion with the cathartic pulse of pop-rock and the pristine polish of K-pop balladry. The result is a sonic letter to the heavens that anyone who’s experienced loss can feel deep in their bones.
The opening of “Make You Proud” is elegant yet enchanting. A slow bloom of melancholic piano chords wrap around you like a hug from someone you dearly miss. This intro gives way to Dimes’ voice; crystalline and intimate almost as if she’s whispering secrets into the void: “On days like this. I think about what you would think of me,” is the kind of lyric that hits you instantly, especially for those of us who’ve lost loved ones. There’s something about that wondering—what would they think of who I am now?—that instantly cracks open the heart. Dimes doesn’t just over-sing here; she lets the words do the work, letting silence and space amplify the emotional gravity.
Emily Dimes has a gift for restraint, knowing when to hold back and when to let her voice soar. On the pre-chorus, she repeats the question “Can you see me?”; fragile, hopeful, trembling just on the edge of heartbreak. Her vocal tone glows with sincerity, and her subtle vibrato feels like the trembling of someone standing at the edge of memory, trying to speak across realms. When the chorus kicks in — “Can you see me now? I will make you proud…” — it doesn’t explode; it rises, like a phoenix refusing to be loud just for the sake of it. Instead, it carries the quiet triumph of someone who’s still healing but determined to shine anyway. I could hear the ache. I could hear the fire.
But what makes “Make You Proud” particularly special is that it’s not just about loss. it’s about continuing, connection, purpose, and legacy. Dimes writes: “You gave me something that just can’t be lost. The strength to go on when I’m feeling stuck.” She captures the essence of what it means to live on after someone you love has passed carrying their spirit as a compass through your struggles. The bridge, in particular, is a bold declaration of identity and intent: “I want connection, I want to inspire. I want to love and be somebody’s light.” As someone who’s walked through the silent rooms and echoing memories left behind by parents, this hits hard. It’s not just a song but a promise to myself and to them.
Musically, the production here is perfectly done. It’s a perfect canvas for Dimes’ storytelling. The layering is lush yet controlled. As the song builds, ambient synths swirl beneath her vocals like a second heartbeat. Subtle guitar lines thread their way through the verses, grounding the track in a pop-rock foundation, while soft string elements create a cinematic shimmer by the final chorus. There’s no flashy drop or dramatic gimmick — just a carefully constructed arc that supports the emotional journey.
Emily Dimes is more than a talented cover artist; she is a voice for those navigating grief, growth, and the glorious mess of becoming. “Make You Proud” is her most vulnerable and potent offering yet — a track that opens its arms to anyone who’s ever wanted to succeed not just for themselves, but for the ones who can no longer cheer them on in person. Let’s welcome our new favorite artist. Emily Dimes is here — and she’s making the sky listen.
Listen to “Make You Proud” on Spotify
Follow Emily Dimes here for more information
