Your debut Self-titled EP comes out September 29, can you explain what the feel is or message behind it?
The EP is my way of introducing my music to the world. The five songs were taken from my full-length record, Nomad, which will be released next year. Deciding which songs to put on the EP was very difficult, but, ultimately, I felt that I wanted each song to reveal another layer of myself to the listener, almost like a conversation with a new friend.
How long did it take to complete? What was the experience like?
As I said above, the five songs on the EP were recorded as a part of my full-length record, Nomad. Making this record was incredible, it was a test of my patience and stamina because it took over a year to complete, but I feel like I achieved the sound I have been looking to get into a record for many years. My co-producer, Billy Sullivan, really pushed me to continue working even when I felt like I had nothing left to give and he taught me so much within the process. Bruce Botnick was also an invaluable asset and encouraged me to make the music sound the way I envisioned. I have gone into the studio with various other producers, but this was the first time that I took the reins a bit, which makes the final product that much more rewarding. I could not be more thrilled that this will be the first record I release. It feels right.
How would you describe your sound for someone who didn’t know your music?
I would describe it as a mix of folk, blues, pop and rock ‘n’ roll, I suppose, although I like to leave the door open to explore and push the boundaries of my own creativity. My goal is never to stop learning and evolving as a musician, which I am sure will change my songwriting along the way.
What is your favorite song off the EP?
Hah, I can’t say that! I don’t really have one. I go through periods in which I am more emotionally attached to one or the other, especially when I am playing a lot of live shows, but all my songs are important to me, even the terrible ones that don’t make it past the initial demo recordings.
Are your songs from personal experiences or do you draw in inspiration from pretty much anywhere?
I draw inspiration from a lot of different areas. My own life is a main source of material, but I find that my experiences become filtered through the lens of the unfamiliar. Sometimes I will write to leave my own life behind, but my emotions always sneak back in.
How does the creative process work for you?
That feels like such a personal question because I really value the overwhelming sense of becoming inspired and I crave it when I don’t feel it. What I have found, though, is that I enjoy writing the most when it is not something I have planned on. I love having a song idea or a melody or a chord progression hit me so hard that I can’t avoid it.
Who is your biggest inspiration? Did they motivate you to get your start in music?
I have been really lucky to learn from some unbelievable artists and musicians, but I could not answer this question any other way – my Dad. He believed in my music long before I did.
Was music something you’ve always wanted to be involved in? Did you want to be anything else when you were younger?
I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t at the forefront of my life. I always knew I would pursue it, despite having a first-hand viewing of the hardships. I rode horses for a long time, played a lot of different sports, but I would come home and pick up my guitar. I have been a dancer my whole life, though, and still work on my technique and choreography. I tried desperately to lead myself away from the music business by going to college (I studied in Los Angeles) but all I did was start playing gigs at crappy clubs on Sunset! I can’t help it, I love it.
You have been playing the guitar since you were 5 years old. Do you play any other instruments?
I played piano before I picked up the guitar and have come back to it in the past few years, but the guitar is a constant in my life. I have started writing on the piano, though, which is giving me a whole new approach. I would love to learn how to play as many instruments as I can, I think it will help my songwriting.
You said you won’t wear a dress onstage. What do you like to wear? Can you describe your style?
Let me clarify – I love dresses! I just can’t wear one when I play the guitar. If I were performing only as a vocalist, I think maybe I would consider a dress… but I would have to wear boots with it, hah. During a gig with my band, I usually wear black jeans and a tank top, maybe with a vest. My style is a bit split… I am kind of a tomboy but it makes it that much more exciting to put on a gorgeous dress and heels. I do love very high heels – I will always wear them. I think I may have come out of the womb in them… sorry, Mom.
What is your favorite city to play/visit?
Hard one… I love to travel and explore new places, so I think every city I play is thrilling! It is always nice to come home to New York, though, and play a show for my friends and family. I really want to play in Nashville, though, I haven’t done that yet and it’s such a music-driven city.
Who are some of your favorites artists of all time and at the moment you like to listen to?
Wow…ok… let’s get serious. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin, The Who, Chuck Berry… the all-time list is very long and swings towards the blues and rock music. Right now (literally), I am listening to The Dead Weather.
Is there someone you wish to collaborate with?
Dead – John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix. Alive – Jack White. That’s the dream list, but I think collaboration makes for some unbelievable music, no matter who it is.
What is next for you? Are you going on tour?
I am definitely going to be playing a lot of shows in the next few months, but I would like to do a full tour after the release of my full-length record, Nomad, which will come out at the beginning of 2010. All doors are open, though, and I plan to explore all the possibilities!
Do you have anything else to add for the readers at For The Sound?
I love you.
Interview By: Alicia Strader
Interview Date: August 28, 2009
Special thanks to Amanda Charney for helping to set up this interview!
Check out Anna at www.myspace.com/annarosemusic.
Intro by Terrible Things
