A poet at heart, Anna Elyse is a singer, songwriter and producer who draws inspiration from prolific songwriter like Neil Young and looks to modernize her sound with influences from producers like No ID, Mike Dean and Illangelo. After graduating from UCLA, with a concentration in Creative Writing (Poetry), she went on to Audio Engineering School and found that one of her very favorite places to be was in the studio. She was used to spending many hours in the dance studio growing up, and stepping into the recording studio was like slipping into an immersive world she knew she fit. She worked behind the scenes in recording studios and serendipitously ended up on a few prominent hip-hop albums (Logic's albums: Under Pressure, The Incredible True Story, and No Pressure).
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Anna Elyse, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I have just always been obsessed with music. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a part of my favorite songs. I just fell in love with how music can tell such elaborate stories and create such vivid worlds. I remember being super young, probably in first grade, listening to this Dire Straits album over and over and imagining all these scenes in my head. One of my favorite parts of family road trips was the records my parents would play: Steely Dan, Bill Withers, The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band. I just find so much solace in music. I grew up dancing as well, and choreographing was another way that I could interpret these stories and lay them open for the world.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favorite part would probably be that euphoria that you feel when a track starts coming together. Also, being able to translate emotions into songs and use it as a form of therapy that may also help someone else feel less alone.
My least favorite part would probably be the tricks my mind plays on me constantly. But it's 100x worse when I'm not writing. So, I think that's less about being a musician and more just about me and my mind.
Your latest song is 'Faster Than We Ran'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
It came about after a very foggy morning at the beach. These scenes were just playing themselves out over the water through the fog. I got this hit of gratitude, the kind that just fills up your chest and makes you take a deep breath. It was really powerful. I felt so content that these things had happened in my life and had no desire to go back to them, just the desire to acknowledge them and pay homage to them. A moment of awe would be a good way to describe it. It's like the song just came out of the fog. I went home and wrote the song right then and there.
How do you differ from most other artists?
Probably my background in audio engineering and poetry. It makes for an interesting contrast.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I'm from Orange County, CA. I do currently have a stable home base, but I LOVE traveling. I would be elated to spend a year traveling around. I do like to have a place to come back to at the end of it though.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Honest, emotionally-charged indie folk with a slightly more hip-hop production.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I just try to write every day but not put too much pressure on myself. Traveling is a great way to get out of my own head and start seeing from other perspectives. Being in nature really inspires me. Also, just exploring without a set destination.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Dermot Kennedy
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
Someone who is confident, has an open mind, and is willing to get weird and try things.
What are your plans for the future?
I've got so many songs written that I can't wait to produce! I also look forward to collabing with other songwriters and musicians. And of course, continuing to evolve and improve and make great music that people connect with!