Interview: ANNALIA

LA based songstress ANNALIA caught our attention when she released her debut single “Jealous” last year.
Now she is back with her first 5-song EP “Wavelength”, a perfect pop record for 80s lovers and not just for them!
We had the opportunity to ask ANNALIA some questions to get to know her better.

So ANNALIA, can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I grew up in a family that was immersed in the entertainment industry so it was naturally what I was drawn to over the years. I come from a heavy dance background so it’s been fun to carry that over into my music endeavors, ie: the music video for “Dust” that I choreographed and performed in.

We really like your music. What can you tell us about your debut EP “Wavelength”?

This EP is about human connection and the different aspects of relationships; both the positives and the negatives. This collection of songs came from a very real and vulnerable time in my life and it was a long process for me to bring it to completion. I was tested both physically and emotionally and I’m just so happy I can hand it over to everybody else now.

What is your usual song-writing process?

It is never, ever the same. Sometimes it starts with me and a producer humming melodies and deciphering one another’s mumbles into lyrics. Sometimes it’s me singing awkwardly into my voice memos. Sometimes it’s me and a guitar, me and a piano, or me and a friend. The thing I love most about music is that the best of it comes spontaneously and magically out of thin air.

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

I love Stevie Nicks: her style, her grit, her authenticity, her ability to write hit after hit and her amazing vocal tone. But I also find inspiration in most everyone. There is something to be learned from all of those artists either one step ahead of me or lightyears ahead of me. I find bits of inspiration from everyone. In terms of the current pop scene: I love me some LAUV and Julia Michaels. And you’ll never go wrong with a little Carly Rae or MUNA.

We read that you grew up in California. Why did you move to Nashville?

I did! I am back in LA now, but I was in Nashville to pursue songwriting and to hone in on my craft. Also for all the amazing food, because, duh.

How do you think Nashville has affected you and your music?

I realized the importance of storytelling in my music. Country music is all storytelling – so I learned to pull that into my pop writing. Nashville was also an important part of my career because it really pushed me to hone in on my sound and jump headfirst into making and releasing my own music as an artist, rather than just as a writer.

What’s next for you?

I’ve already started writing new music for you and I’m also planning more live shows! Stay tuned and I hope to see you at a show soon!

ANNALIA’s debut EP “Wavelength” is out now!