Anna Rose – Nobody Knows I’m Here

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?  

A) I think this is the toughest question for any artist to answer. So rather than listing off a bunch of genres that I could potentially fit into, I’ll say that I’m really just trying to sound like the truest version of myself.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? I try to listen to as much music as I can & my influences vary based on the project, but for my new album that’s dropping this fall, I would list these artists/albums –

A) The Beatles (White Album), Led Zeppelin (IV, Houses Of The Holy, Physical Graffiti), Fleetwood Mac (Rumours, Fleetwood Mac), U2 (The Joshua Tree), Arcade Fire (Everything Now), Pearl Jam, Bonnie Raitt, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Joni Mitchell, The Doors, The Police, Annie Lennox, Johnny Cash, Jack White, The Kills, PJ Harvey, Sheryl Crow (The Globe Sessions), Patty Griffin (Flaming Red), Son House, Muddy Waters…to name a few. [wink]

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Nobody Knows I’m Here.” 

A) This song, co-written by the incredible Mando Saenz, is about stripping back every label, every preconceived notion, every name that’s been put on you so you can start over and become the most authentic version of yourself.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

A) I hope it’s the idea that you don’t have to stay the same; I believe the bravest thing we can ever do is make changes in our lives to live closer to a place of integrity and truth. That said, once a song is released, I don’t think it’s mine anymore. It belongs to the fans and its meaning is derived from their connection to it. I’m just grateful for the connection itself.

Q) When did you realize you had a talent for performing and playing guitar? 

A) It wasn’t so much realizing that I was good at it, it was about how much I loved it. When I was a kid, I used to sleep with my guitar in my bed like a stuffed animal. I memorized songs I loved and dissected each part – the lyrics, the melody, the harmonies, the chord structures. I would sing in moments of absolute pain and overwhelming joy. I love the feeling I get in that small, silent moment before the lights go up on stage. More than anything, I love that moment when I am singing my absolute truth and I can feel the audience is with me.

Q) Your father is legendary composer Alan Menken. What advice has he given you throughout the years that you’ve truly taken to heart? 

A) To focus only on the work. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers – streams, followers, likes, etc. It’s easy to let your ego get in the way, to get competitive and frustrated with the business. All we can do is go back to the music and do our best work. It’s all that’s left, in the end.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) It’s different every time. It’s entirely about following the inspiration.

Q) The song was produced with Paul Moak. How much of a say though do you have in the production of your music? 

A) Working with a producer is always a collaboration, at least in my experience. Working with Paul is incredible because he takes the time to understand who the artist/songwriter is at their core before moving into areas that might push the creative boundaries. I believe that kind of collaboration is so important, though, at least for me. I like the challenge.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Anna Rose performance? 

A) Passion. Truth. A few poorly-timed jokes.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and Rockwood Music Hall in New York City will always feel like home to me. Also, Bowery Electric in NYC. I’ve been lucky enough to tour through some incredible venues with bookers, owners and staff that really love music. Places like Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake, MI, The Evening Muse in Charlotte, NC, Jammin Java in Vienna, VA have really made the difference in my career.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) Jack White, Tom Morello, Larkin Poe, Billie Eilish, Trent Reznor, Rick Rubin, Sia, Robyn, Stevie Nicks…

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I think what Billie Eilish is doing is really exciting.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?  

A) I think it allows fans to see behind the music into the personal, which is both challenging and fun for me as I am equal parts protective of my private life and also don’t take myself very seriously. Truthfully, I think social media is a dumpster fire that really triggers my ego, something deeply disturbing to my creative process, unless I put it into the perspective of using it as a medium to create more art. So, ultimately, it is from that place that I like to connect with my fans.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

A) I. Am. So. Grateful.

Check Out Anna Rose’s New Track “Sucker Puncher”