Yesterday, the UK’s darling Anna Straker released her debut EP Serious unto the world. With our coverage of “How We Are” and “Serious“, you knew we had to be extremely excited to get into the EP once it was finally available.
In honor of the new release, not only do we have the exclusive premiere of some behind the scenes footage of Straker’s studio life, but we’ve got another trick up our sleeves. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Straker to discuss life, inspiration, and getting Serious.
How did you get your start in music?
I actually had a bit of a Justin Bieber moment! I posted a video to YouTube of me playing a cover of Emeli Sande’s ‘Heaven’. I got a message from an amazing man called Mike Spencer and that’s where it all started. The internet has its advantages, right?
What was the earliest record you remember having a lasting impact on you?
The Unplugged album by Alicia Keys was the first album I ever bought. I remember listening to it on my CD walkman.
An incredible amount of self-awareness must have been necessary to drop everything and pursue a solo career at 17- when did you know, if you did at all, you had to make that change in your life?
When I finished my GCSE’s and everyone I knew was talking about their A-levels uni, I was like “Nope! This isn’t for me.” I love going down a different path in life. It was a big risk to take at that age but that’s what makes me passionate about what I do.
How supportive are your friends and family in your pursuit of music?
I moved to London whilst all my other friends were still at school, so we lost contact because we were doing such different things. But I’ve met so many amazing people through music and living in London and it’s been amazing. My family love what I do. My 6 year old brother is set on being a singer too!
Inspiration for creative works can be difficult to find- how do you find your own inspiration to create?
Inspiration can come in so many ways. Wherever I am, I take note of things that I think are cool, like the colour of a pair of shoes, or a word I hear someone say! I like writing from a personal perspective, so I look back on experiences for inspiration too. For example, I wrote Late Night Swimming about an amazing night I had with my friends. Platforms like Tumblr are great for inspiration too. Looking at beautiful pictures and reading poetry makes my brain think in a really creative way.
What are your plans, with 2017 being just around the corner?
2017 is gonna be a big year! I just want to put myself out there as much as possible, especially in terms of live shows. Performing is one of my favourite things to do.
How did you get into production and why?
I’ve been into production since I first started writing. I’m the type of person that wants control over everything I’m creating, so it made sense to produce the records as I’m writing them. It gives me more freedom. And I just LOVE the nerdy side of it all. I’ve really got into using and recording synths over the past couple years.
Is there an ideal state of mind for your audience to have while listening to Serious?
Feel liberated when you listen to Serious. Feel strong and powerful. Stand up for the things in life that you take seriously!
What’s your day-to-day process like, leading up to your release on November 15th?
Everyday I’m doing something different: writing new music, rehearsing with my drummer, playing a show, doing a DJ mix… Working hard and then partying on the 15th!
Anything else you’d like to add, for our readers to know?
My favourite cereal is Curiously Cinnamon.
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Serious is available now.
