©Alisa Resnik, courtesy of Stones Throw
Anika can turn a blue sky grey. Creating impossible sounds with a voice that casts a spell on everything it reaches, she has the ability to transform songs into something haunting.
A singer out of Berlin, Anika is set to release her latest album, Anika EP, today. Between writing and recording new material in Bristol, getting ready to perform with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in London, and trekking through the mountains of France, the intriguing artist was able to find the time to answer some questions I had.
Continue reading as Anika lifts the veil and allows us to catch a brief glimpse into her musical influences, refusing to change her sound, and future plans to tour in the States.
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Your sound is so unique, how have you been able to navigate through the industry artistically?
With a bulldozer… Or perhaps just by not worrying too much about where it fits in or what it should be 'filed next to.'
How long did it take to break into the business and really get going to the point you are at now?
Am I 'in the business'? I think the important thing is just to carry on doing what you enjoy doing and you'll be ok.
What were you doing for work prior to making the album?
I was a political journalist, writing about EU higher education policy.
So you studied politics, will some of your views and insight seep their way into your albums?
Yes, of course. No One's There.
Writer's Note: "No One's There" is a song that can be found on the Anika EP
What inspires you to create?
A need for release.
Did anyone try to change your sound or attempt to place you in a box?
Yes, but this is a natural process, so I'm not too worried. Many people told me "all you need to do for your project to be accepted/become rich and famous is…" iron out the creases mainly.
What was your reaction to that advice?
I smiled and nodded and did the opposite.
Have you ever altered how you present yourself to fit into fan's expectations?
Someone in France once told me "I should tone down the German accent because the French don't like the Germans" They were being serious.
Who are you listening to now?
Hyperdub rinse FM show on soundcloud.
What was your experience performing at SXSW?
Actually, we are yet to perform live at SXSW. I DJ'd one year and that was fun. Sadly it comes down to visa issues, why we are yet to play there live as a full band.
The next time you are able to tour in the United States, are you planning on shocking audiences with your anti-performance style?
Hmm- well I'm thinking of changing tactics for the next album. We shall see..
Are their any plans for a US tour in the future?
Yes, I would very much like to. Hopefully early next year, with a full band and a van.
Have you been recording or writing anything for release? Are there any plans for another new album?
Yes, I would love to record a new album. I'm in the process of writing it now…
Who are you influenced by musically?
Geoff Barrow
What is your next move?
To keep playing music and not quit even though it can be tempting sometimes. I have started some side projects also, to help vent my emotions...
Anika EP will be released through Stones Throw today.
A singer out of Berlin, Anika is set to release her latest album, Anika EP, today. Between writing and recording new material in Bristol, getting ready to perform with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in London, and trekking through the mountains of France, the intriguing artist was able to find the time to answer some questions I had.
Continue reading as Anika lifts the veil and allows us to catch a brief glimpse into her musical influences, refusing to change her sound, and future plans to tour in the States.
_______________________________________________________
Your sound is so unique, how have you been able to navigate through the industry artistically?
With a bulldozer… Or perhaps just by not worrying too much about where it fits in or what it should be 'filed next to.'
How long did it take to break into the business and really get going to the point you are at now?
Am I 'in the business'? I think the important thing is just to carry on doing what you enjoy doing and you'll be ok.
What were you doing for work prior to making the album?
I was a political journalist, writing about EU higher education policy.
So you studied politics, will some of your views and insight seep their way into your albums?
Yes, of course. No One's There.
Writer's Note: "No One's There" is a song that can be found on the Anika EP
What inspires you to create?
A need for release.
Did anyone try to change your sound or attempt to place you in a box?
Yes, but this is a natural process, so I'm not too worried. Many people told me "all you need to do for your project to be accepted/become rich and famous is…" iron out the creases mainly.
What was your reaction to that advice?
I smiled and nodded and did the opposite.
Have you ever altered how you present yourself to fit into fan's expectations?
Someone in France once told me "I should tone down the German accent because the French don't like the Germans" They were being serious.
Who are you listening to now?
Hyperdub rinse FM show on soundcloud.
What was your experience performing at SXSW?
Actually, we are yet to perform live at SXSW. I DJ'd one year and that was fun. Sadly it comes down to visa issues, why we are yet to play there live as a full band.
The next time you are able to tour in the United States, are you planning on shocking audiences with your anti-performance style?
Hmm- well I'm thinking of changing tactics for the next album. We shall see..
Are their any plans for a US tour in the future?
Yes, I would very much like to. Hopefully early next year, with a full band and a van.
Have you been recording or writing anything for release? Are there any plans for another new album?
Yes, I would love to record a new album. I'm in the process of writing it now…
Who are you influenced by musically?
Geoff Barrow
What is your next move?
To keep playing music and not quit even though it can be tempting sometimes. I have started some side projects also, to help vent my emotions...
Anika EP will be released through Stones Throw today.
