Sounds of Bristol: Interview with Anna Lisa
Posted on: 06 Dec 2018There’s a huge array of creative talent in Bristol, and whether it’s music, art, design or anything else, 365Bristol wants you to know about it. With that in mind, we present the Sounds of Bristol series: a detailed look at some of the brightest musical talent in the city.
In this edition, we chat to singer songwriter and producer Anna Lisa. She has become known in the city for her dreamy and unique voice, that can be compared to the likes of FKA Twigs and Etta Bond. These comparisons are only small however, as her artistry is in its own original lane. With her big involvement in Bristol’s underground music scene, you’ll find her regularly performing at intimate venues around the city. Her style isn’t defined by one genre, rather it is a fusion of urban, electronic soul, slow trap and RnB. 4 years ago, she transitioned to electronic singing after starting to produce her own beats and hasn’t looked back since. In 2016, her track ‘Over You’ was listed on the top 20 Mobo unsung awards. Her music has a phantasmal, ethereal element to it, that is captivating to listen to- check out her Soundcloud to see what we mean!
2019 is set to be a big year for Anna Lisa, with the release of new music including her debut single ‘Give Me A reason’. We chat to her about the past, the future and everything in between.
See Anna Lisa’s video for This and That Media below:
Are you from Bristol? What would you say about the music scene here?
I moved to Bristol shortly after I finished my college course at Access To Music, I haven’t looked back. Bristol is just a big creative puddle and I love it.
What was your path into music?
I’d love to give you a detailed explanation of my path into music but I honestly feel like I can’t remember discovering it, or realising it was something I wanted to do, I’ve just always needed to do it!
Who are your biggest inspirations musically?
My inspirations change often, I’ve been into so many different artists and genres. I think as an artist it’s really good to be open to exploring music in different ways not only to expand your knowledge but to see how you can learn from other genres and put a twist on your own tunes.
Describe your voice in 3 words
Unusual, dynamic, spectral.
.jpg "Anna Lisa by Mitchell Jackson")
Have you always been an electronic singer? Has your music evolved over the years?
I’ve always written songs and I used to sing a lot of covers when I was younger with a guitar or keyboard. I think there is only so much you can do when you’re young and unaware of other technologies, I started getting into singing on electronic beats when I started producing my own about 4 years ago.
What do you think people get out of listening to your music?
I feel as though that may be hard for me to answer at this moment in time, only because the music I’ve put out in the past is different to what I’ve been working and focusing on. Depending on what track they’re listening to, I want people to listen to my music and not only connect with me, my voice and the lyrics but I want them to get gassed, cus the beats are hard.
Have you got any new releases pending?
I won’t give too much away but I’ve got some really exciting things already happening and more planned for 2019, starting with my first single release, ‘Give Me A Reason’ coming out in the beginning of February. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve been up to.
Do you produce as well?
Yeah I do, the tracks I’ve put out in the past I’ve produced, I’m also in my final year on a Music Production course.
.jpg "Anna Lisa by Mitchell Jackson")
Favourite venue you’ve played at in Bristol and why?
My favourite venue was probably at Thekla, I just really like Thekla as a music venue and there was a pretty big crowd which got me buzzed!
What can you envision for your music in the future?
So much, my mind does wander off sometimes… I’m excited for what’s in the pipeline, just keep your eyes out for the stuff I’ve got coming! It would be wicked if I could get playing at a few festivals in the summer too, we’ll see what happens.
Other artists to watch out for in the city right now?
I know a few people doing absolute bits at the moment, it’s inspiring. I’ve been lucky enough to hear some of A-BEE’s beats, her first single will be out in 2019. She focuses on 90s Techno, Speed Garage and Hard House and is sick. Also, the producer I’ve been working with MUSSI, anything he works on sounds fire.
Tell us about any up -coming shows
The next show I’ve got lined up is on the 21st of January at Crofters Rights with ‘XUUKI Presents’. Make sure you get it written in your diaries it’s gonna be liveo, there will be more announced in the new year.
You can find Anna Lisa's music on Soundcloud here. Keep up to date with her music news on her instagram page here.
Photo Credits: Mitchell Jackson (@motchgotwoodz)
Article by:
Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.
