A Q&A with Anna Straker
Big vocals, lyrical honesty – here’s Anna Straker…
How did you get the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The title of ‘Good Days Bad Days’ came from a time when I was struggling with my mental health. It was kind of a positive mantra I’d tell myself on days that I couldn’t get out of bed, to remind myself that these days would pass.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
I think the hardest part of this release was just making the decision to put this out! There are very personal lyrics in about how vulnerable I feel sometimes, so it takes some bravery to do that.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
I co-produced this record with Tom Stafford – he is one of my favourites! I love his influences and feel like we always get a unique sound together.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I want people to feel less alone when they listen to my music. The reason I’m sharing this EP Growing Pains is to start an honest conversation about mental health and the struggles we face as we get older.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I usually start writing my tracks with the music first. I would usually sit at the piano or sent and then go from there. Once I get a general vibe that I’m into, I start to sing random melodies, then lyrics come last. But it’s kind of different every time!
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I am influenced by a huge array of different artists, from James Blake to Rina Sawayama to Beyoncé. I think that’s the cool thing about my music – I don’t really sick to one genre!
When the world is back to normal where would like to tour, and why?
I would love to play at some of my favourite London venues again – KOKO, Village Underground and I hope one day soon I’ll sell at Alexandra Palace!!!
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I would say to listen to my track ‘London Knows’. I think it is the most honest track I’ve ever released and it shows a side of me that people don’t normally see. I wrote it last year, about coming home after being sexually assaulted on holiday.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I just wanna keep making music till the day I die!
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Keep staying positive and keep testing negative.
The latest single from Anna Straker, ‘Boys Will Be Boys‘ is out now
For more info visit: instagram.com/strak3rgram
