Interview: Anna Waters
Emerging Australian singer/songwriter Anna Waters has just released her new single 'Sunshine'. Louder Than The Music chatted to Anna to hear more about her music, her plans for the future, and her thoughts on the Christian music world.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I grew up in a musical family, was involved in the worship team from age 11 playing the flute would you believe! I later ended up studying voice at a tertiary level and went on to become a music therapist. However I started touring with the band, Sons of Korah a few years back and starter writing songs and recording them, and since then have had the opportunity to play them all over the world.
Tell us about your new single 'Sunshine' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Sunshine is the first release of some recently recorded singles. It’s a fun, upbeat reminder that with God, there is always hope. My husband and I were staying in a beach side town where the locals had claimed to have the best sunset in the world, so as we found ourselves racing down to the beach to watch it, I was struck by the thought that, we often think that just because we may have missed an opportunity or we failed to show someone love that that’s where it ends. But God reminds us everyday that just as the sun always rises, He is the God of second chances and endless hope.
Can we expect to hear an album from you in the near future?
Like many artists these days, I will be releasing my songs, single by single each of which will all eventually make up a full album in the next year.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Each song of mine has a different purpose, whether it’s a reminder of God given hope or an encouragement that God will never let go of us, I want listeners to relate to real and honest lyrics that encourage their relationship with God.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Each song that I record has the potential to go in many different directions stylistically as I have an eclectic taste and loving letting that influence my songs. However I would describe my music as indie pop with slight jazz influences. My current influences are a mix of Brooke Fraser, Lauren Hill, Ella Fitzgerald and LANY.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I’d love to work with Brooke Fraser, she’s a real wordsmith. I’ve loved her music since I was a teenager. She’s managed to write for churches, and both mainstream and christian audiences whilst always writing relevant, honest and memorable tunes. She also just seems like a really great human who loves a good laugh!
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
As an artist, success can sometimes feel like lots of streams and heaps of followers etc. But as a Christian and an artist, i try to remember why I do this, regardless of numbers. I sing to spread hope and light to people who may never hear about it and to those who need a daily reminder. Although numbers can be encouraging, and I want to share my music as far as I can, as long as God is in me and my music, that’s success enough for me.
What is your favourite album of all time?
It’s a bit of a cop out, but my favourite album changes from week to week. If I have to choose though, Coldplay’s ‘Mylo Xyloto’ has the best anthems and I used a few for my wedding, so there’s memories there.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
The One by Kodaline. I’m a sentimental girl and this was the first dance song at my wedding and every time I hear it I burst in to tears, perhaps those tears could come in handy when I run out of drinking water.
What does the next year hold for you?
The next year did involve touring and releasing more music, however with the current situation with the corona virus, I might be spending a lot more time at home, writing and recording more music and getting ready to share it with the world!
