Introducing Minnesotan Singer-Songwriter somegirlnamedanna
somgirlnamedanna is an emerging artist that needs to be on your radar. Growing up in a small remote town in Minnesota, the singer-songwriter wasn’t exposed to pop culture and music through the likes of television and social media. Her creativity and imagination blossomed through listening to artists like Tori Amos, Joni Mitchell, and Tracey Chapman with her mother. Along with writing poetry and fictional short stories, Anna soon evolved her talents into creating songs. Over the years, she has honed her craft, pouring her soul into her new music. The release of her debut single ‘hello i am’ is served as an introduction or prologue of sorts that will give music listeners insight on the songstress, her sound, and what’s to come. With plans on releasing more music – including her debut EP – we can’t wait to see how somegirlnamedanna musical story unfolds.
We were able to chat with her about everything from her upbringing in Minnesota, her first performance, Tracy Chapman’s influence, and more…
Can you take us into the meaning of your name ‘somegirlnamedanna’?
The name “somegirlnamedanna” is really no different than who I am in everyday life, it’s not a stage name or brand. It represents me as my authentic self and the story of some girl. I want us all to remember that we are all human and have more in common than we think; at the end of the day, after all, we’re all just somebody with a name.
Your debut track ‘ hello i am’ sounds like a chapter from your own personal story? Was this the intention behind the track?
“hello i am” is exactly that; just a journal entry or prologue that introduces my chapter 1 (or ep 1 per say). Originally being titled interview, the song was created to start telling my story in a way that I could politely introduce myself before getting all up and personal. I want my listeners to really know me, not just listen to a song and think: “that sounds cool.” I want to release my songs like how I would read a book. I mean, what sense would it make if I just started babbling on about my life without giving an introduction or setting the scene?
What type of music and artists fueled your creativity growing up?
I grew up on Tracy Chapman (I can honestly say that after listening to ‘Fast Car’, I knew I wanted to be a writer), Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, and Alanis Morissette. But I can’t even give all the credit for the creativity flowing in my house just to these iconic songstresses – my mom from day one inspired me to write my feelings out and to express myself through some form of art. I don’t know if I would be even similar to the person I am today if it wasn’t for her.
You grew up in a remote part of Minnesota. How did this affect your music and arts consumption?
I spent a lot of time outdoors with the farm animals and a whole lot of time creating because, without cable tv or social media, it was all about keeping myself entertained. I think this had a big effect on how I wrote and interpreted music, I was never really influenced by a certain genre or sound. Being in a remote area of Minnesota allowed me to really be alone with my thoughts and discover music in such a different way. I didn’t really know what a “superstar” was because I didn’t watch tv… I had heard of these popular names everyone knew, but I just had my little CD player with Tracy Chapman, and I felt like I knew music like it was a part of me.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music?
This question makes me laugh because I always knew I needed to have music in my life, but pursuing it as a career always confused me. I never really thought about myself as a singer, and I was pretty good at piano and guitar but not good enough to be memorable – but I do know the first minute I knew I wanted to be a performer. I was 11 and had made it to the finals of a talent contest at the Grand Stand at the Minnesota State Fair… it was just me and my guitar and my skinny little legs shaking with nerves.
It wasn’t an insane performance, and I didn’t win the contest, but I sang a song about my brother, and everything got quiet. I just felt like for the first time, people were listening, and that was the most connected I had ever felt to strangers before, and I thought it was amazing that these people had no idea who I was but listened to what I was saying and cared. Ever since that moment, I have wanted to pursue music because I realized it gives you one of the most beautiful opportunities to be able to connect with people and help their day maybe get a little better.
Do you remember the first song you wrote?
The first song I wrote was called ‘The moon and Sun,’ and it was about how the face on the moon always wanted to be friends with the sun and vice versa, but they couldn’t because they came out at completely opposite times of the day. Very big sob story for a 6-year-old.
What’s your favourite and least favourite aspects of the songwriting process?
My favorite part about the writing process is the release you get when you put whatever stress you have been feeling out on the page. It’s like venting and screaming at the top of your lungs, but when you look back at the paper, you can smile because you were able to turn something painful into something beautiful.
My least favorite part is when you have, like, the best line in the world, and nothing rhymes with it. …sigh. But then you remember there are no rules, so you say fuck it, and remember that writing is the best thing in the world. Every part is my favorite.
With music listeners getting to know you on your debut track, what can music listeners expect from somegirlnamedanna in the coming months?
Listeners can expect to really start to hear my story. I wanted to say hello and be nice and polite, but now it’s time to tear the bandaid off and share my pain in hopes that someone will be able to know they aren’t the only ones that feel it, my silly moments in hopes that someone will be able to smile and realize life always gets better, and every moment in between.
Life is about making connections and my legs are still shaking because I have the same adrenaline and nerves I did walking up to that stage when I was 11. I’m about to share my life, my truth, and my vulnerability with complete strangers that have no idea who I am… But if one person can relate to something I’m going through and know they’re not alone, then I have officially reached my goal for this chapter (ep) 1.
Make sure to check out somegirlnamedanna official visualizer below for her track ‘hello i am’ below…
