Friday, October 21, 2011

May's Features/Interviews: Up Close & Personal with ANHAYLA


One day, about a year ago, I was browsing Facebook and I came across this video entitled, “U.G.L.Y”, I saw a screen shot of this young woman holding a guitar, and I decided to give the video a try. Within the first verse of the song I was happy that I pushed play. The singer had presence about her self and her voice was so captivating that I wanted more. I followed that link over to her you tube account where I saw that Ms. Anhayla was no rookie to this music thing. That day, I listened to many of her covers as well as her originals and I found a new favorite artist. Now, I am an even bigger Anhayla supporter. Just a year later, Anhayla, a Virginia native, has steadily been on her grind, working on an EP that’s coming soon. Recently, I asked Anhayla a few questions that will help her fans and the rest of the world get to know the artist better.

SEE THE INTERVIEW BELOW:                 

THE JOURNEY…..

Firstly, allow me to say that you have an amazing talent and it is refreshing to see an artist like you arriving on the music scene. It is apparent that you’ve been doing this for a long time. How long have you been singing and writing?
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. I have been singing my whole life. I finally took it serious about three years ago in college. I've been writing for about nine years. I started out writing poetry and then I put my poems to music.

When and why did you begin playing the guitar?
I started playing the guitar in May 2009. Everyone in my family plays an instrument and I had always wanted to play the guitar when I was a little girl. I figured it's never too late to learn…. 10 years later *Laughs* .

At what point did you decide to get serious about doing music?
In fourth grade, I told my teacher I was going to be a singer and all my classmates laughed and told me I couldn't sing. Later, I was a junior in college and I told my friends and family I was going to pursue music professionally. I started posting youtube videos….and they laughed and told me I was crazy. Now, "almost" everyone supports what I do. I always do what I set my mind to do. I really enjoy creating music and performing my lyrics for the world, so I am focused on achieving all that I can.

THE MUSIC LOVER.....

I know that you began singing in the church, so how do you think that your start as a “choir girl” has influenced your music?

All my confidence is from the church. My Mom is a preacher, and she always made me sing in front of the whole church. So, if I don't have anything else, I have confidence                    

Who are some musical artists, present and past, that have influenced you? And What does music mean to you?
When I was younger I listened to my mother sing a lot, I did not listen to a lot of secular music so she was my main influence. As I grew up, I started listening to Aaliyah, Dru Hill, Backstreet boys, Green Day, basically everybody. I really look up to Nina Simone and Patsy Cline they both had so much passion in their music.

THE ARTIST.......


One word, U.G.L.Y! What kind of thoughts and emotions were going through your head while you were writing this song?
U.G.L.Y means U Gotta Love Yourself. I wrote the song the same night I put the video up. It was a rough night for me, because I had gotten into this huge argument with the guy I was dating at the time, *Laughter* but that's not important. The song is about accepting yourself. I was in a bad car accident when I was 11 and it left me with a lot of scars and insecurities; it took a lot for me to stop focusing on the scars and look at all the beauty God gave me. I never wanted anyone to feel like I felt growing up, that’s why I wrote the song


Your Youtube channel has over 287,000 views and your Uploads have over 4,000,000 views, when you first started posting did you think that your music would reach this many people? And how does this make you feel as an Artist?
Not at all *Smiles*. My first videos had like 100 views and I thought that was a lot. When My first video went over 100,000 views the feeling was indescribable. It was kind of weird, I’m still getting use to it.

How has coming from Virginia, which has breed such artists as Chris Brown, Trey Songz and The Neptunes, just to name a few, influenced your drive as an artist?
Virginia is an interesting place. So many talented people live here, so it's all about getting that "break". I am motivated each and every day by all of the talented musicians and artists that I know and work with in Virginia. We definitely have some hidden secrets but the world will find out soon!

What can we look forward to on the EP?

I'm excited about the EP. I just want to bring quality to my fans and give them something great to listen to. I am really taking my time to find the right sounds and instruments to accompany my voice. Most importantly, I want to stay true to who I am.

Are you working on any other projects ?
I am. I can't say right now but I am working!

Where would you like to see your career 10 years from now?
I would like to accomplish my musical goals: win a Grammy, go platinum, perform in Africa, etc. Above all else, I just want to be happy with my life and the progress I have made with my music. Music is not my only passion, I have other loves that inspire me, so the sky is the limit !


Thank You for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions, and I wish you the best of luck with all future endeavors!

For more info on Anhayla check her out on:
Her Facebook Page
Her Twitter Page
Her Youtube Page

For booking purposes contact :

Kevin Price
Anhayla | Anhayla, LLC
Urban Grounds Management LLC
(804) 386.4770 anhaylabooking@gmail.com


1 comment:

  1. Great interview! I'll be sure to check her out on YouTube!

    ReplyDelete

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