THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
INTERVIEW: ANNALISE AZADIAN
Being a singer, 'soul-writer', multi-instrumentalist and fashion designer at any age is an impressive feat, but to have accomplished all of this by the age of 23 is nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from New York, Annalise Azadian has been grinding hard over the past few years, experimenting and putting her unique spin on soulful R&B sounds. Last year she found huge success with the release of her EP Six Weeks of $even which has racked up over 2 million streams on Spotify alone. Her signature raspy voice has garnered Annalise fans around the world, while her emotive and poetic storytelling has kept them coming back for more.
Annalise is also making her mark in the fashion industry as a Creative Director for the Billionaire Boy's Club - the ultra-creative and futuristic clothing line started by Pharrell Williams, as well as a number of colabs with household names such as Apple, Converse, Adidas and New Balance Japan.
With the release of her new single ‘Life of the Party’, we sat down with Annalise to discuss growing up in the busiest city in the world, her approach to making music and the artists that have inspired, and continue to inspire her.
Questions by Mathew Siebuhr
Written by Josh Sweeney
Being from New York has such an undeniable stigma surrounding it, what has it really been like growing up in the ‘Big Apple’?
Being from New York is awesome, it’s such a melting pot. I grew up in Middletown NY & moved when I was 16 to go to Berklee College of Music in Boston. I dropped out shortly after and moved to Brooklyn and now I reside in the Bronx. The Bronx is an authentic 1-of-1 type of place and I’m really comfortable here; and of course, you never know what your day will consist of, especially on public transportation ha-ha. Sometimes I feel like I’m living my own personal movie.
In what ways have your immediate settings shaped your music taste and catalogue so far?
My setting has shaped my music taste in just loving New York and New York culture, musical influences, and style. From the slang to the swag & aura; it’s just a unique vibe that I think only the greatest city in the world has.
At this stage of your career, how has it felt to have your sound compared to the likes of H.E.R. and Kehlani, to name a few?
It is always amazing to be compared to artists that I admire. To have people compare me to H.E.R. and Kehlani is a great compliment and gives me a lot to live up to; yet a ton of inspiration to be compared to legends & icons.
How would you best describe your approach to making music?
My approach to making music is to get to my most vulnerable point and just writing how I feel at the moment.
With your music transmitting so much energy, you’ve donned the notion ‘Life of the Party’. Have you always been the life of the party outside of music?
My latest track’s reference to being the ‘Life of The Party’ is a bit of an oxymoron about not actually enjoying being the centre of attention and life of the party. As easy as it can be to fill this role, sometimes it's just not all it's made out to be. Personally, I am usually the wallflower in the group, I like to observe more than talk unless I’m comfortable with you.
You make it a focus to immerse yourself amongst the people of your city, how has it felt to receive such amazing support?
I love all my fans and have a special connection with my NYC fans. I also love that I am working with some of the best music producers, writers and creative teams that are New York based. I think it's amazing to bring people together, especially creatives and fellow talented individuals. It's also amazing to see how we're all coming up at the same time and from the same places. We may have different stories, but we all have a story to tell and walk the same streets. I think it's beautiful to have everyone I love to connect with each other.
Has there been a ‘pinch myself’ moment for you within your music journey so far?
Yes, there's definitely been a couple pinch me moments. Working with Will-I-Am was, of course one of them, because I really couldn’t believe I was making music with him let alone even in the same room as him.
You’ve mentioned your music journey starting within your youth, who were your biggest mentors as a younger artist?
When I was younger, I was really into Paramore and loved Hayley Williams. I also always listened to Alicia Keys and several other artists R&B music that my mom played in the house all the time. When I picked up playing and doing shows, I would hear a ton of comparisons. I started to dive into those artists music to see for myself the similarities fans (and industry folks) were referencing, and I studied how they grew, but I always wanted to stand alone as ANNALISE.
What do you envision the next 6 months to be like for you?
I truly believe the next 6 months will be life changing for me. Last year I released my Six Weeks of $even EP and garnered millions of streams and this year I am releasing a number of singles and have captured the attention of a lot more people. I believe I will begin to receive the fruits of my labour and I am working harder than ever. I will be making new music, touring and just getting to the next level of my career.
If you could list some of your biggest lessons you’ve learned thus far, what would they be?
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is to take everything with a grain of salt. The world is full of opinions and ideas, but you have to stay true to yourself and remember why you even do the things you do in the first place. Love yourself & the journey. Stay focused, persistent, be open to change but stand your ground.
DOWNLOAD AND STREAM Life of the Party here