Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music exudes the essence of Sade, adorned with a touch of sparkling brilliance! It seamlessly blends elements of smooth jazz and R&B all produced by former Motown producer Michael B. Sutton and husband at The Sound of L.A. Label ( www.thesoundofla.com ) – Number 1 Media Base independent label
When did you start performing?
I embarked on my musical journey with a humble spirit from a young age, fueled by a deep passion for the arts. Growing up in the beautiful city of Saint-Étienne in eastern central France, I discovered the wonders of music through modern jazz and contemporary dance. These early explorations allowed me to find my voice and express myself artistically. As my musical horizons expanded, I naturally gravitated towards singing and performing with local Hip-Hop and RnB bands, which ignited a flame of passion within me that continues to burn brightly.
Through dedication and hard work, I had the opportunity to make my mark on the dance music scenes in Europe and Asia, humbly captivating audiences under the stage names Anya Rose and Lady Aneessa. It was an honor to share my music and connect with people on a deeper level, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I received along the way.
To nurture my creative growth, I made the pivotal decision to leave the comforts of my hometown and pursue studies in literature and languages at University Paris La Sorbonne IV. The vibrant city of Paris became my muse, providing a rich cultural backdrop that inspired my musical endeavors. I cherished the opportunity to perform in many renowned clubs such as Chez Maxim’s, L’Etage and Opus Café, where I could share my soulful interpretations of jazz, soul, and pop covers with audiences who appreciated and embraced my artistry.
Throughout my journey, I encountered kindred spirits who believed in my potential. Collaborating with talented individuals like Carter Kaya and Tracy Kendrick allowed me to explore the realm of songwriting and forge valuable connections within the music industry. Their guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my path and encouraging me to establish my own record label and production company. It is with utmost gratitude that I reflect on these partnerships and the invaluable experiences they have brought into my life.
I am humbled by the resilience and unwavering love for music that has guided me thus far. Each step in my journey has been a lesson in humility and a reminder of the incredible power of music to unite and inspire. It is my heartfelt desire to continue sharing my extraordinary talent with the world, always remaining grounded, grateful, and dedicated to the craft that has brought me so much joy and fulfillment.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
My hometown is Saint-Étienne, France. I wrote a song about it sndo.ffm.to/ky3qkd6
My connection to Saint-Étienne serves as a reminder of my resilience. It symbolizes the journey I have undertaken, the challenges I have overcome, and the determination that fuels my artistic endeavors.
Lyrics of my song: “Saint-Etienne”
I once knew this place called home
Saint-Etienne 631 miles from home
Good times, bad times, my friend were few
Sometimes, I just didn’t know what to do
So I cut all the ties that would fence me in
And I just didn’t want my life to end
In Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, I don’t want to go back again
Saint-Etienne, I don’t want to go back again
To Saint-Etienne
It’s painful, don’t want to think about i
It hurts me deep inside
The memories I try to forget
This feeling I just can’ hide
So, I cut all the ties that would fence me in
And I just didn’t want my life to end
In Saint-Etienne
Saint-Etienne, I don’t want to go back again
Saint-Etienne, I don’t want to go back again
To Saint-Etienne
Mama prayed,( Mama prayed), she saw my deep frustrations
No delay (No delay ) God stepped to my situation
I looked in her eyes, Mama starts to cry
She knew it was time for me to say good bye
What performers have been your inspiration?
My musical inspirations come from a wide range of genres and artists, Mostly Urban and pop music including the ’60s and ’70s Motown music, ’80s and ’90s R&B soul music, as well as Madonna. I especially love her ballads and smooth songs.
What do you base your success on?
I want to share the essence of my journey and how I perceive success, particularly in relation to my beloved hometown of Saint-Étienne. Through my heartfelt lyrics, I express a deep emotional connection to my past experiences while also emphasizing my personal growth and the pursuit of my dreams beyond the boundaries of my hometown.
The foundation of my success lies in my unwavering determination to break free from limitations and explore new horizons. Leaving Saint-Étienne was a pivotal moment that allowed me to unlock my true potential and chase my artistic aspirations on a grander scale. Although my lyrics may convey a sense of pain and the longing to not return, it is crucial to acknowledge that my hometown has played a profound role in shaping my identity and providing the roots for my artistic journey.
My success is not solely defined by my departure from Saint-Étienne; it is a testament to my resilience, talent, and the bold choices I’ve made to pursue my dreams wholeheartedly. I hope that my story can serve as an inspiration to others, showcasing the transformative power of embracing new opportunities and fearlessly pushing beyond comfort zones.
Together, let’s share the profound impact that Saint-Étienne has had on my journey and highlight the incredible growth I’ve experienced as an artist. By conveying the essence of my story, we can inspire others to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and passion.
Listen to Saint-Etienne: sndo.ffm.to/ky3qkd6
What was your latest musical release?
The inspiration behind the song “Merci” stems from the challenges and personal growth I experienced in my city, Saint-Étienne. The lyrics reflect the difficult decision I had to make to cut down certain aspects of my life in order to move forward. Despite the pain and hardships associated with that process, the central theme of the song is gratitude. Through “Merci,” I express my heartfelt thanks for the obstacles I faced because they empowered me to go further and reach new heights.
In the song, “Merci” becomes a powerful declaration of appreciation for the transformative journey I embarked upon. It signifies my acknowledgment that the difficulties I encountered in Saint-Étienne played a vital role in shaping my resilience and determination. By expressing gratitude, I embrace the notion that every challenge I faced became a stepping stone towards personal growth and success.
“Merci” serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is room for gratitude and appreciation. It highlights the strength I gained from my experiences in Saint-Étienne and reinforces my commitment to push beyond limitations. Ultimately, the song becomes a testament to the empowering nature of expressing gratitude for the obstacles overcome and the personal growth achieved along the way.
Do you have any news to share?
I’m thrilled to announce that I have exciting news to share with you! My brand new song, titled “Celebrate,” produced by by husband and former Motown producer Michael B. Sutton will be released June 21st. This Urban/Adult Contemporary track is filled with infectious rhythms, uplifting melodies, and heartfelt lyrics that will make you want to dance and rejoice.
So get ready to celebrate life, love, and all the joyous moments that come our way. Stay tuned for the release of “Celebrate” and get ready to groove to the rhythm of this unforgettable song!
Link: linktr.ee/aneessamusic
How can fans find you?
Music: linktr.ee/aneessamusic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xrOhpAnP-ebXYlFNBUYWA
Website: www.aneessa.com
Label: www.thesoundofla.com/aneessa
Connect with Aneessa on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aneessamusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aneessamusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aneessamusic
Tumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/aneessamusic
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/aneessasmoothjazz
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my music with all of you. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and moments of pure joy. From my humble beginnings in Saint-Étienne to the release of my latest song “Celebrate,” I have poured my heart and soul into every lyric, melody, and performance. Your support and encouragement have been instrumental in my success, and I am deeply thankful for each and every one of you. As I continue on this musical path, I am committed to creating music that uplifts, inspires, and resonates with your hearts.
Together, let’s celebrate the power of music and embrace the beautiful moments that life has to offer. Thank you for being a part of my musical journey, and I look forward to sharing more of my artistry with you in the future.