Have you ever heard the phrase “mighty but strong?” You can easily use this phrase to describe Michaela Anne who just released her sophomore album with a release party being held tonight at The Basement in East Nashville. The former Brooklyn resident who now calls Nashville home is so petite that expecting such a rich sound seems unlikely. And yet, her sound is just that—rich and introspective. We first heard Michaela Anne at Acme Feed & Seed. Afterwards, we sat down with her to talk more about her musical influences, writing songs and the upcoming tour for her new album Bright Lights and The Fame.
Tell us about where you grew up.
My dad was in the Navy so I grew up all over. We actually moved every three years so I lived a lot of places. But I did live in Brooklyn, New York for the last ten years before moving to Nashville.
How did your fans in Brooklyn react to your music?
There were very few country girls in New York City and I was getting a lot of press for that. I was also able to open for acts when they came through town. One of them I opened for was Brandy Clark, artists would often want someone local to open for them. I was actually told at one point, whatever you do, don’t move to Nashville. You stand out here and if you move to Nashville you will be one of many. I was just at the point where I didn’t care and I wanted to move to Nashville. I wanted to be here for the music community. Now I get to go out and see the music I love all the time.
Speaking of artists you love to see perform, who are some of your favorites?
Bonnie Rait at the Ryman. She is an incredible guitarist and her voice blew me away. It was actually an emotional experience for me. I’ve seen Lucinda Williams play and I’ve been to parties where artists I admire will sit and play. It is so easy to go to the Ryman and see such incredible artists any time I want. Nashville is a place where I can be inspired so much by these artists.
Who would say are your biggest influences on your music?
As a songwriter, some of my biggest influences are Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Lucinda Williams. Some of my other musical influences are Patti Griffin and Ray Charles. I have a degree in Jazz Vocal performance. But realized that Jazz was not for me. I was also in musical theatre and choir as well.
I identify with the country rock of the 70s like what Linda Ronstandt would do. Beyond that Patsy Cline was one of my biggest singing influences.
Tell us about your new album?
This record feels the most me at the moment. I think every artist says that about their current album. What you will find on this album is that it’s a much more guitar driven- country rock sound more so than my previous record.
Thanks so much to Michaela Anne for taking time out to talk with us. Listen to ‘Luisa’ from the album featuring Rodney Crowell below. Michaela begins her northeast tour next week with stops in New York and D.C. See her tour dates here. Order the album on Michaela Anne’s website.
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