Having already established herself with a wealth of impactful efforts these last few years, Belfast-based German artist A.N.J.A returns to the fold once again to deliver her explosive new single 'Midnight Raid'.
Capturing more of that bold and blistering alt-rock energy she has been cultivating since she first emerged, 'Midnight Raid' makes for a brilliantly infectious listen. With its raw and driven riffs, pulsing pace, and vibrant vocals layered throughout, she is returning to deliver one of her most cacophonous offerings to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar – even as a kid I considered this to be the coolest instrument out there! I started taking lessons when I was around 10 years old.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I used to be a massive fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – from the first moment I saw their music video to “Can’t Stop” on MTV, I must’ve been 8 years old. So I’ve always been a rocker at heart. Especially whenever I discovered my dad’s other CDs – the likes of Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath and Marilyn Manson. But I also had a big thing for classical music and German gangster rap when I was a teen.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was probably some mega pop hits compilation of the year 2000 – it was a gift, I swear! The first album I remember buying was Stadium Arcadium by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Muse- Super Massive Black Hole. The riff, big bass sound, the smooth vocal melody and dramatic lyrics, I love everything about it and wish it was mine!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really – but I listen to my favourite artists and try to analyse the songs, the things I love most about them and how the artist created it. Sometimes, inspiration strikes randomly. There’s either a cool riff at band practice or I hear a random phrase in one of my favourite horror films that inspires me to write a song about it. Other times I have to sit down and force myself to write and treat it like a job. I usually develop the riff first, the rest follows.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I have found myself listening to a lot of L7 and Type 0-Negative but also discovered some new favourite bands of mine like Starcrawler and The Darts.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
PJ Harvey. She is a big idol of mine.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When I feel a connection to my audience and am able to provide them with a half an hour of fun and joy with my performance. There’s nothing better for me than to help people escape into another world for a moment and have some fun!
And what is the most frustrating part?
The whole music business. We’re all just screaming into the void. It can be unrewarding and even soul-destroying, if you let it be. There’s a lot of effort for very little reward if you don’t know the right people; and my god, being an independent artist is expensive!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
If you make music you would like to listen to yourself, chances are that someone else on the planet will enjoy it, too!
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A.N.J.A's new single 'Midnight Raid' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.