Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
Right now I am traveling between Nashville and Charlotte writing, recording and performing. I have shows almost every weekend and I’m gearing up to get back in the studio to record some new music!
Tell us a bit about your influences.
I have always loved Randy Travis and Alan Jackson and how their songwriting has creative points of view and clever double meanings. I am also a big Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift fan. Their music really resonates with me because their songs feel like a diary entry of my experiences growing up. They play a huge part in how I approach songwriting. When I started writing, I would just write poetry and thought everything had to be very deep and dramatic. Taylor Swift’s debut album showed me you can write from a place of vulnerability and clarity and it is just as, if not more, powerful and relatable.
How did you start?
I started by writing poetry and then I got a Hannah Montana guitar for Christmas in 4th grade and taught myself to play. After that I started putting my poems to music and I would write almost everyday after school.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
There are a lot of obstacles, one is that thousands of songs are uploaded to streaming platforms everyday, so it’s hard to stand out as an independent artist. Also, building a team- It takes time to find someone you are going to work best with and who will really champion you as an artist. That can be hard as an independent artist because you need the help and resources to stand out but you also don’t want to rush into the wrong fit.
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
Never underestimate the relationships you build with those around you- whether you’ve met them at a show, they follow you on social media, you know each other from high school- always reach out when you have a music release or concert. I am always blown away by how many people are ready to support and share my music.
What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in five years?
My goal currently is to double my Spotify/Apple Music listeners by the end of the year and to continue growing as an artist- in particular, my goal is to become an opening act on a country music tour in the next two years. In five years I would love to be on a headlining tour with a full album out and perform at the CMA’s.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
I am so excited for my next project because each song is a totally different emotion. I have a love song, a heartbreak ballad, the classic passive-aggressive song (if you listen to my music you know this is very on brand) and an upbeat party song that I just wrote. I am getting ready for the studio, so in the meantime, I’m excited to share some acoustic clips from each song on Instagram and TikTok. Be sure to follow me so you can be the first to hear what’s coming next!
@annajstamato