This interview provides insight into Anya Randall Nebel‘s path cultivating her distinctive artistry outside the box. From the inspirations behind her upbeat version of “Anyone Who Had A Heart” to what fuels her eclectic approach, get to know the artist who is shaking up electronic dance music with a foundation in classical harmonies.
1. Your latest single “Anyone Who Had A Heart” is pretty infectious. What was the inspiration behind that song?
I have always loved this song since I was a child. Being in theatre, I have a flair for the dramatic, but the pleading of a case with a mixture and driving beat was what I was going for in this arrangement. When you listen to the original, the dramatics with the orchestra and the background singers mixed with Dionne’s vocals drove me the same way.
A pleading of love lost with a dramatic undertone is so good. If it plays at the club I want people to dance but hear this while they are dancing and take stock of who they are dancing with. “Are you right for me? What’s our journey? Is it working? Why should I beg you to love me? This is just the dance version.
The remake I did for the album is a different remake of it with surprises. You’ll have to listen in the spring to get that version. LOL.
2. Anya, you describe your sound as blending different genres. How would you say your diverse influences come through in your latest EP, ‘RANDOM’?
My first time out of the gate we wanted to create something that reminded me of the days in the Gay clubs in DC and NYC where I hung out. Driving beat, ‘RANDOM’ chord structure, plus the classical guys would have died twice if they knew what I was doing. I am classically trained and I wanted to pay homage to these guys in a different way, plus it is public domain so why not.
I didn’t want to overthink it. My love for EDM started when I met my husband. We listened to BBC Radio 1 a lot. He always believed in my ability to make this happen; we kept talking about it until I just slipped into the studio one day, and boom!
3. After cultivating your voice through classical training, what motivated you to push boundaries stylistically in your solo career?
Classical Training is a foundation for moulding my talent. I am thankful that I have been blessed with this gift. I can pretty much sing the phonebook, meaning I can step into many genres and know the foundation is put together to sing safely without harming my vocals.
I have spent over 40 years in musical theatre internationally and nationally. My dream was to always be in a Rock band, sing Jazz standards, and tell stories in the songs, but I will bust out an Italian Aria in a minute to know I still have it. It’s all a part of not putting myself in the “box.”
4. What does being an “artist refusing to be put in a box” mean to you?
It’s not the norm. Shake up the “status quo”… Being a black woman, you are made to feel that everything is in Black and White.; Here’s the secret. This is a tale as old as time. Make yourself marketable; you are your own business, present yourself as such, and appeal to you, and the rest will fall into place.
Every step I take is art. I can wear a ballet tutu to dinner with Dr. Marrtens, a varsity sweater, or a sequin gown with Nike Jordans. Anything that starts conversations is an art to me. I was also like this when I was in theatre. I always asked this question: “Why can’t I?”
5. How many hours or days did you spend recording your latest work in the studio?
When I am not at my “full-time side hustle,” I took every day off to go into the studio. I would say I started in the spring. Twice a month for 6 hours each time, phew, LOTS of hours, as well as researching on my downtime. Honestly, I’d say this combination was about another 120-plus hours over the last nine months, and I go back in the New Year to finish up the second album.
6. In 2024, you’ll be releasing an album tribute to Burt Bacharach. Why did you choose to reimagine some of his classics?
I am a huge FAN! He died this year, and I was told I was in the right place because I was in the middle of getting this process to do an album with his music. Like Elton John with Dua Lipa and Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga, four people that I have enjoyed musically and have had the pleasure of seeing live, these old cats have no reservations in reinventing to appeal to the younger generation.
People don’t realize that you can turn the corner and hear a Burt Bacharach song without whistling or joining in. Austin Powers movies brought that back for me. Mike Myers reminded me of him with Dionne Warwick. She was his muse. She was the masterpiece in time that stuck to my skin.
After my daughter was born, The American Idol did a Burt Bacharach night. The kids had no idea what that was. At that moment, I created a cabaret I premiered in DC. I was so proud of that moment. 21 years later, my daughter is into these songs and loves Dionne Warwick. I hope the reimagines will take flight.
7. I see your father’s cousin was a prominent vocalist back in the 1950s. Did growing up with those musical roots inspire your own path?
I was exposed to Doo Wop and the raw street sound that you can hear in every part and the tightness in harmonies. I loved the movements in parts and the clarity. I loved the foundation of my roots in my culture and how that plays a close, true part in who I am.
8. What do you admire about big stars like Tina Turner, Amy Winehouse, and The Beatles?
The sheer talent alone is mesmerizing. These three artists have crossed over so many genres and cultures that their appeal was universal. Tina, for me, was a Rock star! I wanted that! Her story of resilience and strength was enough for a woman to grab onto and have the strength to move mountains to say, “Why can’t I? Amy Winehouse was soulful from Camden, UK. She had a timeless sound like the other two. I would have loved to see what she would have done with her talents. She, too, said, “Why can’t I?”
9. What’s your favourite motivational mantra or saying when times get tough?
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. I am my own best resource for me and what I can achieve for tomorrow.
10. What has surprised you most about your journey so far as you work to break into the industry?
The response from young people whom I trust told me to keep going and do this. Also, asked why did I ever stop? How much dedication it takes to make a product you can live with?…
CONNECT WITH THE ANYA AUDETTE
Spotify | Facebook | Instagram
Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
