When did you first know you wanted to become a musical artist? What was the first song you ever wrote?
Music always played a huge role in my life and was something I truly enjoyed, but I realized that I wanted to fully pursue it when my producer, Mark Vogel, asked me to work with him my senior year in high school. The first song I ever wrote was really a learning process. After I had written and recorded it, I really just took a step back and realized that was not what I wanted to sound like. So, after a lot of work went into writing and recording, I had to reevaluate and start from scratch to find out what I wanted to stand for and what I thought my sound should be.
We’re so excited about the release of your debut single “Are You Down.” Tell us what the song is all about!
“Are You Down” is really about the excitement and hopefulness of a new relationship that is turning into something more. I really wanted to capture all of the feelings that go along with that, and just show the longing to be with that person. I have had several experiences like this, and I’m sure many can relate to that genuine desire to move forward in a relationship with that special person.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?
That artist, for me, would definitely be Freddie Mercury. He is seriously a musical and vocal genius, and it would be so amazing if I had the chance to learn even a little bit about his wisdom and talent. Queen was and still is so successful. The way that they pushed boundaries and took risks without fear is truly inspiring to me. I hope one day to be as fearless and confident in my musical ability as Freddie and the members of Queen.
Between your very first performance and now, how would you say you have grown, as both a musician and an artist?
Growing up, I did recitals and voice lessons which were always fun to participate in. I haven’t had the chance to perform my own original music yet, but just from those small performances, I have grown so much as a musician and artist. From singing “The Candy Man Can” at age five until now (writing my own songs), I have been able to develop so much as an artist, but I still have so much to learn and I am extremely excited for what the future has to hold!
What would you like to be remembered for in your musical career, when all is said and done, when future music lovers look for and covet your music, what would you like them to be looking for and remembering you for?
Most importantly, I want to be authentic, but I also want to be known for making music that makes people feel something. Whether they listen to one of my songs to lift them up or when they are feeling down, I want to know that I have made a difference by creating genuine emotion through my work.
Where do you go from here, what performances are planned and are there any plans for a new album in the works for future release?
I am extremely excited for what this year has to hold! No performances are planned yet because of the pandemic, but I hope to be performing sometime later this year! I will be releasing a few more singles this year and an EP as well! I am so excited to share my music with the world and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do! For more updates on my music, you can follow me on Instagram @anika__nielsen and on tik tok @anikanielsen11
End of Interview