ANNA AKOPYAN

ya music

Thank you for joining us today Anna. Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia but moved to a Southern town of Spain when I was 11 years old. Music and art-making in whatever form I can find has been the one constant in my life; I started writing early in childhood and since, haven’t had a hint of hesitation that if there ever is a purpose to one’s life, it is art-making for me. I made my way into the public music scene in 2020, with the release of my debut album ‘Change Your Body’, fusing genres of alternative, pop and blues- my statement of belief in the human potential and our power to shape ourselves and our realities in whatever our hearts desire. I’m torn between my natural attributes and the boundless possibilities of people I can shape myself into. The only thing that sparks me is the exploitation of my body.

Your greatest inspirations or influences?

I’ve never had a writer’s block or have had to look for inspiration; the sources I draw from are overwhelming at times. It’s mostly people, nature, the existence in itself and my restless need to re-capture moments, taking control over them and representing reality in my own perception. It’s all about sharing how I perceive the world and the need to communicate with others. It’s a never-ending conversation. Regarding artist influences, for me Russian literature has always been a strong driving force; Bulgakov in particular. Blues music has had a hold on me since I was a little girl, it makes me feel alive when nothing else does. Theater and film, especially absurdism and surrealism, David Lynch, Brecht and Beckett have had a huge impact on my perception of the world; they make me feel understood. 

Creative Process

My creative process is an exorcism.

Creating is the only thing I live for but it makes me feel emotions way beyond mere joy. It can be difficult and unpleasant, painful to release my truth in the cathartic process of writing music. What I want to say is, songwriting comes easy, easier and more natural than anything else; I usually finish my songs within an hour, the words and melodies flow out of me effortlessly. But that is because my mind is subconsciously working on music and writing 24/7; the easiest part is letting it out but it can feel like giving birth at times (how I would assume it feels, I don’t have children yet). It’s intense. Especially the recording process. For me, recording is equivalent to an exorcism, it makes me shiver but I can’t control it either. I feel I must pass these feelings to other people who will feel understood. 

Icons in your opinion?

Icons are everywhere. I believe every one of us and everything we do has a huge, never-ending impact on others and on the shaping of our world. I look up to anyone who makes me value life, make me feel like life is worth living.

What does well-being mean to you?

Well-being means to me is living in a state where you function the best you can and when it feels easy and natural. It’s when loving people around you, whoever they are, feels right and intrinsic. Someone said to me, we create best when we’re thriving, not when we’re surviving. So it’s living in a state of thriving, not in survival mode that I always aim for. And alleviating other people’s struggles, making each other thrive and focus on objects higher and lighter than mere painful survival. 

Anything else?

My latest single ‘I’d Rather be Dying in a Fairytale’ was released on 7th January 2022, marking it as my first release of the year. “Connolly’s Corner” reviews defined the song as ‘taking the vibe of the spaced-out 60s, blending it with The Verve’s first album, and liberally sprinkling much PJ Harvey with a smidge of the darker side of Kate Bush.’ ‘‘That heavy hypnotic bassline, with just enough dissonance to keep you alert. And drums that are rarely heard outside the world of dreams’. The full review: