The music scene has undergone a profound transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with artists and fans alike adapting to the new normal. Among these artists is Anna of the North, who recently embarked on her first tour since the pandemic. Her insightful reflections during a recent interview provide a deep dive into her journey through the pandemic, her creative process, and the evolution of her relationship with live performances.
Anna of the North’s tour, although in its early stages, has already brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s been really, really good. It’s exciting too. It’s my first tour since COVID.” This return to the stage has been an inspiring experience for Anna, contrasting sharply with the isolation and uncertainty she felt during the lockdown. The chance to reconnect with her audience in person has rekindled her passion for live performances and validated her artistic path.
Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact on her career, Anna of the North shared the doubts and introspection she experienced during this period. “I was like, what am I even doing? Does anyone care about this?” she pondered, highlighting the universal feelings of uncertainty faced by many artists during the lockdown. However, the return to touring has re-affirmed her commitment to music and its significance to her fans.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Anna of the North remained creatively active. She dedicated herself to writing her third album, finding solace and expression in her music during a time of global turmoil. “I was writing the entire album during Covid and wrote a lot of music,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of music as both a professional pursuit and a personal outlet during the lockdown.
Anna of the North’s latest album represents a synthesis of her previous works, drawing on the best elements from each. She spoke about the importance of retrospection in her creative process, saying, “Looking back at things is really important sometimes.” The album is crafted as an auditory journey, beginning with a melancholic tone and gradually becoming more upbeat, yet maintaining a sense of introspection throughout.
The artist also emphasized the significance of the album as a cohesive work of art. She carefully curated the track sequencing to mirror the natural progression of a day, from dawn to dusk. Anna explained, “The first song is the birds in the morning chirping, like you’re waking up.” This approach underscores her dedication to creating an immersive and meaningful listening experience.
Initially, live performances were a source of significant anxiety for Anna of the North. She candidly discussed her evolution from feeling overwhelmed on stage to finding joy and comfort in live shows. “Playing live for me, it’s been a bit of a struggle. But now I feel really secure in what we’re doing,” she remarked, revealing her journey towards embracing live performances.
Though known for her memorable covers, Anna of the North has chosen to focus on her original work for this tour. This decision reflects both her extensive catalogue of original music and her evolution as a musician. She reflected on the role of covers in her career, underscoring the balance she seeks to strike between performing covers and showcasing her own compositions.
Anna of the North’s time in Australia had a profound impact on her musical journey. She credits this experience with significantly shaping her identity as an artist. “I went to Australia to study graphic design and came home a musician,” she stated, acknowledging the influence of Australia’s vibrant creative culture on her artistic development.
Discussing her musical influences, Anna of the North mentioned a diverse range of artists, from Kanye West to Celine Dion. These influences have played a significant role in developing her unique sound and approach to music.
Looking ahead, Anna of the North shared her excitement for the future, including participating in festivals and dedicating time to studio work. She also highlighted the importance of personal time and her plans to spend quality moments with her dog. “Wherever the music takes me,” she concluded, capturing the sense of adventure and unpredictability that characterizes the life of a musician.
Anna of the North’s journey through the pandemic and her return to touring is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of artists in these challenging times. As she continues her tour and embarks on new projects, her story remains an inspiring reminder of the enduring spirit of creativity in the face of adversity.
Watch the full interview below:
