Anna Shoemaker Talks Finding Herself and the Journey of Her Hey Anna EP
We've always adored Anna Shoemaker's brand of raw and confessional indie-pop, but with the release of her new EP, Hey Anna, the singer-songwriter gets more real than she ever has before.
The five-track EP dropped today, alongside an evocative music video for the title track, with a sound that's once smooth and frenetic as Anna speaks to her younger self. It follows the release of her debut album, Everything is Fine (I'm Only on Fire), in 2022, and it's clear in every line that these songs are more intentional, introspective and revelatory than anything she's shared before. Once we heard it, we simply had to learn more, and Anna was kind enough to answer all of our most burning questions in the interview below.
Sweety High: What does the EP name Hey Anna mean to you? Why did that (self-titled) title track feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?
Anne Shoemaker: Hey Anna is a wake-up call of sorts. My debut album was very much stream-of-consciousness, diary-like writing, whereas I think this EP is a little more reflective and carefully thought through. In my mind, it's sort of like, "Hey Anna, it's fine," or "Hey Anna, wake up."
(Photo credit: Erica Snyder)
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SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?
AS: I hope people take away whatever they need from it. For me, I think the theme overall is forgiveness but not allowing yourself to be trampled on. There's a fine line.
SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?
AS: We wanted everything to sound very natural and easy but still big. I feel so lucky that first of all, Constantine [Anastasakis] and I even got to work together on this, but also that we got to bring in Ricky. They're both just so talented. I think I tend to lean very pop in my writing, whereas Constantine is definitely more alt-leaning, so I think you feel both of that. This wasn't all just my vision. Constantine and Ricky very much built this world with me.
SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?
AS: I think I'm at this point in my life where I am just moving forward and not holding anything against anyone and just feel really light. Of course, there are times I don't feel great, and there are times I feel insecure, but I'm really grounded by the fact that I'm the most myself I've ever been. That's all really anyone can be.
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SH: What's your favorite song on the EP? Why?
AS: It changes a lot, but right now, it's "Holly"—it's my favorite to play live!
SH: How do you feel you've grown musically since Everything is Fine (I'm Only on Fire)?
AS: I've just learned so much working with Constantine. I think I pay closer attention to details and I'm also not afraid to ask him one million questions or go through the mud with him. Even when we were figuring out what mic to use, Ricky had me try out a song on four different mics. With my album, there were so many different producers. I've found working with less people allows more care and thought to be put in.
(Photo credit: Erica Snyder)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
AS: There's definitely a few surprises coming over the next couple of months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Listen to the full EP below:
For more on our favorite new music of the week, click HERE to read our interview with ROSIE on her 5 Songs for Healing EP.