Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Anda: I was scrolling through twitter when I saw the Exposed Vocals account and started following! Your team then contacted me to do the interview. I usually browse all my social media to see what promotion opportunities there are for up and coming artists. I look for interviews, and ways to get my music heard while networking with as many people as possible.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Anda: I was born in Edmonton, Alberta but I grew up in Sagkeeng First Nation, a reserve north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at the age of three. My parents told me that I was a singer right from a young age and in 6th grade was when “I” actually discovered my voice, but, it wasn’t until I was 11 that I picked up a guitar and starting writing. It was around that time, that I really started to think about doing it as a career.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Anda: Well, Anda is my actual name. At birth I was named Andrea and after years of everyone calling me Anda. I decided to change it legally. It’s original, which is great for a stage name.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Anda: Online music sharing is a smart and productive tool for up and coming artists who want to be heard. Not only do I music share online, I actually order enough hard copies to give some away for free as well. Some people still like to pop a CD in to listen to in their car, home etc..
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Anda: Well, I’m basically still a start up, but I’ve already learned a lot. Be yourself, when meeting with radio station managers for interviews and such, I’m professional but also, even if i’m nervous, I let loose and don’t cease to add in a few jokes. If your worried about not being good enough, you must remind yourself of the love you feel for just being able to share your voice. I find those who just play for the love of music, are the most inspiring and the most successful.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Anda: Oh god, many times. Just recently, I forgot my own lyrics and I was kind of humming and starting singing “anndd I forgot the lyriicss” made the whole room laugh. I’m like Beyonce, I’ll fall down those stairs and get right back up.. if I’m not laughing too hard at myself.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Anda: I have no set up a tour yet. Something to look forward to.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Anda: Experiences. There is no better inspiration then that. All songs have a story and it can come from anywhere. People you meet, places you go. As for my process,I really think about what I’m writing. I know how I feel, and I take it line by line to make sure it makes sense and once i’m at a certain part i’ll be like “Hey! That chorus I wrote 5 months ago would go perfect here!” At times though, I can’t help but pour my heart out, and that page ends up needing a lot of editing.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Anda: I do not have a website up yet. I am currently using SoundCloud as my main source to share my music. I also promote on facebook, and twitter.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Anda: On my phone, I don’t think there are any embarrassing songs. I have a big variety of music I like though!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Anda: Oh boy, I’d have no problem setting up a tour in that case!
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Anda: “Side Effects” is a very new album for me so I’m not looking into studios right now. I am however writing new material!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Anda: Any way I can, I do it. I hand CD’s to random people, have giveaway contests on facebook, and when given the opportunity I bring it up in conversations. It’s like one person hears, and another person wants. It’s been a positive way that is working for me so far.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Anda: I think Madison Square Garden with Beyonce would be amazing! Beyonce is an individual I look up to because she’s so grounded and inspiring. I love her music, but I love her more as just a person. It would be a dream to be standing next to that incredible woman!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Anda: Next, I am working on getting a music video started. We need to decide what track will be chosen to work on, and what the idea behind will be. More performing, more interviews, more trying to get out there! I’m excited.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Anda: I often ask myself this, and I can never really figure out what that would be because music has introduced so much of my life to me. My guess, would be still going to school.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Anda: I don’t remember what album I first bought, but I remember the first album I received as a present, and that was “Songs in A minor by Alicia Keys”. I remember listening to my walkman, and pretending to play piano like her. I wished I could be as good her one day. I’ll be working on that for a long time.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Anda: Well, Im married and have a daughter. Those are my main responsibilities. To balance everything, everyday it takes organizing and that is what helps me. Many will say there is never enough time, but I say “you make time” and at the end of the day, you have done all you can do.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Anda: My new music video will be released before the end of the year and i’ll be excited to share that with everyone, it will be my first ever! I’ll be performing more of course, and i’ll have performance videos posted on my sites for all to see! By the end of the year I’ll probably be thinking more about my next album!
