Anna Dellaria is a LA based Singer/Songwriter. She recently released her 3rd single “Baggage” off her upcoming debut EP coming out next year. We got the chance to chat with Anna about her music, her new single “Baggage”, and more.
Photo Credit: Max Baker
upfrontNY: How did you get your start in music?
Anna Dellaria: I’ve loved music since I can remember! I was primarily self-taught for several years from about 6-10. I went to take piano in middle school, but quickly abandoned it after I realized lessons didn’t mean I could write my own music, but rather learning older, more traditional music haha (which I later learned to love!). Looking back I wish I stuck with some of the more technical aspects of it, but it’s a good reminder that I’ve always wanted to create my own music.
upfrontNY: How does music make you feel?
Anna Dellaria: Music is the purest form of expression for me. To this day it’s still my primary way of processing whatever’s happening in my life. The closest thing I can compare the release felt when creating or performing music is perhaps to the moment you finish laughing really hard lol. That relief, euphoria and mental presence is definitely how music makes me feel.
upfrontNY: Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
Anna Dellaria: Primarily R&B/Pop singer-songwriters. I was obsessed with Lauryn Hill after hearing her on The Sister Act. Soon after came Beyonce and Stevie Wonder, and of course the Queen Ms. Aretha Franklin. Eventually, I started listening to pop music just cause it was everywhere haha. I loved the catchiness of the melodies from artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, etc. The final component were the lyrics. I fell in love with a more stripped and raw songwriter genre when I discovered the honesty and imagery in the lyrics of artists like Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, Carole King, Nina Simone (although she’s everything!), Kurt Cobain, and more.
upfrontNY: How would you describe your music?
Anna Dellaria: A fusion of Pop and R&B! The melodies are very pop-leaning, while the lyrics flirt with storytelling. The R&B likely comes most from the vocal, which is typically full of tone and larger “vocal” moments.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new single “Baggage” that recently came out?
Anna Dellaria: Absolutely. “Baggage” grapples with the frustration I felt following the end of a toxic relationship, in which I was essentially used as a shoulder to cry on before the person took off and left me to deal with all of the emotion. I wanted to fuse some sassiness into it, so we created this bouncier chorus that’s a little snarky with the idea that this person just like left me to carry the weight of their bullshit.
upfrontNY: How does it make you feel to have people supporting you and this song?
Anna Dellaria: GRATEFUL. For real. Without the support and the people listening, I wouldn’t be able to do it. Creating music and performing is something I’ll always be doing, but to know that it’s moved someone somewhere and is amazing. The reality that I get to do this for my life is a dream come true, and it’s all because of each individual listener – no matter how big or small.
upfrontNY: Do you have a favorite lyric from the song?
Anna Dellaria: I love the images of the chorus, but for a specific line, I’d say:
“Thought that I could keep moving on, I tried seeing someone new – but every time I reached across the bed… I realized it wasn’t you”.
Regardless of romance, I think we all have those moments where you go to text that person something hilarious you know they’d love; or you’re traveling and can’t help but think how they’d appreciate it – but then realize you shouldn’t or can’t text them cause the relationship has ended. That’s a painful moment.
upfrontNY: Your song “Bolder” was featured on Younger. What was the experience like?
Anna Dellaria: It was incredible and absolutely unplanned haha. I had just quickly drafted a melody and lyric of it and figured I’d send a voice memo over to the producer. I put in some headphones and recorded the acapella on my iPhone, and then texted it to the producer. A month later it was live on air for this massive scene on the show, and I guess there were so many inquiries about it that Shazam actually tracked me down and called me while I was on vacation in the middle of nowhere to ask me when the song would be out. It was surreal to see my music come together with film to enhance this moment and emotion on-screen. So so grateful.
upfrontNY: If you could have one of your songs featured on any other show which would it be?
Anna Dellaria: I really want to hear “Mama Said” on some badass women empowerment commercial or scene in Greys Anatomy where the characters are just doing something epic haha. I’m obsessed with Shonda Rhimes and her characters Christina Yang (RIP to her character) and Meredith Grey on Greys so I think it’d be a dream to see the song used somewhere in that show.
upfrontNY: What is next for you?
Anna Dellaria: Everything! :p So much more music to come, and more live shows in and around California! I’m getting ready to release my debut EP at the top of next year, and am looking at tour dates to follow 🙂
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