Today we’d like to introduce you to Aspen Anonda.
Aspen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was nine years old, I started taking guitar lessons. My family is ridiculously supportive in anything I show interest in, so they were happy to give me an old guitar and drive me to lessons each week. Music immediately clicked in my brain. After learning just a few chords, I was able to get all of the songs in my head down on paper. I basically never stopped after that. I opened up for one of my dad’s friends in a tiny bar when I was nine years old and sang an original song called “Shine.” My mom then started signing me up for local open mic nights and small festivals. She definitely became my “momager.” That was all 11 years ago. Now, I perform 3 hour shows every single weekend and have headlined many music venues across the Atlanta area. I have won a handful of songwriter competitions and released a bit of music online over the past few years. I don’t see myself ever stopping.
Has it been a smooth road?
In all honesty, playing music has been the place where I allow myself to feel at ease. Everything comes with challenges and hurdles, but I think most those have been more internal than external for me. I struggle with comparing my path with other musicians and friends that I know. When a friend of mine succeeds in a way that I haven’t, I definitely find myself picking apart my talents. The music industry takes something you love and constantly tells you over and over again that you should stop… that you’re not good enough… that what you’re creating isn’t special. But then, I play one show for a room full of people that make me feel more special than I could have ever imagined, and I know it’s worth it.
Please tell us more about your music, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I truly treasure the art of songwriting. I’ve been doing it all my life – my grandpa says he would pick me up from preschool, and I would sing him a song I wrote that day. I think what sets me apart is the way I put words and melodies together. I love to find the balance between complex and interesting storylines, but portraying it in a catchy way that masses of people can understand and connect with. Songwriting is a magical experience that I feel so lucky to be apart of, but I also love to be the one performing these songs. Being on stage is a whirlwind of joy. I think people leave my shows understanding just how much I love it. I constantly say on stage, “playing music is so cool” with a huge smile on my face. I completely understand that there are hundreds upon thousands of musicians and artists and the competition is tight, but I believe we live in a world of abundance where we can all succeed. We don’t live in a world of lack.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I am an overly optimistic person, so my goals for 5-10 years are a bit extreme. In 5-10 years, I see myself touring all over the US (if not in several different countries). I see myself starting as an opening act for a good amount of tours until I’m able to launch my own. I’ll have a connection with a group of fans that seem to really understand me and the type of music I’m creating – and they’ll completely support it. I’ll have a team of talented friends hugging me every step of the way.
I don’t think it’s possible to accomplish your goals unless you allow yourself to dream past them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aspenanonda.com
- Email: aspencountryman@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspenanonda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aspenanonda/
Image Credit:
Photos by Tori Booth and Jake Pearce
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