Today we’d like to introduce you to Anima Mea.
Hi Anima, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have simply always loved and been immersed in music. My mom always says that I started singing the first week I was born, right in the church. By the time I was old enough to take piano lessons I did and when I was old enough to join the school’s band and orchestra I didn’t even hesitate for a moment. As I got older I just found more ways to express my creativity through music.
In middle school I did my first musical and in high school, I started dance classes. At this point in my life, I had my heart set on getting into a prestigious music university and pursuing an acting career in theater arts. Little did I know that universities cost lots of money, money that me and family just did not have. So I had given up on all of my aspirations at the time and like most 18 year Olds who can’t afford college, I got a job.
Almost a year into my first job in the real world I couldn’t help but feel this overwhelming feeling of emptiness. I loved my job and my coworkers but something felt like it was missing. Then I realized it was music that was missing from my life. When I had this revelation I wanted nothing more than to create a life for myself that revolved around music. I had decided it was the only way for me to be happy and fulfilled.
With no access to instruments, practice rooms, teachers, etc. it was kind of difficult in the beginning for me to find ways to connect with that part of myself again simply because of a lack of resources. Lucky for me I had an incredibly talented best friend who had been producing and recording. and writing his own songs for a few years at that point so I used him as a resource! He showed me his process and how to use Logic and inspired me in a way that “thank you” just does not feel like enough.
We spent the next year writing and producing together but none of those songs would see the light of day. Fast forward all the way to the end of 2020. Life in rural PA was getting a little scary and uncomfortable for a dark-skinned black woman all on her own. The world was up in smoke but even in the midst of that, I managed to find my courage and passion and let it push me to make the best decision I’ve made for myself thus far.
I decided it was time for me to move to Atlanta so I could truly give myself a chance to be in a community of like-minded musicians. I made up my mind and in just two short weeks I was on the southside in Riverdale ready to make this city know my name. The rest of this story is actively and lovingly being written so I’d like to thank Voyage ATL for giving me a chance to share it up until this point.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone in life truly has a smooth road because personally, I don’t think there is any living without pain. The biggest struggle I’ve faced on my journey would definitely be the lack of a support system and finding people who are genuine enough for me to entrust them with my creativity and ultimately my future.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary artist as I like to tell people. Art is everything to me so I can not be confined to just one or two mediums. I am most known for my singing voice and songwriting and a little bit for my unstoppable yet classic sense of style.
A piece of work I am very proud of and excited to share is the first EP that I am putting out in May titled “4 AM”. It’s the first time that I’ve really been openly honest in my music and I’ve made something that I feel completely represents me from top to bottom.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The thing I love the most about Atlanta is definitely the music and fashion scene. I never knew who I truly was until I moved here because ATL gave me a place to be open, bold, and accepted! Oh, and all the beautiful black women here. That’s probably the best thing about this city. My least favorite thing about ATL is the lack of public transportation and the TRAFFIC!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @animaameaa
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=80r2X6wAjLc
- SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/paige0505
