Today we’d like to introduce you to Annalise Azadian.
Hi Annalise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I am a 25 year old, singer-songwriter-musician from New York based in The Bronx. I’ve always loved music and sang in choir in elementary school, but it wasn’t until I picked up the guitar at age 10 that I truly found my passion. My grandmother passed away when I was 11 which took a huge toll on me because I lived with her and my mom in Kingston till I was 6 years old. She was the first person to introduce me to the guitar and I ended up writing my first song, coping with her loss called “In The Stars.”
I moved to Middletown NY with my mom and stepdad till I was 16. My parents saw I had something special young and put me in my first studio session at 12. From there on out I started doing open mics, bar gigs, contests, anything to get noticed to be honest. When I was 14, I played the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem and got a standing ovation, winning Amateur Night! I realized that people saw something more in me than I saw in myself and carried on to pursue it seriously. I continued working, picked up the piano by ear and ended up doing American Idol at 16. I started to get a buzz for myself and graduated early from High School. I got accepted into Berklee College of Music in Boston and ended up dropping out after two semesters to live in the city and really get my feet wet in the industry. I slept on my uncle, DJ Enuffs couch for nine months.
I networked, recorded a bunch of music, made connections and had a ton of label meetings. I released my first project Untitled, sold out my own headlining shows and continued to grow. I picked up jobs in the meantime, worked at an accounting office during weekdays and Billionaire Boys Club – retail store on the weekends, getting my start in the fashion/model industry as well. I got my own apartment and continued to hustle while chasing my dream. After turning down numerous major label deals throughout the years, the pandemic happened. I had my project “Six Weeks of 7” done with an extensive rollout plan ready to go and then the world shut down. I was really nervous to drop it considering the state of the world at the time, but it ended up working in my favor. I reached my first, million organic streams independently on my single “BOGU$”. I had more leverage now with multi-million streams on that project and signed an indie distribution deal to The Orchard Sony top of 2021. I just released my EP “Imposter Syndrome” — six songs where I experimented with my sound & completed my term with them. In the meantime, I have been doing writing camps in Texas and Atlanta, writing for other artists and working on new projects to come this upcoming year. I am continuously mastering my craft and plan on touring this year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has been a rollercoaster. For the most part, financially it’s been a struggle, especially getting my own two feet on the ground at a really young age while trying to navigate a cutthroat industry as a woman. There’s been humbling times when I slept on the couch with clothes out of duffle bags. Living in the most expensive city in the world and investing in my career at the same time can always make things a bit difficult. I wouldn’t trade it for the world though because it builds character and it’s way more rewarding when you overcome obstacles and come out even stronger. I am always so focused on what’s next that I never really pay attention to how much I accomplished but when I look back, I am really proud of myself. It’s also your job as an indie artist to know how to do 20 jobs by yourself, being the last to sleep and the first to wake up. I have put my all into everything I do since I’m really passionate about my art. Through all the ups and downs, you have to let it fuel you to keep going hard. The industry is a game and requires a lot of moving parts beyond talent, hard work & image. Knowing that now, I’m continuing to do my thing and the pieces will slowly come together.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think I stand out overall just in my taste and what I am attracted to. Everything I do is one of one, I am never trying to look or sound like anyone. I do what feels natural and authentic to me. I am a singer but really a songwriter. I’d like to say I have my own way with words and that separates me. Everyone has a different genre they consider my music and I’d personally rather not fit into a box because that allows you to reach so many more people.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness is perspective and I’m still learning that. I know that making music makes me happy because it’s my way of self-expression. I am a quiet person especially around large crowds, I like to observe and listen rather than talk. In music though, I feel free and I know no one can tell my story better than me. There’s power in that. When it’s time to perform I feel right at home, I turn into a different person and really shine on stage. It’s my platform where I can let my light out rather than dim it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annaliseazadian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annaliseazadian/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnaliseAzadian/videos
Image Credits
All images @NY.SES SESAR MARTINEZ except for white leather jacket photo @JOEYEYELAND JOEY HARRIS
