We are thrilled to bring you an exclusive interview with Aneessa, the remarkable French-born singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the world of music. With her latest single, “Merci,” produced by former Motown Producer Michael B Sutton via the label Sound of LA, Aneessa continues to evolve as a musical artist, unveiling her passion and love for music that has become the center of her life’s story.
Aneessa’s journey in the realm of music is nothing short of extraordinary. Born and raised in Saint-Etienne, France, and now residing in Los Angeles, California, she has immersed herself in the arts, particularly modern jazz and contemporary dance. At a young age, Aneessa’s exposure to a diverse range of musical genres through her family ignited her passion for singing and performing. She captivated audiences with soulful renditions of Jazz, Soul, and Pop covers at various Parisian bars, laying the foundation for her burgeoning career in music.
Driven by an unwavering determination and fueled by her deep-rooted passion for artistic expression, Aneessa began crafting her own original music. Collaborating with talented individuals, including her husband Michael B. Sutton, she honed her skills as a singer and performer. A pivotal moment in her career came with the release of her cover of “BACK TO LIFE” by Soul II Soul, which skyrocketed to become the number 5 most added Smooth Jazz track on the Billboard charts. This breakthrough success not only garnered recognition within the United States but also established Aneessa as a prominent figure in the realm of world music, captivating audiences worldwide.
Aneessa’s style and sound as an artist are truly unique. Blending elements of dance, smooth jazz, and urban adult contemporary genres, she effortlessly transitions between different musical styles, carving out a distinct musical identity that sets her apart from the crowd.
Throughout her indie music journey, Aneessa faced numerous challenges, from securing financing for her dreams of achieving stardom to navigating the fiercely competitive music industry. Undeterred, she took on multiple jobs to accumulate funds and embarked on a bold initiative, establishing her own record label, recording studio, book/music publishing, and digital media company. With the invaluable guidance of esteemed industry professionals and her unwavering determination, Aneessa overcame these obstacles and continued to pursue her music career.
Aneessa’s creative process is characterized by a collaborative approach to songwriting and composing music. Working closely with her husband Michael B. Sutton and other talented individuals, she harnesses their collective creativity to craft melodies, write heartfelt lyrics, and arrange the music. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, emotions, and diverse musical influences, Aneessa’s songs serve as reflections of her personal journey and observations.
Through her music, Aneessa seeks to convey a diverse range of themes and messages. From love and resilience to gratitude and societal issues, her lyrics delve into the depths of human emotions and inspire listeners. Whether it’s the heartfelt composition “Just To Be With You,” celebrating commitment and overcoming distance, or the empowering track “Gonna Be Alright,” encouraging perseverance through challenges, Aneessa’s music touches hearts and souls.
Looking ahead, Aneessa has ambitious long-term goals as an indie musician. She aims to expand her music career, reach a wider audience, and create meaningful and impactful music. Together with her husband and collaborator, Michael B. Sutton, and her platform Pump It Up, Aneessa is dedicated to providing ongoing support and resources to independent artists, helping them achieve success in the music industry. Her vision is to continue growing as an artist, finding artistic fulfillment, and making a positive difference in the industry.
Check out the exclusive interview with Aneessa beneath as she shares more insights into her journey, creative process, and aspirations. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting voice and soul-stirring melodies of this rising star in the world of music.
STREAM “MERCI” BY ANEESSA BELOWCan you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
My journey as an indie musician began with a deep passion for the arts, particularly in the realms of modern jazz and contemporary dance. These artistic expressions captivated me during my formative years. However, as I was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres through my family, my interest in singing and performing began to take precedence. I embraced opportunities to showcase my talents by singing Jazz, Soul, and Pop covers at various Parisian bars. This experience further fueled my desire to delve into the world of music creation.
With time, I ventured into crafting my own original music, honing my skills as a singer and performer. It was a pivotal moment when my career gained significant momentum with the release of my cover of “BACK TO LIFE” by Soul II Soul, which became the number 5 most added Smooth Jazz song on the Billboard charts. This success not only brought recognition within the United States but also garnered attention worldwide, establishing me as a prominent figure in the realm of world music.
Throughout my journey, my unwavering drive and determination have been key factors propelling me forward in the pursuit of a career in music. These qualities, combined with my passion for artistic expression, have shaped my path as an indie musician and continue to fuel my creative endeavors.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
My unique style and sound as an artist encompass a fusion of dance music, smooth jazz, and urban adult contemporary genres. Influenced by the cross over pop music, including the works of Madonna (I did a Jazzy cover called “Miles Away”, I bring my own flavor to the mix. The ability to seamlessly transition between genres sets me apart from other musicians and allows me to carve out a distinct musical identity.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
As an indie musician, I have faced various challenges. One of the significant hurdles I encountered was securing financing for my dream of achieving stardom in the music industry. To conquer this obstacle, I undertook multiple jobs to accumulate funds and took the initiative to establish my own record label, recording studio, book/music publishing, and digital media company. Additionally, navigating the fiercely competitive music industry proved to be another challenge. However, I sought invaluable advice from esteemed industry professionals like Carter Kaya, Eddie Gordon, Harold Hdub Whaley, and my husband and producer Michael B. Sutton. They not only shared insightful perspectives about the music business but also motivated me to persist, acknowledging my value, worth, determination, and eagerness to learn and succeed. Through resilience and unwavering determination, I overcame these challenges and have continued to pursue my music career.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
My creative process involves songwriting and composing music. I collaborate with talented individuals, such as my husband Michael B. Sutton with our label The Sound of L.A., to write songs and produce my music. The process likely involves brainstorming ideas, crafting melodies, writing lyrics, and arranging the music. While specific details of my creative process are not mentioned, it can be assumed that I draw inspiration from my experiences, emotions, and musical influences to shape my songs.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
I aim to convey a diverse range of themes and messages through my music. My lyrics serve as reflections of my personal experiences, emotions, and observations. They draw inspiration from significant moments in my life, such as the decision I made to leave my hometown of “Saint-Étienne” (Which was number 5 most added on smooth jazz Billboard chart) and move to Los Angeles, USA.
One of the songs that encapsulates a special period in my life is “Just To Be With You.” It’s a heartfelt composition that my husband, Michael B. Sutton, and I wrote during our long-distance relationship. Despite the physical distance between us, we expressed our commitment by singing, “Train, plane, or car, I’ll travel far just to be with you.”
Another impactful romantic song, “I Found Myself in You,” celebrates the profound connection my husband and I share. It symbolizes the journey we embarked on together and the discovery of true love and fulfillment.
Additionally, the track “Gonna Be Alright” speaks to resilience and the unwavering determination to persevere through any circumstances. This song not only reflects my personal journey as an indie artist but also serves as an inspiration for listeners, encouraging them to never give up on love and passion.
Another significant message in my music is gratitude, which is expressed in my song “Merci,” where I sing in French, conveying the importance of saying thank you.
In addition to these tracks, I will release a new song called “Celebrate.” (Coming out this summer)
This particular song holds a special significance as it celebrates our love and life together. Despite facing negativity from those who may disagree with our union or life choices, it serves as a triumphant anthem, reminding us to embrace our love and happiness and to celebrate the strength of our bond.
Furthermore, my lyrics may touch upon various societal issues and resonate with other sources that deeply move me. The rich diversity of my musical influences and my commitment to empowering independent artists through my platform, Pump It Up (www.pumpitupmagazine.com), further contribute to the thematic depth and breadth of my music.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
My long-term goals as an indie musician may include further expanding my music career, reaching a wider audience, and continuing to create meaningful and impactful music. With our label, my husband Michael B. Sutton and my platform Pump It Up, we aim to provide ongoing support and resources to independent artists, helping them achieve success in the music industry. The specific vision for myself and my music is to strive for growth, artistic fulfillment, and making a positive difference in the industry.
