Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in Corfu, and from the age of 5 I started piano lessons, and singing in choirs. I also trained thoroughly in music theory, and I did various performances and recitals on the island. In my early teens I used to go to the UK in the summer for a theatre programme, as I used to want to get into acting – my initial singing lessons were in musical theatre. Then in my last few years of school I thought I wanted to pursue a career in classical music, which is why I studies classical piano and singing at university in the UK. However, I slowly started loosing passion for it, practicing the piano became a chore for me. I began jazz singing lessons in my second year, and that was my introduction to more contemporary genres, which I find leave more room for an artist’s creativity. That’s when I realised I wanted to become an artist and write my own music. I love different types of pop music, which is what I primarily write.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Anastaseea”?
A: I’ve become quite active on TikTok and other social media platforms now that I’m releasing – I also plan on releasing a single once every two months this year. I believe that life performance is so important to create genuine connection with people in real time, so I will be gigging and doing open mics primarily in London, and also throughout the UK. To whoever discovers my music, I will say that it’s there to help you find the courage to power through difficult times, and to make you stronger.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: This is a tough question as I listen to lots of artists. I love Tate McRae, Nina Nesbit and Olivia Rodrigo – I think they’re amazing songwriters. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources, such witnessing a mugging on the street or forgetting your keys at home, there is no clear answer for this.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “You Saw The Last Of Me Tonight.”?
A: My friend Slavka (Woman’s Touch) created the initial demo that consisted of the first verse and chorus. We then met up in the studio and finished the song. It’s about taking control and leaving a toxic situation for good – this could apply to romantic relationships, friendships, family, jobs etc. It’s something that we have all been through and can all relate to.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: This song is definitely pop with 90s and disco elements. But I am experimenting with other sounds in the pop realm – as I’m Greek I want to write a dance track that has the hook played by a bouzouki, a traditional Greek instrument. Kind of how Avicii wrote Wake Me Up with a country band.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “You Saw The Last Of Me Tonight”?
A: On the day of recording, Slavka had to come down to London from Manchester in 35 degree heat, and the engineer got stuck in traffic and was late. But besides that the process was very smooth.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: A common theme in my songs is to push through tough times and to come out stronger. This resonates with me a lot as at university I was really struggling with my mental wellbeing, and now I’m doing so much better. And I believe this topic can be written about in various ways. And my goal is to eventually be able to do this full time and to go on world tours, and collaborate with more established artists and songwriters, and to get my material into film and TV.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would say RAYE, Dua Lipa and Charli XCX.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: I’m just entering myself and I have a lot more to learn and a long path ahead, but I would say learn how to network properly. Don’t view it as transactional, just view the person you want to talk to as another human being, and don’t sell anything to them the first few times you talk to them. And learn how to write phenomenal songs.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: That my older self will be a lot more confident in what I’m doing.
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