Welcome to the Art and Artist Podcast! In this episode, host Kyle Ariel Knowles sits down with independent singer-songwriter Anna Justen, originally from Seattle and now based in Montreal, Canada. Anna shares her unique musical journey, which began at 12 when she taught herself piano and guitar. With a style that blends indie pop and folk with experimental, grunge-influenced production, Anna is set to release her debut album, "Michou's Dream," on May 8, 2025.

Join us as Anna opens up about the inspiration behind her music, including her deeply personal songs "Buckman" and "Peppermint. " These songs explore themes of loss, family dynamics, and finding beauty in pain. She discusses the creative process, the significance of sampling her family's voices, and the emotional connection to her late aunt and cousin.

Listen in as Anna performs "Peppermint," a song that beautifully encapsulates her artistic vision and emotional journey. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of art as a means of processing grief and creating beauty from pain.

Here are three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Transforming Pain into Art: Anna shared how her experiences with loss and grief have shaped her music. She believes art often serves as a means to create beauty from pain. This perspective is a powerful reminder that our struggles can fuel our creativity, allowing us to connect with others on a deeper level. Anna's song "Buckman," dedicated to her late aunt, exemplifies this beautifully, serving as a memorial every time she performs it.
2. The Importance of Conceptual Cohesion: In our discussion, Anna revealed her decision to create an entire album rather than just releasing singles. She felt a cohesive project would allow her to express a complete narrative and theme. This approach emphasizes the value of developing a concept that resonates with both the artist and the audience. Anna's upcoming album, "Mishu's Dream," encapsulates her journey and the dreamlike quality of her experiences, showcasing the power of storytelling in music.
3. Embracing Authenticity in Creation: Anna's creative process is refreshingly organic. She often starts with spontaneous ideas that evolve into fully formed songs. This highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to create without the pressure of perfection. As she mentioned, sometimes art flows out of us, and embracing that natural process is essential. Her song "Peppermint" emerged from a moment of inspiration during a trip, illustrating how creativity can strike unexpectedly.

LISTEN TO ANNA JUSTEN

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