by iliana calderon
photo courtesy of annika bennett
Up and coming singer Annika Bennett opens up about her music being more than just one genre. She wants her music to be a mix of everything, and she hopes that with her music she’s able to create the art she wants to make and her fans are able to see that she isn’t an artist that falls under one category. Bennett believes in building more with her music and having that freedom to make the music she wants to make. She also hopes that other small artists can see that being happy with what they do can lead them to feel confident and see that they are capable of being their number one supporter.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Annika: “I don’t remember what inspired me to start, but at this point I have no college degree or any other skills, so that definitely inspires me to stick with it.”
Seeing that you experiment with multiple music genres, would you say that you would like to break down barriers in music in order to create your own art?
Annika: “I think barriers between genres are an illusion. That being said, sometimes I’d like to build more. Especially when it comes to pop/country crossovers.”
Is there a particular genre that you would like to experiment with?
Annika: “British rap.”
What’s the most difficult part about writing music and creating art?
Annika: “Having supplementary artist responsibilities like making TikToks. Also the fact that my best songs come out of angst and sadness, so it’s easy to indulge those kinds of emotions too much.”
Who are your main music inspirations?
Annika: “In all sincerity, my friends. I’ve lived in NYC, Nashville, and now LA, and in all three places I’ve been really lucky to be a part of incredible music communities. I feel the most inspired listening to my friends’ songs and going to their shows.”
You recently put out your latest song “ROOM.” What’s the message behind it?
Annika: “To get the hell out of your room.”
You’re currently on tour. Are there any pre-show rituals that you might have?
Annika: “My ritual is getting so anxious that I convince myself everyone in the crowd will hate me, then I do a five minute vocal warm up and put on glitter eyeshadow.”
What do you want your fans to get out of your music?
Annika: “I feel like hearing (or writing) an honest song makes me feel connected to myself in a really important way. I hope my music can be that for someone else — help them feel in touch with their life and emotions or something like that.”
Do you have any advice for smaller artists who are trying to put themselves out there?
Annika: “I actually do. I’d say don’t wait for permission to release music or play shows or call yourself an artist. When I find myself trapped in a spiral of regret it’s mostly about the things that I didn’t do because I thought I wasn’t good enough, or I didn’t have enough money, or enough support etc. It took me a few years to realize that the only difference between people who are doing it and people who aren’t is the bravery and willingness to put stuff out there and see what happens.”
What can we expect from you in the nearby future?
Annika: “I’m about to go to soundcheck, eat some dinner, and then do my pre-show ritual.”