Anna Anawalt is working in the fields of bluegrass and folk but one of her biggest passions in the world of music is writing pieces for children. This coming as a direct influence from her growing up in a family of musicians and from performing together as a family band she’s now trying to inspire, spread love and bring people from all ages together with her art. Wondering how music can awaken the child hidden deep in each one of us? The answer is in our interview with Anna below.

Hello! Tell the world about yourself. How did you grow up to become the musician you are today?

My parents are both musicians and raised me along with my eight siblings with many opportunities and music training starting from a young age. They also exposed us to many genres, styles of music as listeners, performers. I feel this has greatly contributed to my musical exploration and development.

Introduce your current musical projects and tell us what makes each one special for you!

I am in the beginning stages of working on a new album. Its genre is still to be determined. (My first official album was released in 2016, called “Colors of Me”). I also lead a bluegrass, celtic, folk group here in Cache Valley, Utah to help spread this music around the valley and because I enjoy fiddling with it so much! I also enjoy helping others in their local bands mainly as a fiddler, vocalist, pianist or percussionist. I enjoy and am interested in music collaboration with others locally and around the world.

You have been playing music for a long while! How do you find the drive and inspiration to keep going?

I consider it a talent or a gift that has been given to me by God and I feel the desire to share light and love through my music. It is also very therapeutic, fun and creative for me and has helped ме develop meaningful and lasting friendships. I also enjoy sharing and participating with my family and hope it will help inspire them to develop their own musical talents.

How is your local music scene in your perspective? Do you feel like you belong there?

Yes, I do feel like there is a place for me, among children, among families, and anyone who wants to listen. I feel like I can bring love to others through music.

What is your all-time favorite record and how did it change you as an artist?

I am very inspired by and revere almost anything Alison Krauss’ and aspire to be more like her as a folk/bluegrass/celtic singer. However, the music I compose is full of many other influences collected over my lifetime, an interweaving of experiences and love of several genres of music.

What are your favorite software and hardware tools for music production?

I’m still not experienced or skilled in this area. I hope to someday develop these skills to do more home recording.

What is your songwriting process like?

When something touches my inner being, my soul, my heart.. and brings a deep emotion or memory, this is what can help me start writing a song. Sometimes the music comes first, then I search for the words to express the emotions and thoughts I have.
It is an amazing process. Songwriting does not come quickly or easily to me. Coming up with music for existing words sometimes does. Sometimes I create the poem first then try to create the energy and moods I want to be expressed with the words. I love to create music for children, this is a part of what I do. I seek to create music that is fun and relatable to them, but is also deep and lyrical. Music that is helping them feel and express their emotions. I’ve found that most of these very songs I have created for children are very relatable for adults as well… Aren’t we all still children somewhere inside?

Out of all the live shows you played, which one was the most memorable, and why?

That is a hard question. I think it was my high school/early college years playing with my family in our “Pops” family band, performing danceable songs through the decades. It’s actually where I discovered the love of performing and bringing happiness to people. Now as I’ve further developed as a musician, the times I’ve enjoyed performing the most have been where children and their families have been most involved and engaged with the music (including dancing) I’m not sure I can pinpoint just one time.

What is your biggest musical goal?

To bring goodness, inspiration to others. To take people “higher” through my recorded and live music. If I can continue to do this, and hopefully spread the music further, I will feel fulfilled.

How has being on Drooble helped you as a musician?

The feedback and thoughts shared by other talented musicians have been so valuable. It has helped build my confidence in my own work. It has helped me find some very interesting opportunities for collaboration, which I believe helps you grow as a musician.