LISTENING TO ANISHA LABELLE

"Anisha LaBelle is a 21 year old up-and-comer with a desire to share her ability to smile during dark times. Her lyricism contains the vulnerability many listeners have come to enjoy in recent memory, as she finds a way to capture the light, airy nature of older generations of pop music with the R&B and rap influences of today's music. Surrounded by sunny synths and rhythm-heavy melodies, her vocals act as a paintbrush dancing across a blank canvas with vividly bright colors; instilling the same sense of hope within a listener that the writer herself has." -@devonculbert

Thank you for taking this interview! How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?

Thank you, it’s been great! This year I began working on my first album, “Heart Expansion”. It’s been an amazing process, and something I’m very proud of. Definitely a busy time for me but very worth it.

Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?

I feel like I’ve learned so much about music and even myself since I started. I’m not gonna to lie, at the beginning of it all I had a bit of a chaotic energy to me. I felt like I just wanted to create but wasn’t exactly sure how to do that in the most productive way. I think over time I learned a lot of skills, not only technically, but also life skills like time management and how I work as an individual. It’s been really cool to discover myself as an artist throughout the whole process.

How did you come up with your latest project?

The first project I released was an E.P., and since then I’ve done a few singles and a music video. I felt like this year I really wanted to take myself to the next level by putting out an entire body of work, so I decided on an album. I wasn’t originally planning to release one at the time, but all the songs I was writing started to flow together and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for something like this.

Where are you from originally?

Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

Where do you live now?

Around the same area but a bit closer towards Philly.

Do you think where you live impacts how your music is made?

For sure… there’s not a huge pop scene over here, it’s more of a rap/R&B vibe. So I’ve met a lot of awesome artists and producers especially in the city who have definitely inspired me.

What was the inspiration to make music your career?

Honestly just realizing it was the only thing that’s stuck with me my entire life. Music is something I’ve never let go of, no matter what age or place I was at. Even during my darkest hours I came back to writing and singing as an outlet. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. Even though this career path is very uncertain, it’s one I knew my heart truly wanted me to pursue.

How do you want to shape your career?

I just want to keep working hard at the things I love. I don’t want to falter when it comes to who I am or what I put out there; I think it’s so important to be authentic. That's the only way I would want the world to see me. There are challenges that come with staying true to yourself, and it may take longer than trying to fit in or to be somebody you’re not for popularity. But in my opinion it’s so much more fulfilling to realize you were worth it exactly the way you are.

Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?

A bit of both. Creativity doesn’t always come when you want it, but sometimes you have to stick to a schedule. Just like any other career, music requires time management, especially when you’re working on a bigger project like an album. Recording and comping vocals can be super time consuming, so I really have to map out time throughout my week for that, in addition to me time as well. When it comes to actually writing the music, I believe it’s best to work on inspiration. It’s more difficult to force yourself to write when you’re not feeling motivated, but either way I like to take notes so I can come back to ideas if needed.

How did your latest title of your music come to be?

My album is titled “Heart Expansion”, which is also one of the songs on there. The name just kind of came to me, but there is a bit of deeper meaning behind it. I feel like the term ‘Heart Expansion’ is an entity. It’s a feeling or state of being that I desire to achieve, one where you are able to live in compassion and love for yourself and all those around you. To me, ‘Heart Expansion’ is divine, it’s bliss and peace, and so much more.

Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?

Yes, it is extremely hard. You get so used to working on the music, pouring your heart into each word and putting your all into the outcome. At first it seems like there is so much to do, and that there’s no ending in sight. Once you get there though, you almost question yourself on how you did it. It’s almost like a blur because you were so focused that you forgot the time. It feels bittersweet, because you know that there’s more to come, but those chapters you’ve created are finishing up now. I don’t know, for me there’s something magical about the process of start to finish.

Do you feel an emotional attachment to your music?

I do. I’ve definitely cried at a lot of the songs I’ve written. I mean, all of these songs are based on my experiences. So hearing them takes me back to those moments every time. It can be a lot, because I care so much, and I just hope people are able to experience that emotion when they listen too.

How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?

I would say “dynamic”. Not only vocally but emotionally as well. I like to express a lot of different feelings and put together stories based on that. My sound may be consistent but the vibes of each song are unique, mainly because I wouldn’t want to stick to only one image for myself. My personality is dynamic, so is my music.

Where do they go to listen NOW?

You can find me on all platforms (Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, etc.), and you can check that out in the links below!

What has been the best fan reaction to your music?

Someone said that they could listen to my music as they fall asleep. Loved that comment!

Is there anything exciting coming up for you?

Keep an eye out for the release of my album, “Heart Expansion”

Are you performing the songs anywhere LIVE?

Besides some little open mic nights here and there, nothing officially yet.

Give us all your socials and links so fans can link up with you!

I post my music on all streaming platforms, which you can explore here:

All Links: https://linktr.ee/anishalabelle

Trip Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0TdXLT1FDU