Inspired #180 - Anja Kotar
San José pop singer-songwriter Anja Kotar talks to us about her soulful single, ‘Simple’, and some of the people, places and pop culture that inspires her.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Freddie Mercury. They all embody what I believe is a true artist. From fashion and dance, to film, they were (and still are) creating beyond just the songs and built a whole world for their music to exist in. All three of them are of course also absolutely mind-blowing performers that look larger than life on stage, yet at the same times seem they’re singing solely to you.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
I love Wes Anderson’s films - they’re so visually vivid, compelling and uniquely specific. In other words, when you see a Wes Anderson film, you immediately know it’s Wes Anderson. That kind of distinct style is so difficult to achieve, especially nowadays with the abundance of content and ideas out there, and I think that truly speaks to his genius. Along with that, I’m a huge sucker for musical theatre and ‘La La Land’ holds a special place in my heart :)
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Perhaps it’s because I was born and raised in Europe and I have nostalgic memories attached to growing up there, or perhaps it’s because I’m kind of a hopeless romantic, but I find Italy and France absolutely magical. One of my craziest pipe dreams is to spend a few months (or maybe a year, oh that would be even better! haha) in Paris and completely immersing myself in life there. I remember a trip we took to Paris with my parents back in the summer of 2014 and we were walking along the banks of the Seine at night. It was probably around 11pm, but there was still heat in the air and the streets were filled with people. We took a turn and as I looked down towards the Seine, there was a small jazz trio playing and couples dancing. It was one of the most pure, perfect moments I’ve ever experienced - it was like a scene straight out of ‘Midnight in Paris’. :)
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
My parents! I watched them make so many sacrifices and work harder than anyone I’ve ever met, especially after our family moved to California in 2012. They inspire me with their intelligence, kindness, unrivalled love, work ethic, optimism, and constant support. They’re the best role models I could possibly ask for and even as I try to my entire life, I will never be able to fully repay them for everything they’ve done for me.
What were your inspirations when writing the track?
I actually got the idea for the song over this summer. My parents and brother were preparing dinner in the kitchen and I was next door in the living room, playing around on the piano (everyone here knows I can’t cook so I’m off the hook haha). I was sitting there, listening to pots clattering, my family talking, joking, laughing, and it got me thinking of how, despite this year being so filled with hardships, a lot of good has also come out of it. Both me and my brother moved back home to San Jose with our parents once lockdowns started in March, and having the opportunity to spend this time with the whole family has been an incredible blessing. Life was so fast paced and busy before, and quarantine sort of forced everyone into introspection and focusing on the things that truly matter in life. And that’s what ‘Simple’ is all about :)
How would you like to inspire people?
Oh man, just the concept of inspiring someone else seems totally mind-blowing, especially since I still have *so* much to figure out myself! :) But I guess if there was one message that I’d want people to take away from my music, it’s that the true beauty in life reveals itself once you learn to find brightness and positivity in the darkest of times. If you have a smile on your face after listening to one of my songs, that’s the most amazing, humbling compliment I could ever receive <3
Interview by Karla Harris