Inspired #195 - Anna B Savage
London born Dublin based artist Anna B Savage has just released her debut ‘A Common Turn’ through City Slang. Tackling the topics of female sexuality and self doubt, this album is a powerful experience for anyone listening to it as Anna lets you into her captivating world with her thought provoking music. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind the release and her music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Owen Pallett - One of my all time favourites. Saw him live and he did three encores because the audience wouldn’t let him leave. Incredible musician, arranger, career.
Joni Mitchell - Of course Joni’s on my list. Incredible lyricist and songwriter, and so prolific (which I’m super envious of). Some of her melodic choices are so wonderful and unexpected.
Moses Sumney - I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Moses. I saw him perform a couple of years ago and it left me trembling - I felt like I had when I was a teenager at shows again. His voice, control, artistry, play, dedication. I mean, just breathtaking.
Also please can I add in here Billie Eilish and Finneas? Their production and approach to songwriting is just glorious and playful and I love it and them.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Call Me By Your Name. While I don’t think it’s perfect by any means, it swirled around my head for months after watching it. To be able to create such a complete and vibrant world: I ached and felt sunburnt for days after watching it in November, in a cinema in central London.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
In a conversation the other day, someone mentioned how many references there are to New York in my album. I guess I hadn’t realised how much it’s permeated my writing. I definitely feel filled up after every visit.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
Is it really rubbish to say my sister? I’m completely obsessed with her: she’s a mum which blows my mind and she’s just the most thoughtful, warm, wonderful person I’ve ever met. I’ve tried to copy her in every way since I can remember.
What were your inspirations when writing your new album?
I think it was half inspiration hall true grit that got me to writing It. I found it so hard. I found inspiration in birds and books, specifically The Outrun, The Summer Book, White Egrets and The Argonauts.
How would you like to inspire people?
Wow, that’s wild to think that’s possible. I guess to just be as earnest as possible: try really, really hard at whatever it is that excites you, be it moths or music or cheese or skipping. And, be proactive and enthusiastic and goofy. I don’t know that I’d inspire people to be those things but I think they’re super important and often overlooked.