Star Anna was a musician at 11, and she’s still making her own rules
Washington alt folk blues artist to play Chesterfield Saturday
When Mick Gamet, owner of the Chesterfield in downtown Sioux City, talks about musicians, he’s pretty much seen it all.
But a show this Saturday night featuring Washington alt folk blues singer Star Anna has him pretty fired up. In fact, as he’s telling me about how awesome she is, he runs to the CD player and pops in one of her CDs. I immediately understand his attraction. And music fans will get a chance to hear her Saturday night. The show starts at 7 p.m., and opening acts include Jason Dodson, Cat Club, Big Red Rawkit Riot, Ghost Cat.
Here’s my Q&A with her.
Question: For those who don’t know your music, tell us about your musical history and growth through the years to today.
Answer: Well, I’d rather let my discography do that for me, but in a nutshell: I started playing drums when I was 11. Was the drummer in a punk band in high school. Heard Elliott Smith at 15, started playing guitar and writing songs. Played open mics, formed a band, made a few records, disbanded, put out a solo album. I’m currently getting ready to start working on a new album and just trying to get out on the road as much as I can.
Q: You dive deep into an emotional pool that seems to keep on giving in your songs. Tell me where your inspiration comes from, and how you channel that into your music.
A: I honestly don’t have an answer for this. It just brings to mind something Tom Petty had said when asked the same question, he basically says he doesn’t know where it comes from and he doesn’t want to know out of fear that knowing will somehow take it away.
Q: You’ve earned accolades from many corners of the music world. Who do you look up to as a musician?
A: Tom Petty for sure. Not just as a songwriter but also how he’s navigated the music business for all these years. He’s always stood up himself and he’s been able to adapt and grow and change with the music business.
Q: You’ve played drums, guitar, and been a writer and vocalist. What role do you love most as a musician and why?
A: More and more since I’ve been stepped out as a solo artist, I’ve been really drawn to just singing on stage, letting the band be the band and just focusing on singing the songs. But I still don’t want to put the guitar down completely.
Q: In a world where musical genres are becoming increasingly splintered, how do you describe your music?
A: Gut punch rock-n-soul or alt folk blues.
Q: Tell about your current tour, your current recording plans, and any fun details from the road.
A: This is the first tour that I’ve sort of taken into my own hands. I just realized that if I wanted to tour so badly, I should just give it a shot and book the majority myself. If it failed, then at least I’d know. But so far it’s been amazing. We’ve been playing a lot of house shows and it’s mainly because of those shows that this tour has worked out so well. I’m so thankful for the people that believe in me and want to see me succeed and let me play in their living rooms for their friends all across America!
I’m still in the early stages of getting a new record put together, but in the last few months I’ve been writing a lot more and getting into a headspace where I feel like I have something to put out, something worthwhile to pour into an album. Once I get back from this tour I’ll start piecing together the details.
I wish we had great road stories but at this point Jason and I are pretty tame. I don’t drink, we don’t do drugs, we try to eat well. It’s pretty unrock’n’roll. But I have to say, the best part about this tour has got to be having my dog with me. He makes a huge difference. He’s the ultimate road dog.
Find more on Star Anna at her website, www.staranna.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
About the Author
Thomas Ritchie I love food, cycling, family, music, social media and especially Sioux City. Got an idea for a story - shoot me a note at siouxcitynow1@gmail.com.
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