Welcome Anika! So excited to be chatting with you. We are in love with your last release “Are You Down” and we hear you have a new song out! Please tell us all about it- we want the scoop!
Thank you so much for having me! I am so happy that you like “Are You Down!” My new single, “Make Me Wanna,” tries to capture the tension that we can feel between ourselves and someone we like. The song leaves you hanging in a way, not ever fully saying what’s going to happen. I think showing the emotions surrounding that tension and then leaving it to the imagination makes the song all the more interesting.
How did you know this had to be your next single?
I knew that I wanted “Make Me Wanna” to be my next release because, while still keeping true to my overall sound, it definitely shows my audience a different side of my music. It is much more upbeat and pop inspired, but still has places for strong vocals to come through.
Do you plan to have a video out for “Make Me Wanna” ?
Yes I do! I am extremely excited to shoot the music video for this song because I have plans for much higher production than my first music video for “Are You Down.” I cannot wait to immerse myself into this song and give it a life and a storyline that people can watch in real time!
Tell us your favorite song release of 2021 and why!
Honestly one of my favorite releases of 2021 is “Leave the Door Open” by Silk Sonic. This song along with the rest of their album really inspired me musically last year. Their tracks and vocals are so precise, and you can really tell how much work was put into each lyric and its production.
What do you love most about making music? What part of the process is your favorite?
I love everything about making music. Starting from nothing and being able to create something so complex and detailed is extremely rewarding. My favorite part of the process is when everything clicks. There is a special moment in each song when everything comes together just right. The lyrics, track, vocals, everything just makes sense. It feels magical every time.
Do you have any advice to anyone wanting to break into music? What is the best advice you have gotten that you would share with us?
I would tell someone who wanted to pursue music to just do it! Definitely be prepared to put in a lot of hard work but truly just go for it if creating music makes you happy. Some advice that I live by is, “put 110% effort into everything you do.” This is a quote I would hear every day from my dad growing up, and I will never forget it. It has really rung true within my music career, as I work incredibly hard on my songs.
Tell us where we can find you and your music!
Thank you so so much for having me! You can find my music on all streaming platforms under the name “Anika.” You can follow me on instagram @anika__nielsen and tik tok @anikanielsen11.
