Life and Work with Anna Dellaria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Dellaria.

Anna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I sing, it feels like the deepest exhale one can imagine. It’s been that way since I can remember, and when I realized I could put words to my voice and tell a story – the feeling only became greater. As a Bay Area Native, music was always around. My favorite part was that it was every kind of music you could think of. My friends and I would gush over classics like The Beatles & The Doors before trying to nail choreography along to Bay Area Icons Mac Dre and E-40. The fluidity of the music inspired me to try to write some of my own. I started teaching myself piano in middle school and melding words and melody together before diving into some open mic performances in highschool. Eventually, I learned of USC’s Popular Music Program in Los Angeles and figured it was my best shot at getting to LA, while also maintaining my parents support of a “college plan”. At USC, I founded a band that tried to wildly fuse together these contrasting inspirations with long multi-genre songs that started to feel a bit chaotic and confused. In order to try to strip the songs back, I began playing around with Ableton and Protools, which opened the doors to discovering a more pop-infused sound for my songs. I released my debut single as a solo artist, and soon after began performing heavily around Los Angeles.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not, haha. I find myself redefining the struggle or journey of pursuing a career in music every month. When I was just starting to release music, I would’ve said a large challenge is to get your music heard, build a fan base and grow. That challenge still remains, but I think the more important focuses are creating music and art that is engaging and authentic to oneself. That struggle and part of the journey will always evolve and be present. I suppose I’ve just become a bit more existential with the struggles that I identify with now, haha.

The biggest piece of advice I’d share with fellow young women pursuing a career in the world of entertainment is to find your “why”, write it down, and read it out loud every day; Your reason for pursuing and working so hard at it. Women are forced to prove themselves tenfold before our ideas and work are heard or acknowledged. Often times that can start to dim the light that ignited this passion and pursuit in the first place. Don’t allow the weight of unfair stereotypes, standards and expectations to compromise your “why” – no matter how many people will question it.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and performer originally from The Bay Area, and now based in Los Angeles. I primarily write, record and perform music for my artist project in hopes that it connects with listeners and somehow moves or empowers them. I’m most proud of the sincerity in my music. Although it may evolve and change, I’m learning to get comfortable with putting my best work forward even though the standard for that may evolve and grow in the future. It’s not worth waiting to share it.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Good question! Honestly, I think just going to as many events and/or social gatherings as you can (without burning yourself out!) is a great way to find a team or community of people that are down to grow with you. I personally have been trying to push myself to go to events that I normally would be very anxious or uncomfortable going to but have ended up being so rewarding in terms of meeting people that are really kind and passionate about their work too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annadellariamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annadellariamusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/annadellaria
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKi521q1VX5krTNW2cnxSw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credit:
Max Baker Photography

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