Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Vee.
Ana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a singer-songwriter who is born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. I now split my time between Hawaii and LA. I have always had a passion for music, and although I come from a musical family, on my mother’s side, I didn’t actually get into music until I was an adult. I was extremely shy as a kid and having a talent in basketball which is from my father’s side of the family, I stuck to that. I grew up comfortable with being the athlete of the family which would later get me a basketball scholarship to Cal State Northridge. When I finished my four years at CSUN, I went home to Hawaii and fell into radio. Radio was my first step in entertainment and stepping out of my comfort zone. The athlete in me wanted to continue to push myself and explore other things that I always admired, but was too afraid to try.
That being said, I would make my move back to LA and fell into acting. From acting, I met other musicians and eventually it would all come full circle. I got into music and realized I really enjoy songwriting and I was able to find my voice. In 2018, I released my first single “One time”. My first two singles I worked with producers from LA. My third single ” HAWAII” was released in May 2019. It was something I wanted to do to show my appreciation and love for the place I call home. Produced by my friend Leslie Ludiazo and written by me, that song took off. It topped radio countdowns back home, and I landed my first film placement on CBS Magnum PI. It charted #1 on Shazam for all of Hawaii. It also received recognition from JANET JACKSON the Icon herself. She loved my single so much that I actually got the opportunity to perform with her. She invited me to duet my song on her 30th anniversary tour of Rhythm nation in Hawaii. I am currently working on an EP and continue to write with and for other artist and producers as well as for my own projects.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been beautiful so far, but not always smooth. I have been doing music since 2018 in the sense of actually releasing it, but I had been preparing for years before that. I think like most artist, you struggle with being uncomfortable with putting yourself out there. You can get in your own way or get in your head to the point where you talk yourself out of releasing anything. That is one of my struggles. I grew up being a shy kid, and being in the spotlight was new and uncomfortable for me. I always felt like I couldn’t do music or I couldn’t sing, and I said that all without even trying. As an adult, I didn’t want to look back and think what if. I’m happy that wasn’t the case or else I would have never shared the stage with a legend!!! (Janet Jackson) I am excited to see where else this road will take me, and right now I am just trying to be better every day and enjoy the journey.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a singer-songwriter and I am of Polynesian descent (Hawaiian & Samoan) I feel like this gift of writing and the ability to story tell is from God and also my ancestors. I feel like it is in my blood and was passed down from the ones before me. That is what I am most proud of and I think what sets me apart is knowing where I come from and who I represent. I consider myself a storyteller of this generation and that is my true passion, but being able to use my voice to share that story is a blessing. It has given me some amazing opportunities.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Los Angeles is a great place to be for music and the arts in general. There are many people who come here to pursue their dreams, and it is inspiring to be around the creative hustle. I continue to grow and learn more and more each day. We all have a story, and we all can learn from each other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anavee.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/loveanavee
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveanavee
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/anavee
Image Credit:
Solaiman Fazel, Taylor Stoffers, Namahana Lota, Logan Sato
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