For our readers, please tell us about your musical background?

I was a brilliant pianist as a kid and went to a musical school. After tons of contests and concerts, all teachers and professors promised me the shiniest future in classical music – until I dropped out. Best decision ever, by that time (I was ~10 y.o.) I hated piano SO much that I never touched it until turned 15. However, I suddenly felt like getting back to music, but only to write down melodies that popped up in my head. So years and years I’ve practiced enough to release music professionally.

Who or what are your musical influences?

Adele, Billie Eilish (obviously), Trentemøller, Caravan Palace, Green Day, Melanie Martinez mostly.

And what made you want to pursue music as a career?

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting feedback on something you create. I genuinely love attention and performances, and I’d be miserable if I never tried working on what makes me happy.

Tell us about your music catalog to date.

I started with Genshin Impact-inspired songs when created this project in May 2023. Then I moved on to writing about myself, and my own experience, and decided I’d release anything that crossed my mind. One of my favorite releases is the “Idea 22” Remix with Gibran Alcocer, a truly calming piece.

You released your new single ‘Bread’ – tell us about the tune?

It was inspired by Paris where I’ve had the best baguette with butter known to mankind. So I just wanted to write something easy, light, and with French references. I wrote the instrumental first and just thought – what’s the dumbest thing this song could possibly be about? Well, you see the rest.

For viewers who don’t know you, Anya Nami, how would you describe your sound?

I’d say my music is really melodious since I write everything on the piano. Every song has an idea and I’m making it sound like a full experience of a certain feeling – and there will be as many songs as emotions to describe.

What’s the music scene like where you live?

Turkish pop scene isn’t much for me, but there are some tunes I like – usually the most popular ones. Most of my friends listen to techno house or classical music, and so do I.

And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren’t writing or recording in the studio?

I’m currently in university so it takes most of my free time, actually. I study politics, fun thing. Hope to get my bachelor’s degree this year.

Finally, what’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?

I had my first real relationship at 18 with my friend’s dad, who was 47. Maybe I’ll tell you about it later, but for now, it’s still too tragic and comedic for me.

By Danielle Holian