Anna Straker’s previous track ‘Sweat’ put the multi-faceted artist, vocalist, songwriter and producer back on the radar. Its future-facing electro-tinged alt-pop earned fresh praise from Clash, while also earning Radio 1 airplay from Best New Pop. The accompanying video underlined her potential as an icon-in-the making, with her magnetic charisma complemented by a distinctive image that’s entirely her own.
Anna now follows ‘Sweat’ with the brand new single ‘London Knows’, which introduces a completely different angle to what we’ve heard from her before. Anna’s beautifully tender vocal is unguarded, while the production feels like a warm embrace from a friend: multi-layered harmonies, melancholy piano and unassuming synths adding to its calming aura.
Ultimately it’s an immensely personal song that finds strength from vulnerability, further captured in the video that accompanies its release. Anna hopes it can heal others, just as writing the song helped her. Music can be both a safe space and a way in which to instigate conversations about painful topics.
She commented:
“Last year, I was a victim of a sexual assault whilst on holiday in Bangkok. What started as a fun night out ended up with me being lost for hours, drugged with something so strong that I forgot my own name. It was the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me and I was traumatised.
Coming back home I felt so different, London felt unfamiliar, and doing the things I normally did every weekend was suddenly triggering for me. I wrote this song about healing, and the uncertainty of recovery. Knowing I was going to feel better one day but not knowing when, and hoping that London will eventually feel like home again.
During this pandemic, we have all felt these same feelings of uncertainty, hoping for the world to heal and return to normal again. I hope you listen to this song and remember that whatever the world throws at you, you can be whole again, you can recover, and you can heal.”
‘London Knows’ is the first song that Anna has released under a new deal with Never Fade Records. Expect more new music to follow soon.
Stream London Knows here https://anna-straker.lnk.to/LondonKnows
Anna Straker was born in London and raised in Lincolnshire, yet she was always destined to return to the capital. She was first discovered in her early teens, when producer Mike Spencer (Emeli Sandé, Years & Years) chanced upon a cover she had posted on YouTube. He recruited her as a backing vocalist on various projects he was working on, most notably with Rudimental.
By the time she was 17, Anna was back in London, working on music, hitting the clubs and using her job as a cleaner at a doctor’s surgery as an impromptu party spot. Her debut EP ‘Serious’ resulted in early attention from Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Pigeons and Planes, Nylon, Metro, Wonderland and Hunger, plus sets at Glastonbury and The Great Escape.
Anna Straker defies simple preconceptions with a single-minded rush of electronica-inspired escapism and a sucker-punching pop streak. “I love fashion, and mixing that with the stereotypically ‘masculine’ thing of being a producer,” she says. “I want to wear pink eyeliner, produce a record, be a feminist,and sing a pop song, and be a dance artist.”
https://www.facebook.com/strakeranna/
https://twitter.com/Anna_Straker
https://www.instagram.com/strak3rgram/
image sources
- Ella-Rosa’s-New-Single-FUN: Artwork by Hannah DeVries
- Amelie Lens: Photo Credit: Sam Neill
About the author
Rising star JP Saxe unveils stunning new track ‘A Little Bit Yours’
Critically acclaimed and rising singer-songwriter and musician JP Saxe releases a profound and emotionally stirring new track “A Little Bit Yours” via Arista Records. Listen Here. The song is accompanied by a visualizer, with an official video released September 10th. The track was co-written with and produced by Ryan Marrone and Benjamin Rice. The song arrives on the heels of JP’s VMAs debut alongside Julia Michaels in partnership with Extra Gum. The stripped-back performance, which Vulture praised as “gorgeous,” was dedicated to frontline workers and everyday heroes at home. Watch HERE. Beloved by the artist community, global superstar Demi Lovato publicly praised JP for the performance, in addition to other artist call-outs on JP’s songwriting from Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Alessia Cara, Sam Smith, Gwen Stefani, Lewis Capaldi and more. Yesterday, JP landed the #1 position on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart. Of the song, JP says: “The song is the feeling right before the end of […]
Anna Straker Shares the Emotional Video For New Single London Knows
Anna Straker’s previous track ‘Sweat’ put the multi-faceted artist, vocalist, songwriter and producer back on the radar. Its future-facing electro-tinged alt-pop earned fresh praise from Clash, while also earning Radio 1 airplay from Best New Pop. The accompanying video underlined her potential as an icon-in-the making, with her magnetic charisma complemented by a distinctive image that’s entirely her own. Anna now follows ‘Sweat’ with the brand new single ‘London Knows’, which introduces a completely different angle to what we’ve heard from her before. Anna’s beautifully tender vocal is unguarded, while the production feels like a warm embrace from a friend: multi-layered harmonies, melancholy piano and unassuming synths adding to its calming aura. Ultimately it’s an immensely personal song that finds strength from vulnerability, further captured in the video that accompanies its release. Anna hopes it can heal others, just as […]
Related
Kat Velasco Shares Fiery New Single “Burning Man”
Nashville-based Western pop artist Kat Velasco has released her powerful new single, “Burning Man,” a song that digs deep into themes of transformation, personal growth, and resilience. Inspired by the famed festival of the same name, Velasco’s latest track is a bold artistic evolution, fusing raw emotional energy with her signature mix of country and pop. “Burning Man” is now available on all streaming platforms. Produced in Nashville by Danny Zee and Cooper Galyon at Broken Door Studios, the song is as much a personal reflection as it is an anthem for anyone who has faced hardship and emerged stronger. The track is built around the metaphor of “burning” one’s past self to make way for new growth—a theme echoed in the radical self-expression of the Burning Man festival. Velasco opens up about the personal struggles and triumphs that inspired […]
Ian Abel Band’s “Stay Here” Explores Heartache and Hope
Ian Abel Band, led by internationally recognized guitarist Ian Abel, is making waves again with their newest single, "Stay Here," a bilingual Southern rock track that seamlessly weaves English and Portuguese lyrics. With a unique blend of classic rock’s raw power and Americana’s soulful storytelling, "Stay Here" captures the bittersweet emotions of love and loss. Inspired by Abel’s short but meaningful romance with a Brazilian woman, the song speaks to the longing that comes from separation. The heartfelt line, “Coitadinho de mim, afogando a saudade,” which translates to "poor me, I'm drowning in the sorrow of missing you," encapsulates the song's emotional core. This poignant reflection is matched by the song’s samba-infused melodies, giving "Stay Here" a cross-cultural flavor that sets it apart in the rock genre. Reflecting on the song’s origins, Abel shares, "It started out with a short […]
Olivia Reid Shares Intimate New Single “Love Don’t Leave”
New York-based indie-folk artist Olivia Reid is back with her latest single titled “Love Don’t Leave.” The track is a heartfelt love letter that conveys a simple and reassuring message that she will always be there to support her loved one through thick and thin. Featuring warm acoustic guitar strumming and crooning soft vocals, the song creates an intimate environment that is perfect for all your sweet and calming playlists. Olivia Reid drew inspiration for this single from her travels while visiting a small village in the Polish countryside. After completing the song, Olivia Reid played it for the local neighbors around a campfire. Despite the language barrier, the song resonated with the people who expressed how much they enjoyed listening to her song. “This song is a love letter to love. Thinking about my person - I was realizing […]
Pete Birch’s Heartfelt Debut Single Door 10 Captures the Essence of Indie Dream Pop
As you listen, you'll find yourself wrapped in layers of emotion that reflect Birch's personal journey and the bittersweet moments of life. His unique blend of nostalgia and modern sound will resonate with your heart, making this track a must-listen for any music lover. So, sit back and let "Door 10" transport you to a dreamlike state, where beauty and melancholy coexist harmoniously. Transition from NYC to Massachusetts On his journey, Pete Birch made a significant transition from the vibrant music scene of New York City to a quieter, more reflective life in Massachusetts. This move allowed him to focus on his family and personal growth while embracing a new chapter as a Park Ranger. You might find this shift relatable, as it reflects the balance between pursuing passions and finding inner peace, a theme evident in his music. Impact […]
Myriad’s Veil unveils debut single The Darkness
Myriad’s Veil is a musical project formed by Temple Fang guitarist Ivy van der Veer and singer-songwriter Ismena. With their musical journey starting in marriage, they found a way to balance and unite their own separate styles to create something new. The result is a debut album which mixes Folk with Psychedelic elements This Psychedelic Folk project combines their individual styles into a refreshing sound that blends the realms of Folk and Psychedelic elements. Get ready to explore the depths of their artistry as they lead you through themes of love, happiness, and the complexities of estrangement in their upcoming album, “Pendant.” Background on the artists On a journey that began with their marriage, you'll find that the artists behind Myriad's Veil have seamlessly woven their distinct musical styles into a cohesive tapestry. Their collaborative spirit shines through in their […]
Photo Credit: Niclas Brunzell
Timeless Trio VELVET MOON Unveils ‘A Love Song’
With 15 million streams and a loyal fan base, this Stockholm trio is known for blending personal experiences with broader themes in their lyrics. Led by the talented Sandra Bjurman, their sound incorporates influences from legendary artists like Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell, inviting you into a vibrant musical journey that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Overview of 'A Love Song' Release Release of 'A Love Song' marks another exciting chapter for VELVET MOON as they unveil their latest single in 2024. Following their previous captivating hits, this track premiered on Metal Magazine and continues to build anticipation for their upcoming album in 2025. As part of their evolving musical identity, 'A Love Song' encapsulates the energetic yet melancholic essence of 80s dance music, inviting you to feel the vibrant emotions woven throughout the song. The song was crafted […]
