anna shoemaker

If Anna Shoemaker isn’t already on your radar, it’s time to change that. We caught up with the rising songstress to talk about her latest single, creative process, and more!

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by SOPHIE HUR

Tell us about your newest song ‘Silver Cowboy Boots’ – what’s the story behind the track?

‘Silver Cowboy Boots’ is about learning to take care of yourself after a break up, in my case that meant buying shoes!

Any memorable moments while writing/recording that you can share with us?

Anytime I’m in the studio with Will (the producer and feature artist on this track) we just have so much fun making music and doing whatever. I think because I’m so comfortable with him, I’m able to be super vulnerable; I don’t know if I would’ve felt cool saying “let’s write a song about shoes” to anyone else!

What inspired the concept for the music video?

I’d been wanting to work with the director, Eva Evans, for a couple of months. When I called her and told her about ‘Silver Cowboy Boots’, we immediately connected over this idea of just letting reality fade away- just me and my boots in a motel, forgetting about the world around us. Because it is a breakup song, I think there was a lot of potential for it to be focused on the loss of a relationship but we wanted it to be more liberating and focused on the importance of loving yourself.

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process is all over the place. I mostly really try to work from a place of stream of consciousness-- whatever is on my mind, I just write down and try to set a scene. I’m also really inspired by melody, so I’ll start to sing gibberish words over a guitar part or a beat and see if anything comes of it.

What should fans be expecting music-wise in the new year?

A LOT of new music! Also, some collaborations with friends!

When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by?

Halsey and Lorde!

When you think of your ultimate career goals, what comes to mind?

Touring, touring, TOURING!

What’s the biggest lesson you learned this year?

Talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend or your sister.

With a growing social following, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention?

I always try to respond on Instagram DM! Come say hi!

Any special message for fans?

I really love my fans. The people who have reached out on Instagram saying my music has meant something to them know that they’re my family now. A lot of times, they’ll tell me, “this helped me through something,” and that’s insane to me because writing music is what helps me. It’s just a reminder that none of us are alone.