Australian symphonic metal band ANA are ready to introduce their musical prowess to the global stage with the upcoming release of their EP “The Art of Letting Go” on March 29, 2024. ANA has already provided a glimpse into the upcoming EP by releasing “Moth” as a single, complemented by a music video that highlights their skill and the exceptional vocals of Anna Khristenko. We had the opportunity to chat with Anna and Josh (guitars), delving into their musical background and asking about their upcoming release.
Reuel
Hello! I’m thrilled to be chatting with both of you. How has 2024 treated you so far?
Anna
Very well, we started off the year with the release of our single, Moth – the first song in our upcoming EP. It was followed shortly after by the release of the Moth music video and the response has been exceptional! We are so grateful for the love and support from everyone.
Reuel
Great! You will be releasing your debut EP, “The Art of Letting Go”, in March. How excited are you as the day of the release approaches?
Anna
I can’t wait to release it, we’ve been working on the EP for a long time, but the songs on there have been a work in progress for an even longer time. I can’t wait to share it with the world.
Reuel
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard any of your songs before?
Anna
It’s very melodic, sometimes somber but always filled with passion. Yet the songs always have a lot of groove and feel, something people can dance to.
Reuel
That’s a nice description. What bands and musicians have you grown up listening to and would say have had the biggest influence on you, Anna?
Anna
When I was growing up, I listened to a lot of Evanescence, classic divas like Celine Dion, and a lot of Russian pop stars like Loboda. My biggest influence is Lara Fabian, I really love her songs. Although some of her songs are in French, her passion and feel break through the language barrier and connected with me – and she is still as amazing as she was 15 years ago. Lana Del Rey and Adele have also influenced me in recent times.
Reuel
What about you, Josh?
Josh
I’ve listened to Dream Theater since 1998 and they have had a really big influence on me – from the song-writing to the concepts, to the musicianship, but never forgetting the importance of groove and feel.
Reuel
Let’s play a little imagination game to get our readers to know you from a different perspective, I will ask you to pick one song for certain scenarios. Anna, in a universe where you are the queen of a country, what would be the first law you’d make?
Anna
A law that ensures better care and access for handicapable people to buildings, and on transport, and ensures they receive the care they require.
Reuel
Brilliant law. In a universe where humans can choose either to be able to teleport from one place to another or travel back and forth in time, which superpower would you pick?
Josh
Teleportation, because there’s many things I need to do on a daily basis, and the time taken to travel between them holds me back.
Anna
Time-travel. It would be amazing to go back in time and meet people who have passed away. Maybe even give myself the winning lottery numbers.
Reuel
In a universe where money does not exist, but instead, people pay for things by making others laugh, how rich would you be considered?
Josh
Either Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, depending on when you check the stock market.
Anna
A pretty comfortable millionaire.
Reuel
In a universe where the senses of taste and hearing are mixed up together, what food would you imagine your music would taste like?
Josh
A fermented Thai sausage with nam prig (Thai chilli sauce) and glutinous rice – because in a single bite, it will set off every single flavor profile and ignite all your senses.
Anna
It would be something sweet yet savoury. A pan-seared duck breast, medium-rare, of course… crispy skin, served with a red wine plum sauce. It’s sophisticated yet a comfort food.
Reuel
Thank you for participating in this imagination game! I hope you enjoyed this! We live in an era where social media has become essential for musicians to reach fans and promote their music. In your opinion, what are the cons and pros of social media having all that power in the music industry?
Anna
I believe a pro is that everyone has the opportunity to make something of themselves, and that we are now able to reach far more people than we were ever able to. A con, unfortunately, is that there are less people nowadays who actively listen to music, partially due to social media. That’s why we are trying to bring active listening back, because good music is worthy of our full devotion.
Reuel
Have you ever faced any kind of sexism in your professional or personal life? How would you deal with sexist behaviour and what advice would you give young people around the world who face any kind of discrimination?
Anna
Of course, I have – growing up in Russia, women are treated as almost second-class citizens there. From a young age, I was always told and shown that my greatest potential was to only ever be a mother, even by other women. However, I refused to accept that reality, so I forged my own path by believing in my own ability. It’s important to acknowledge that sexism exists, but my advice to young people is to focus on being the best version of yourself, work extremely hard and don’t let the past or the naysayers hold you back – and don’t forget to love and value yourself. By becoming a better version of yourself, you can change the world around you.
Reuel
Wow, thank you for sharing your experience and for those powerful words and thank you for giving us this interview. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Anna
Life is too short to try to fit into the expectations of others. Pursue your dreams but make sure to find happiness in the journey. The best way to start is by adding Moth to your playlists and watching the music video! [cheeky laughter]
