Anna Shinholster shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Anna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Songwriting makes me both lose track of time and find myself. Whenever I am feeling down or am experiencing an emotion I can’t explain, I grab my guitar. I take the emotions I’m feeling and find chords that resonate with them. Once I have a progression, I know what I want to say in the song and I figure out how to word it. For me, songwriting is both a passion and a medicine. If I am really enraptured by what I am working on, I’ll forget how long I’ve been working on it. I’ve had 7-hour recording sessions feel like 2 hours. I always find enjoyment in songwriting, whether it’s serving as a form of therapy or as a fun, creative outlet.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Anna Shinholster and I am a singer-songwriter from Woodstock, GA. I have been singing since kindergarten and performing since I was 12. I have been writing songs for about ten years and have performed professionally for about five years. I perform regularly on my own, singing and playing acoustic guitar. I also play with bands and perform in songwriters festivals, such as the 30A Songwriters Festival, Cohutta Songwriters Festival, and the Wire and Wood Festival. The genre of my original music is normally around indie/folk/pop. I play a range of covers, from Fleetwood Mac to Blondie to Radiohead, to more modern covers. I enjoy playing all kinds of shows- gigs at bars, restuarants and wineries as well as more intimate songwriter-oriented shows and ticeted events. Music is a universal language that I aim to speak in a way that resonates with all of my listeners. I tend to write based off of personal emotions and experiences, and it is my hope that my songs and stories can have personal meanings for whoever hears them.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents have definitely taught me the most about work. Neither of them are in the music industry, but they both work in the gig economy. My dad has helped teach me with standard business relations such as marketing myself and sending professional emails to venues. My mom is a graphic designer and has also helped me learn how to market myself and post on social media. Both of my parents understand the idea of the gig economy- it is essential to put in your 10,000 hours in your craft. If you really want something, you have to work for it. While my parents have always been there to support me and continue to do so, they have encouraged me to steer my own ship and be my own boss, manager, promoter and performer.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I tell her that I’m proud of her for performing, even though it scares her. When I first started performing, I had massive stage fright- even though I knew it was something that I really wanted to do. I loved to write songs, and I liked the idea of other people being able to hear them. Every song I write has a personal meaning for me, and it’s my hope that my songs can resonate with listeners, each in their own way. With the help of my parents’ encouragement and my innate desire to perform, I pushed myself to be on stage. I’m forever grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone- otherwise I may have never fully pursued my passion for being a performing artist.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
It’s common to believe that in order to make it in the music industry, you have to have a large team around you and be signed to a label in order to be successful. It is only becoming more accessible these days to be able to run your own business as an artist. You don’t need to have access to massive recording studios to be able to create quality product. If you want to record and release music, there’s plenty of software available to be able to record yourself. Learn your way around a DAW. Connect with your friends and the talented people in your sphere and work together. If you want to perform at a venue, ask. Send emails, perform constantly, get your name out, and network. It’s a lot of work to market yourself, book yourself, and record your own music, but it’s very possible to hold your own in the music industry if you’re willing to put in the work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I could definitely give my best, even if no one praised me for it. I value all of the gigs and shows I play equally, no matter where they are or what the tone is. I know that at some places I play, like a restaurant or a bar, my primary service is going to be providing background music. I don’t expect tables and crowds to clap after every song. I just want to cater to their experience and create an enjoyable atmosphere while they talk and eat. I have a large list of covers that I like to pick and choose from based on the mood of the crowd. At ticketed shows and more intimate songwriters events, I have more of an opportunity to talk to the crowd and share more of my personal catalog. I love all shows I play equally, and I aim to give my best performance at everyone. Every venue I play deserves the same quality product.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annashinholster.com
- Instagram: https://tr.ee/2S8-MUfz7f
- Facebook: https://tr.ee/36Si_KGh1F
- Youtube: https://tr.ee/b3EG6C_8tQ
Image Credits
Shiela Shinholster, Andrew Pollock
