2023 seems to be a year of concerts already! We’re getting the opportunity to witness the talent of our favourite artists up close and personal. And this isn’t just restricted to homegrown musicians and singers. Now that borders have opened around the world, international artists are also getting the chance to come to India and perform live for their fans. English singer Anne-Marie is one of them, and she is all set to perform at Vh1 Supersonic. Ever since I heard the news, her tracks Alarm and Rockabye have been on loop.
Entering the genre of pop can be super daunting for singers as it is already such a crowded space. However, Anne-Marie still broke out in this category with her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics. Ahead of her performance at Vh1 Supersonic in Pune, the breakthrough UK star sat down with ELLE for a free-wheeling chat. Read on.
ELLE: We all know you as Annie Marie, the english singer. Who is Annie Marie beyond music?
Anne-Marie (AM): It’s really the same person, which I think is really important for me to do because whatever I’m going for in my life, that’s what I write about, so I don’t think there’s any difference whatsoever. What you see is who I am.
View this post on Instagram
ELLE: How does it feel coming to India, and what do you look forward to the most?
AM: It is amazing to be here. Every time I’ve been asked where do you want to go in the world in interviews, the answer has always been India. It’s amazing to be here, and it’s amazing to know that people have supported me and my music so much. So thanks to the internet and social media, I have felt the love from all the way over in the UK. It feels great! Cant wait to do shows, explore the culture and food. I’m really excited to be here and already cannot wait to come back.
ELLE: Out of all the songs you’ve sung, which one do you connect to the most?
AM: Well, all of them but one that is on top of my mind is Perfect To Me which talks about loving each and every part of you, even the bits you don’t like and I think that is a really important thing for everyone to hear.
ELLE: When it comes to singing live, how do you prepare for the set and unwind right after?
AM: I like to do my own hair and makeup. That’s my time to chill because if I think about what is going to happen, it actually freaks me out, so I try not to think about that part and take it easy, maybe do a jigsaw puzzle. Then I have my band with me. My drummer and my keys player are two of my best friends, so he makes me feel comfortable. Then we get on stage and go crazy, have the best time ever, and after that we have a chat about it, discuss what was good and bad, and yeah, we have fun. Sometimes we go home and sleep if we’re too tired from the jet lag, but most of the time we try to push and try to explore the place we are in. For a long time I’ve been flying in and out of places without remembering where I’ve been, which just makes me sad because I really want to remember every detail, so after the show is here, we’ll try to stay awake and explore a bit more.
ELLE: What’s your secret to making the crowd feel connected to you while you perform?
AM: Well, I love to talk a lot! So, in between songs, I’ll be chatting with everyone to make sure everyone is alright. I want them to feel like they are in a safe space and are not being judged, because when I’m on stage, I feel like I’m home. I feel like no one is judging me or them. It’s just our time to let go of whatever that is happening in our lives and focus on right now and the moment.
ELLE: Your sense of style ranges from Barbiecore to pop-punk to grunge. Which aesthetic do you relate to the most?
AM: I think I definitely relate to the pop-punk side more. Since a younger age, I’ve been more into baggy clothes and T-shirts, but I love pink and I love glitter, sequins, and sparkly stuff, so there are moments when I need to wear that dress or that sparkly top.
View this post on Instagram
ELLE: What’s your advice to the listeners, especially women, on self-love?
It is a journey. If you feel really good one day and you don’t on the another it’s not like you’ve failed because the next day after that you are going to feel good. Even if you feel low, you’ll get out, and every day is a chance for you to start again. You can choose to be happy, have a fresh start, and be positive. You might have been through really negative stuff, or someone could have said something horrible, but it’s your choice to let that go and be happy.
View this post on Instagram
What are the three songs on your playlist that you are listening to?
AM: Well, I listen to myself a lot, especially when I’m writing new music. One of them is my new song that has just come out, Sad Bitch and I’m listening to Glimpse of Us by Joji, which is a beautiful song. Another artist called slowthai has a song called Feel Good, which is all about feeling good and so it makes you feel good.
ELLE: What are you working on next?
AM: The third album—that is exciting to me. I feel like after the pandemic and after everything we’ve been through is a whole world we’ve all been trapped, locked in and alone. I feel like this third album will be like exploding again. We’ve been let out and its time to just go crazy.
