Interview: Anna Talpe
Photography by Lauren Desberg
Anna Talpe is a French-American singer-songwriter living in Minneapolis. Her lyrics draw from nature and blend with intricate melodies to offer a fresh and poetic sound infused with jazz, folk, indie, and alternative music.
What inspires your music?
My music is in constant motion and always evolving, but I would say it is always deeply affected by the nature around me. My senses are always on high alert and always ready to grasp on to something for ideas. Whether it’s basing a song on the feelings that arise whenever I smell freshly cut grass, using the melody and cadence of a chanting bird bird, or creating a lyrical theme around the lessons trees can offer about interconnectedness or resilience… all the inspiration I ever need is around me.
Who are some of your influences?
Bjork, James Taylor, Sigur Ros, The Staves, Gretchen Parlato, Aoife O’Donovan, Jacob Collier, Becca Stevens
Photography by Lauren Desberg
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
The songwriting process has always had the biggest impact on me - much more than performing or even releasing anything. Having a piece come together after days or weeks of slow simmer is the most rewarding feeling.
Which of your projects do you love the most?
The most special music I ever created has actually never been heard - it was made during a different life era and is kept safe on a hard drive.
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create your favorite works?
Asher Kurtz is incredible all around. He is an amazing guitarist and producer, is always ready to explore new sounds and treats collaborating as sacredly as I do. He is also a dear friend! (@Asherkurtz_music)
Linton Smith is a very creative soul who helped me come out of my shell and get back into music making. I feel deeply indebted to his trust in my musical abilities! (@smithlinton) Dex Wolfe is an amazing producer and is one of the most intuitive musicians I’ve ever worked with! He knows when to take risks, what direction a track needs to go in, when to keep it simple and when to keep exploring. I loved working with him! (@yesterato_wolfe)
Alvaro Benavides is such a sensitive composer and is truly a poet. He feels things so deeply and is amazing at capturing deeply resonant stories and translating them into music. It was an honor collaborating with him! (@abalvinbenavides)
Photography by Lauren Desberg
Photography by Lauren Desberg
What are you most excited to bring to your fans next?
My next single will be coming out soon (surprise drop!) and my EP will be released July 17th :)
What are your goals for this upcoming year?
Releasing my first EP is so exciting for me and marks the end and the beginning of many things: the end of a healing process, the end of meaningful relationships, a new chapter, and a reunification of self.
How can your fans and our readers best support you right now?
Taking the time to check out the new releases I'll be sharing soon would mean the world to me!