Uncovered: An Original Music Showcase is excited to present to you ...

Anna Rowley
"The Flow"

I have always been a songwriter. It’s a process I find satisfying and cathartic. I love the challenge of blending words and sounds to evoke or capture a feeling of some sort. The obscurity of it is refreshing in this world where everything is explained. The magic happens when I trust in the flow and let the music come through, without too much interference from my logical brain.

Although I’ve been writing songs for years it is only recently that I have found the time and space where I feel comfortable sharing my songs with others. What was once a daunting prospect now feels like an opportunity I want to take. I am curious to see how my songs are received and if people find a connection with them.

I grew up in rural Canterbury on the edge of the plains in the shadow of the mighty southern alps. I have always found solace and inspiration in the natural world. There is always something interesting or beautiful to see if I stop to look for it. In the early 2000s I moved to Wanaka and found a rich seam of creativity in the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. I found myself enjoying writing lyrics about love and life using metaphors from natures cycles. I felt the energy of this water and landscape fulfilling and stimulating and knew I would be happy making my home in this part of NZ.

When it comes to songwriters, Paul Simon is my idol. There is something about his music that moves me and puts me in a great mood. His lyrics are subtle but full of meaning and his melodies are light but interesting. Other influences are the free and expressive vocal styles of Bono (U2), Florence (Florence and the machines) and Robert Plant (Led Zepplin). My kiwi hero is Tiny Ruins. I really enjoy their sound and style and would love to emulate the feel of their music. There are so many talented kiwi artists, but Crowded House and Dave Dobbyn are favourites of mine.

When choosing songs for this show I wanted to play songs that are have some real relevance and meaning for me. Many of my recent creations have been influenced by my attempts to understand the cynicism and vitriol that grew out of the pandemic response. There are also many references to the people around me bravely battling anxiety and depression, and the anguish of not being able to find a quick fix for those we love.

After much reflection I think the overall theme would be ‘The Flow’. The flow of life has brought me to this point and time where being immersed in ‘the flow’ of music creation and performance has enabled these songs to find their way out into the world.

Find Anna's music here.

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