Next Wave: Anna Field
Written By: Sammy Approved | @opn.5ea
This month’s next wave artist is doing things her own way and inspiring other little Black girls to be encouraged to sing across genres. Anna Field is an ethereal artist with an unforgettable voice, making waves with the ambition and vulnerability she expresses in her music. Read more about her influences, how she takes pride in her sound and her journey, and her commitment to authentic and bold expression.
Field describes her sound as “experimental,” blending dance, jazz, pop, and folk with an emphasis on storytelling and affirmation.
“I just try to stay true to myself,” she says.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Feist, Marvin Gaye, Donna Summer, Daft Punk, and Radiohead, Field finds empowerment in pushing musical boundaries and rejecting conventional song structures.
Growing up as a self-described “daughter of the internet,” Anna used social media to make connections, starting out by singing background vocals for local Atlanta artists. Her father
played a pivotal role, encouraging her to get vocal coaching and perform at open mic nights.
“My dad pushed me to go out and get a vocal coach and start doing open mic nights, which
I used as artist development,” Field reflects on her early experiences. “I did some acting and commercial modeling to get comfortable in front of cameras. And I feel like that was my college.”
Since then, she’s embraced artistic growth by taking advice, working with diverse writers, and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. Her latest project is appropriately titled, Medicine, as her voice literally soothes the soul.
Anna’s artistic journey hasn’t been easy, but she has found it quite rewarding. Field recounts attending the Grammys in 2019 after participating in a music competition sponsored by Lincoln, a moment that validated her dreams of performing on big stages.
“It’s possible to make money off of what you love, and it’s possible to thrive in it,” she says.
October’s theme is “pride.” This can be defined as consciousness of one's own dignity or to be especially proud of a particular quality or skill. Anna has been able to take pride in her art while building community through her authenticity to the craft and herself.
As a Black queer alternative artist, Anna is also challenging stereotypes and bending genres. She continues to explore a sound that is seemingly unconventional for Black artists.
“For a long time, people assumed I was an R&B singer when I told them I’m an artist,” she explains.
Now, she’s carving out space in genres where she’s not the norm, offering representation for future generations. Anna is committed to bold, authentic expression with captivating visuals to accompany her one-of-a-kind voice.
“There’s freedom in doing whatever I want whenever I want to do it,” she says, excited for the collaborations and creative freedom the future holds.
For artists looking to forge their own path, Anna’s advice is simple: “Take chances, invest in yourself, and don’t overthink it.”