Anoush is a Boise-based classically trained pianist, lyricist, recording artist and producer, who’s quietly been working on her unique brand of pop music for several years. This year, she’s finally been sharing her artistic output with the world through a series of releases, started with her debut single, “Cherry on Top.” This track, along with her recent single releases, unveiled her ability to craft infectious pop songs with wide appeal and in just a few short months, she’d clocked over 100,000 listeners on Spotify.
However, with her debut album, ONE, Anoush reveals the full scope of her compelling sonic vision. She presents new and unconventional song structures and perspectives that are uniquely her own. Her lyrics evoke strong and varied reactions from her audience and her musical choices demonstrate a bold and distinctive approach.
The twelve-track record opens with “Lighthouse,” a track that sets the album’s tone with bright, cascading piano rolls and stormy weather samples. Anoush’s graceful vocals glide over the arrangement, weaving whimsical melodies into a smoldering pop sound with subtle honky-tonk undertones. “California Daze” offers a smooth and grooving reggae-inspired vibe, driven by a bouncy rhythm, catchy vocal leads and a colourful arrangement of staccato brass instrumentation. Anoush’s dreamy and rhythmic delivery creates an immersive and memorable sound that’s impossible not to love.
Anoush’s debut single, “Cherry on Top,” delivers a laid-back, hazy reggae style cut, driven by the skank of guitar chords and velvety vocals, immersing the listener in a captivating sonic landscape. Among the album’s highlights is “Cantina,” a slick Latin-flavoured alternative pop cut propelled by a punchy beat, elegant vocal lines and pulsing bass energy. It’s a vibrant and infectious composition that demonstrates her range and versatility as an artist.
The album closes with a bonus track, the acoustic version of “Do I Dare.” Here, Anoush’s mesmerising vocals delicately hover above an atmospheric piano arrangement, offering a dazzling ballad to gently guide the listener back down from the captivating musical journey.
Throughout the album, Anoush explores themes of personal and societal challenges, love, faith and transformation. Her lyrics carry profound messages, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of life.
We caught up with Anoush to find out more about her musical journey so far, her debut album ONE and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Anoush below.
Hey Anoush, howās things?
Things are going well. It feels good to finally release music into the world.
Whatās your earliest memory of making music?
I remember tinkering around on the piano as a toddler and banging hard on the low keys to create a loud rumble that filled the house. It still amazes me how soundāsomething untouchableācan overtake a room with such commanding power and change the whole vibe.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
My roots are in classical music and Chopin is my all time favorite. The first band I really got into was The Doors. Iāve actually visited both Jim Morrison and Chopin in their final resting places at the beautiful Pere Lachaise in Paris. It is a little strange that these two artists in particular were buried steps away from each other, but life is strange (and apparently so is death).
As you can tell from those two examples, my musical taste is diverse. Iām also a big fan of Lana Del Rey, Queen, and Amy Winehouse.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Inspiration flows with the rain for me. I get very excited when it rains. Usually when Iām relaxed and peaceful, Iām more open to receiving. Spending time in nature, with my family, and working in the garden gets me in the right mindset.
What do you love about your local music scene?
My favourite thing about my local music scene is the potential š
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Wherever they feel comfortable. My favourite place to listen to a new album is at night in bed, cozy with the lights off and headphones on.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
When music first started coming to me, I wrote folk and country that was meant to be played on an acoustic guitar, but I donāt play the guitar, so I had to create a similar vibe on the piano. I realized piano alone wasnāt enough to create the sound I wanted and my songs needed something extra, but I couldnāt afford a producer, so I learned to produce. The more I learned and played, the more my music changed, and somehow my acoustic folk / country style morphed into the experimental fusion Iām doing now. It worked out perfectly though, because this is the music my lyrics needed.
I still have some beautiful folk songs in my back pocket, so maybe one day Iāll make it happen.
How did you find making your debut album āONEā?
Making my debut album was an extremely therapeutic experience; even the challenges turned out to be blessings.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
If people enjoy it, thatās good enough for me.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
One of the cool things about entering the indie music scene is being introduced to the work of other indie musicians who are really talented. Lately Iāve been listening to Majo DāSouza, Niina Soleil, and Wuzy Bambussy.
Whatās the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I hope it inspires someone to create. There is so much destruction in this world, the only way to keep things balanced is for creators to keep creating. Creation is the solution.
Whatās been your favourite live performance so far?
Iāve been to a lot of great concerts, but my favorite live performance was at a karaoke bar with my best friend from high school. She was pretty reserved for the most part, but when on stage, another side comes out that surprised me that first time I saw it. She was so young at the time and worked the audience like a superstar. The song she performed was āMan I Feel Like A Womanā by Shania Twain and it couldnāt have been more perfect. Everyone was in shock; especially me, because I didnāt know she had it in her. It made me wonder who else in the room might be holding back a hidden talent.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
Well Iām thinking about Shania now, so Iāll go with Shania, Lana Del Rey, and Yebba at the Stock Yards in Fort Worth, Texas.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Follow your intuition instead of anyoneās footsteps. We each have our own path. If you want to pursue a career in music, I would say you need a thick skin and a good understanding of both business and music, be brave and relentless, and make the music in your heart.
Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?
Iām working on another album, so that should keep me busy for the rest of the year.
Listen to ONE below
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