Meet Anya Dessalines | Singer and Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anya Dessalines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anya, why did you pursue a creative career?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up singing and was always involved in music in some way. Like any little girl, I had hopes and dreams of being a star, but when I got older, I discovered all the amazing things music had to offer. For years, I would try to find ways to make my own music and put myself out there as an artist, but it wasn’t until I signed up for an open mic at the age of 16 that I truly decided to pursue an artistic career. Once I performed for the first time as an independent artist instead of someone who just loved to sing, I knew this was what I wanted to do as a career. The audience’s reaction inspired me the most. Hearing that people loved my sound and wanted to hear more was my biggest encouragement and made me realize that I had what it took to be a successful artist.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am a singer/songwriter and have been making my own music for about three years and singing and covering music for about six years. The music I create isn’t your typical R&B music; the music I write is intended to inspire and motivate people. One of my favorite things to write about is life and how I am overcoming everything it has to offer. Whether that be love, heartbreak, or just figuring myself out in this world. My goal is to reach an audience who uses music to heal and impact their lives significantly with my music. There aren’t many artists who are still making music that reminds them of old, authentic R&B, so that alone is what sets me apart from others. Going through these experiences and writing about them wasn’t always easy for me. I like to internalize a lot of things and don’t tend to write them down. Once I discovered that stories could be told through music, I decided to channel that and put it in a song with the hopes that I could help someone get through a similar situation. As I continue to make music, I have learned that the best thing to do is to be authentically you. People are drawn to authenticity and things that are relatable. That is one of the biggest things I want to emphasize through my artistry. Life is for living. There may be good days, and there may be bad. One of my very best friends taught me that as long as you go through life staying true to who you are, with a positive mindset and a pure heart no matter what you go through, the least you can say is that you were your best genuine self throughout the whole experience. Let different experiences shape you and build you up instead of letting them break you down.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love discovering new places around the city, especially places that have great food, fun to offer, and a cute aesthetic. One of my favorite places to hang out is Chattahoochee Works. They have a great food hall with so many different cuisines. I have yet to try every restaurant, but that is my goal. Right now, my favorite places to eat in the food hall are Tyde Tate Kitchen and Farm Grill. I am a big rice girl, and Asian cuisine is my absolute favorite. Not only do they have a food hall but they also have a few fun places to go as well. There’s axe throwing and another restaurant game place called Your 3rd Spot. All of these things would be on the itinerary, along with a final stop at Jenis Ice Cream, one of my favorite ice cream parlors. I also love shopping areas as well. We would take a trip to Sephora and pick up some of my favorite perfumes and lip glosses. I would find some small cafe concerts or open mics we could go to to enjoy a night of music. The trip would only be complete with going to the Beltline for a walk and a trip to Playa Bowls.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have had a significant impact on my life and artistry. But if I had to narrow it down, I would like to shout out my family and friends first and foremost, my wonderful voice teacher, Ametria Dock, my management team, and my mentors, Justin “Henny’ Henderson and Kennard Garrett.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anyadessalines?igsh=N290c3N4Z21zZGFt&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anyadessalines8832?si=zx1U9YBTrJqC1KC8

Other: Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/aeqcXdEYTgthmi9Z9

Image Credits
Charles Waller MaroonTiger MikMotions