Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Ballew.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi:) I’m Anna Ballew, I’m a San Diego singer songwriter, I grew up surrounded by mountains in Missoula Montana. My primary loves growing up were people and music. I tried out several different instruments growing up, mainly violin and bluegrass fiddle, and picked up guitar in high school. My dad and I bonded through music, and I started songwriting in college.
I’ve been recently reminded that most of my life I’ve chosen paths that allow me to hear other people’s stories. I was interested in the nonprofit world for a while, therapy, journalism, global affairs, and now music now allows me to tell my story and open up spaces for people to share theirs.
I came to San Diego in 2021 intending to stay here for a few months and then make my move to France, where I studied abroad in college. I had been doing music on the side, and then felt an unavoidable pull to pursuing it professionally which led me to where I’m at today. I’ve been incredibly supported by a few different mentors, which have been absolutely crucial in my journey. People who have really believed in me and pushed me in the best ways. And I’m so grateful that now I feel like I’m entering a place where I can support upcoming artists who are just starting and that feels so good.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha, I love this question. I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My friends constantly remind me that the things I’m constantly grappling with are what make me a good artist. It’s quite the responsibility, to try and create things that both reflect the world we live in and create a world we want to live in. I think my sensitivity is my greatest strength and what makes this path so difficult sometimes. As a gigging artist, I’m very grateful to be able to be paid for what I love to do, and when I’m frequently in settings where people aren’t joining me in the intimate space I’m creating through my music, it’s hard not to be affected by that. I’d say another obstacle is trying to balance political engagement and creative expression. I’ve learned they don’t have to be different, and my artistic expression can be a form of disruption to corrupt systems, though sometimes they do feel very opposing.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I write music, I perform playing guitar and singing, and do a little bit of teaching guitar and French on the side. The thing I get the most feedback on is my voice and my presence, which I think are both natural gifts and things I work on frequently! I’m proud of the range of songs I’ve learned and written that all contribute to me finding my unique voice as an artist. My dad listened to folk and americana music growing up, my mom listened to soul and rnb, and I think both realms influenced my music heavily.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My network of people, my partner, my friends, and my sensitivity. Haha. I think the artists job is to feel the world around them and then create art that helps people connect with themselves and others. A lot of our culture is numb to reality so it’s difficult to try and stay in the feeling of it all and then also exist as a functioning member of society and pay rent. My people help tremendously to stay in this bigger purpose of art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.annaballew.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_ballew_music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjNHIq3rXgF9QK4KlmdOCw
