Music is the local language, the element that brings people from all different communities and surrounding areas together for one common love. I wouldn’t consider going to concerts a hobby, for it’s my passion, my work, my lifestyle, my career, and the basis of which all of these articles are founded on. Discovering new bands and talents puts a permanent smile on my face that no one could remove. When you find a new act that you like, what’s the first thing you do? Naturally, you call up or text a friend letting them know about this band you saw, and how they just have to go see them live. When someone tends to agree, and becomes a fan like you, it’s even better. It’s called networking; word of mouth is still one of the most powerful tools in this industry, along with, of course, promotions and publicity. This column serves as a platform for me to put my thoughts and recommendations on for you to check out some tunes that I truly feel you are into.
This week, I am going to write about a band that has been on my radar for the past few weeks, as I am seeing their name pop up more and more. Before they become the next big thing, I figured I’d tried to jump on the movement and get them a little extra publicity. I am talking about a pop/alternative group called Hey Anna. If you have heard of them, let’s converse, and if not, I hope you become infatuated by the end of this article.
Hey Anna consists of Erin, Anna, Andrew, Katie and Matthew, and they are from all over parts of Brooklyn and New Jersey (let’s just say East Coast). I recently discovered who they were when I saw a show post from some friends in mine in Prehistoric Forest, whom I have featured in this column before (check them out, shameless plugs allowed). They’ve been working hard on recording some new material that is due out this month, so keep your ears and eyes peeled.
I first fell in love with their track “Dance Until Three”; take a listen and you will see why. It’s an insanely addictive tune that makes you want to put your hair down, open the windows, and dance until, well, three! There is no pun intended here, it’s really a party jam. I really can’t wait to hear what their new EP sounds like, for I feel as if it’s going to take us all on a complete whirlwind. Do you ever hear a band and after one song you immediately know you are going to be a fan? That’s how this is here. I don’t know much about them, and I barely have any of their tunes in my arsenal, but it’s an immediate love affair here, and I cannot seem to get enough.
One of the many things that made me really investigate this band was their social media. They have very cool, summer vibe show flyers, making me just want to drop everything I am doing and go to the beach (don’t worry, I will finish the article first). They are also very interactive with a lot of local bands, which I cannot stress enough—and I always say it—is so important to make it in the scene out here. Hey Anna play a ton of shows, so you have a lot of chances to catch them, and they are very interactive with their fans. Posting and keeping people updated is so important, since it’s all of the band networking you do that is going to get you somewhere one day.
I truly believe that Hey Anna are making music for the sake of the love of music. They put off a vibe that is carefree and peaceful, while showcasing their talents at the highest level. After all, if you love something, it will make you that much better at it, since you will put your heart and soul into each project you take on. They also are very well respected by the local community, because I can’t even count how many times I have seen their name pop up on other bands’ pages. It’s acts like Hey Anna that lead me to believe the scene still has a strong bond; people are still supporting one another and realizing that the more they do together, the more they will get done.
I have every intention of seeing this band live, for they play with a lot of groups I am already fans of, and I have a feeling they put on a killer set. If you want to learn more about them, head on over to their Facebook page at facebook.com/heyannamusic. If you want to interact with Hey Anna, you can definitely chat it up with them there and request that they come to a town near you. If you check out their photos, you will always find them smiling, making us all believe they love what they do and they do what they love.
I will be back next week with another local act that is on my radar, and please continue to send me your recommendations; after all, word of mouth is still the best way to get to me! I’ve been amazed at how many new bands are surfacing in this area, so drop this article (when you’re done, of course), and maybe pick up an instrument so you could be the next one in my Local Radar! See you next week.
