Rhythmism.comQ&A w/ Anané | Valentine's Day Blowout @ Pacha NYC - February 14th
by rhythmism
Monday, Feb 8th 2010, 03:11 PM
Described by Billboard magazine as “combining earthiness with glamour and roots-deep house music knowledge with pop wise diversity,” Anané has forged an international career that has included appearances around the world, and a rich musical repertoire. The singer, songwriter, producer and DJ follows up her debut album with Ananesworld. The album features a mixture of dance, reggae, rock, and R&B soul, with world and Caribbean influences. Adding to its intensely personal feel, the album was produced by New York house icon, and husband, Louie Vega. Ananesworld transcends the traditional construction of a dance album and provides listeners with something truly personal. The albums mix of soulful originals, emotional covers, and top notch collaborators represent Anané and Louie Vega’s richly diverse musical roots. With a fitting Valentine's Day appearance, Anané and Louie Vega will be joined by resident Chus and Ceballos for a Valentine's Day Blowout as only Pacha NYC can provide.
*Photo Credit: Karl Giant Photography
You draw influence from around the world in your music. What were some or your early influences? Do you have a favorite style of music now? Or maybe one that is closest to your heart?
Some of my early influences, are Sade, Diana Ross, Gal Costa, Third World, steel pulse, Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Cesaria Evora, Tito Paris to name a few. I love all music, to pick one specific style, would be impossible.
Your album features some cover songs like Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" and Donna Summer's classic "Love to Love You Baby". It is quite evident that you put an entirely original take on these songs. Why did you choose these particular songs to cover? Do they have personal meaning for you?
Walking on thin ice by Yoko Ono, is a personal favorite of mine, but I had no intention on remaking this song until Louie “Lou” Gorbea approached me. It wasn't until I read Yoko Ono's liner notes that I decided to cover this song. After reading what she wrote it was almost as if the song was intended for me, she talks about how John (Lennon, her husband) told her that this song would bring her success as an individual artist in her own right, similar to my story as an artist. "Love to love you baby” by Donna Summer has always been a dream to for me to sing, Louis and I thought it would be great to add Roberto (Cavalli) with myself to give it a Serge Gainsbourg feeling.
As a husband and wife team, what is it like to collaborate professionally? Do you find it easier to work with each other than with outside collaborators?
As a husband and wife, when it comes to work, it becomes just that... professional. Everything else has to stay at the door. For me, I find it easier to work with Louie because I am also a fan, and look up to him as a mentor.
What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
There's quite a few tracks that are my favorites, "plastic people” because it allowed me to take on another character, "rock the cradle" because the lyrics are really deep for me and "terra longe" because it's an old Cape Verdean song that my mom used to sing when I was a little girl.
The album features several collaborations. Looking to the future, who would be your "dream" collaboration?
I would love to collaborate with Jill Scott, Tito Paris, Cesaria Evora, or maybe even Gal Costa.
You have both performed around the world. What have been some of your favorite events/venues?
There so many beautiful places around the world, so many incredible venues, that honestly I couldn't name one.
Anane, you have had the honor of performing before a Super Bowl audience of 100+ million people. Was that your most memorable gig to date?
Yes the Super Bowl was the most incredible gig for me thus far. It was truly an out of body experience but if there is one thing that I can remember, it was singing to so many people and commanding their attention.
You began the Anane Vega Scholarship Fund in order to lend aid to underprivileged children. Can you describe the organization? How did you come to be interested in philanthropy?
The Anané Vega scholarship fund was started four years ago the local Portuguese club where I grew up. At this club may offer Portuguese classes of culture to kids in the community, and actually this is where I won my first pageant when I was really young. I believe in giving back to any organization because I feel I've been giving so much in life, it's only fair to share with those who are less fortunate.
Anane - You are one of the few DJ's who is known to occasionally sing live during DJ sets. Is it planned r more of a spontaneous outpouring?
Funny that you ask because everyone assumes that Louie taught me how to DJ. The only thing I asked Louie to teach me was how to turn everything on and off. I cannot say that he didn't inspire me because anyone who has had the opportunity to be inside the the DJ booth while Louie is doing his thing, one cannot help but to watch in amazement and try to figure out what he's doing.
Anane - You are one of the few DJ's who is known to occasionally sing live during DJ sets. Is it planned r more of a spontaneous outpouring?
Because I started as a singer first, when I am DJing I can't help but to want to perform my music. And honestly, it's something that separates me from many.
What are your plans for 2010?
My plans for 2010 are to promote "ANANÉSWORLD" to the maximum of my ability.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Pacha NYC presents
Pacha NYC Valentine's Day Blowout
w/ resident DJ's
Chus & Ceballos
and special guests
Louie Vega + Anané
Pacha NYC
618 W. 46 St.
New York City
Doors @ 10pm, 19+
Free admission before midnight w/ RSVP
$25 in advance
www.pachanyc.com
www.myspace.com/chusceballos
www.myspace.com/chusceballos
www.myspace.com/ananevega
www.nervousnyc.com
*Photo Credit: Karl Giant Photography
You draw influence from around the world in your music. What were some or your early influences? Do you have a favorite style of music now? Or maybe one that is closest to your heart?
Some of my early influences, are Sade, Diana Ross, Gal Costa, Third World, steel pulse, Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Cesaria Evora, Tito Paris to name a few. I love all music, to pick one specific style, would be impossible.
Your album features some cover songs like Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" and Donna Summer's classic "Love to Love You Baby". It is quite evident that you put an entirely original take on these songs. Why did you choose these particular songs to cover? Do they have personal meaning for you?
Walking on thin ice by Yoko Ono, is a personal favorite of mine, but I had no intention on remaking this song until Louie “Lou” Gorbea approached me. It wasn't until I read Yoko Ono's liner notes that I decided to cover this song. After reading what she wrote it was almost as if the song was intended for me, she talks about how John (Lennon, her husband) told her that this song would bring her success as an individual artist in her own right, similar to my story as an artist. "Love to love you baby” by Donna Summer has always been a dream to for me to sing, Louis and I thought it would be great to add Roberto (Cavalli) with myself to give it a Serge Gainsbourg feeling.
As a husband and wife team, what is it like to collaborate professionally? Do you find it easier to work with each other than with outside collaborators?
As a husband and wife, when it comes to work, it becomes just that... professional. Everything else has to stay at the door. For me, I find it easier to work with Louie because I am also a fan, and look up to him as a mentor.
What are some of your favorite tracks on the album?
There's quite a few tracks that are my favorites, "plastic people” because it allowed me to take on another character, "rock the cradle" because the lyrics are really deep for me and "terra longe" because it's an old Cape Verdean song that my mom used to sing when I was a little girl.
The album features several collaborations. Looking to the future, who would be your "dream" collaboration?
I would love to collaborate with Jill Scott, Tito Paris, Cesaria Evora, or maybe even Gal Costa.
You have both performed around the world. What have been some of your favorite events/venues?
There so many beautiful places around the world, so many incredible venues, that honestly I couldn't name one.
Anane, you have had the honor of performing before a Super Bowl audience of 100+ million people. Was that your most memorable gig to date?
Yes the Super Bowl was the most incredible gig for me thus far. It was truly an out of body experience but if there is one thing that I can remember, it was singing to so many people and commanding their attention.
You began the Anane Vega Scholarship Fund in order to lend aid to underprivileged children. Can you describe the organization? How did you come to be interested in philanthropy?
The Anané Vega scholarship fund was started four years ago the local Portuguese club where I grew up. At this club may offer Portuguese classes of culture to kids in the community, and actually this is where I won my first pageant when I was really young. I believe in giving back to any organization because I feel I've been giving so much in life, it's only fair to share with those who are less fortunate.
Anane - You are one of the few DJ's who is known to occasionally sing live during DJ sets. Is it planned r more of a spontaneous outpouring?
Funny that you ask because everyone assumes that Louie taught me how to DJ. The only thing I asked Louie to teach me was how to turn everything on and off. I cannot say that he didn't inspire me because anyone who has had the opportunity to be inside the the DJ booth while Louie is doing his thing, one cannot help but to watch in amazement and try to figure out what he's doing.
Anane - You are one of the few DJ's who is known to occasionally sing live during DJ sets. Is it planned r more of a spontaneous outpouring?
Because I started as a singer first, when I am DJing I can't help but to want to perform my music. And honestly, it's something that separates me from many.
What are your plans for 2010?
My plans for 2010 are to promote "ANANÉSWORLD" to the maximum of my ability.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Pacha NYC presents
Pacha NYC Valentine's Day Blowout
w/ resident DJ's
Chus & Ceballos
and special guests
Louie Vega + Anané
Pacha NYC
618 W. 46 St.
New York City
Doors @ 10pm, 19+
Free admission before midnight w/ RSVP
$25 in advance
www.pachanyc.com
www.myspace.com/chusceballos
www.myspace.com/chusceballos
www.myspace.com/ananevega
www.nervousnyc.com
