Up & Coming New Nashville- Anna Garrott (With Exclusive Interview)

Blue Steel Record’s leading lady, Anna Garrott, is a southern songstress with a powerful voice all her own. Hailing from Troy, Alabama, those close to Garrott describe her as “the girl next door who rock’s her butt off” and she lives up to the hype with “What a Way To Go.”

Garrott’s new single (written by Bobby Fischer, Phil Vassar and Charlie Black and produced by Rick Holt) tells the tale of a sassy, spunky young woman who is "just plain falling in love.” “This isn’t your typical girlie tune; I think this sums me up in a relationship. I might not want to admit it, but, if I’m gonna fall, I’m gonna fall hard!” Garrott states. “If you’re looking for sappy love songs, you won’t find them here.”

Anna Garrott is no shrinking violet. She is a country performer and songwriter whose musical make-up highlights a touch of Patsy Cline tradition and a brush of Janis Joplin bohemia. From “Steel Magnolias” country, Anna Garrott’s music chronicles every sentiment--from tender life moments to getting over a broken heart--with bittersweet spirit.

A marketing major who sang her way through college, appearing on stages in the Southeast from Panama City to Mississippi, Garrott magnifies her girl power in every spitfire performance, and it’s Garrott’s stage show that caught the attention of her label, Blue Steel Records, early on.

“Anna Garrott commands attention with her voice and effervescence and ‘What a Way To Go’ is a great overall representation of her music.” Steve Pope, Blue Steel’s CEO introduced. “We are so lucky to have her on the label. She’s our rose, but watch out for those thorns!”

You can listen to Anna sing several songs HERE.

That Nashville Sound- What brought you to music in the first place?

Anna Garrott- I grew up singing in church, but the music didn’t really “grab” me until my college years. I was bartending at the local college bar, and the owner was a musician. We began writing and playing together with a band, and that’s where I absolutely fell in love with live music! I knew I’d always be playing music in some capacity, but I never dreamed I would get to do it for a living. Being able to create, write and perform music for a living is the greatest job in the world! “Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.”—E.Y.Hayburg

TNS- Describe your music- what’s the mission behind the music?

AG- I always describe the music as a classic country meets southern rock. I’d like to think I take something from those artists that inspired me such as Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Susan Tedeschi, Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn, and roll them altogether to make a sound that is all my own! As far as the mission behind the music, I think every song has its own mission. Some songs I write have a have a fun, care-free, uplifting message that will hopefully put the listener in a good or better mood; Others are written to evoke a certain thought or feeling in the listener with a more serious or somber subject matter.

TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?

AG- Most people are shocked to find out I used to be a championship clogger! For years I traveled with a team all over the southeast clogging. It’s not something that you see much here in Tennessee, which is ironic because this is where it originated. It’s a great “party trick” to pull out!

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What’s in your iPod?

AG- I am a music JUNKIE. I listen to all types of music. I am constantly looking for new songs or new up-and-coming bands. The newest additions to my ipod are The SteelDrivers, Adele, Needtobreathe, Joe Cocker, Fleetwood Mac, Zac Brown Band, and Paolo Nutini.

TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?

AG- In five years I would like to have a song cut and released as a single by a major label artist; my own album on Billboard’s charts; and to have received some award or accolade for my work as an artist….. all very do-able, wouldn’t you say?

TNS- Quick questions… Favorite hobby?

AG- One of my favorite hobbies is cooking. I come from a long line of southern women who are amazing cooks, so I guess it’s “in the blood”.

TNS- Record stores or downloads?

AG- Both! Unfortunately, the record stores are becoming fewer and fewer as the digital download era is in full bloom. I love my iTunes downloads because it is easier to sample new artists and buy singles if you are not interested the entire album. However, there is something nostalgic about having an actual collection of great records.

TNS- Favorite Food?

AG- Nachos…. Piled high with everything on em’! These are also great coupled with a top-shelf margarita!

TNS- West Coast or East Coast?

AG- Neither…..Gulf Coast!

TNS- Nickname for your guitar or other instrument(s)?

AG- My first and favorite guitar was a Baby Taylor I named “Bessy”. Not sure why, I just thought it fit the personality of the guitar.