Aanisah C. Long: Heritage & Harmony
- Muzikscribe
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Meet Aanisah C. Long—a soulful singer with a voice that commands attention and a legacy rooted in music history. Born in L.A., she’s the daughter of music icon Kokane and the granddaughter of the late Jerry B. Long Sr., a legendary composer for Motown who worked with Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Frank Sinatra. Surrounded by such musical greatness, Aanisah’s passion for singing and songwriting was ignited at a young age. Today, she’s making her own mark with a unique blend of soul, alternative, and hip-hop. Let’s get to know her story.
Q: Let's hop into this single, "Sweet" — how did this particular track come to fruition?
This track actually came about by accident; the beat was originally supposed to be for another song, but when I heard it I loved the beat but didn’t really see it for the song I had wrote. I sat with the beat and the word “sweet” came to my mind; I don’t know why, I don’t know what I was thinking about but the beat was a very melodic instrumental and sounded like a “Sweet” lullaby.
Q: How then does "Sweet" compare to or differ from your previous songs?
“Sweet” is more on the fun side; it’s not a love song nor is it a heartbreak song, it’s a vibe and a song dedicated to women’s sexuality.
Q: "Sweet" also follows on the heels of "Karma Can Be" — talk to me a lil bit 'bout this composition...
I feel like those songs are total opposites; “Karma…” is based on love heartbreak and moving on, while “Sweet” (is) more about being free and not about falling in love or breaking off relations; it’s about having a vibe with someone. I feel like I need to add a few songs to break the ice, songs people can just vibe to and feel good.
Q: Of course both selections come courtesy of your debut EP, Young Colombiana - conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?
So actually I might be naming my EP something else; my direction has changed over time, but the significance at the time of wanting to name the project “Young Colombiana,” that was actually an alter ego I picked up from my dad after we watched the movie; he said that I reminded him of the character because of my strength and independence. So, that’s where that name came from. I love it, but I want to make my first project a little more personal so I’m thinking of something that could really connect me with my fans. First impressions are important, and I want this project to really represent me as a person.
Q: As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
For me, I’ve always been able to draw inspiration from any and everything. Of course I incorporate many things / situations from my own personal life and experiences, but sometimes my music can be based on situations that have nothing to do with me directly. I’m a storyteller; I actually was writing stories before I wrote a song. So, I feel like that helped me a lot with my creativity when it comes to writing and expressing different emotions.
Q: Tell me about your musical beginnings. When did this journey start for you?
I’ve been in the studio recording music since I was 12 years old; I wrote my first full song - a song called “Family” - at 11 years old. I was in the studio long before I started recording. I used to slide with my dad all the time when he had recording sessions; I would get on the mic and sing for the whole room. So, music has always been in me and just something that came natural from a very young age.
Q: Growing up in the 'City of Angels,' who were some of your biggest influences?
My father, of course, but I’ve always been an old soul and my influences have always been like the Sade, Aaliyah, Billie Holiday, Michael and Janet Jackson, etcetera.
Q: How do you define your style?
Original, fun, different, edgy, classy and sexy.
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