Aneesa Strings: No Limitations

The Bright Side of the Bay bassist, vocalist and composer Aneesa Strings initially began playing professionally and recorded her first Jazz album at the tender age of 13. In 2014, Strings would then receive her Bachelor of Music [BMus or BM] in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California, where she also unleashed her Patrice Rushen - in collaboration with SFJAZZ - produced composition, "Simpin'," taken from her premiere solo outing, A Shift In Paradigm. 'The Bass Queen' would later go on to earn her Master of Music [M.M.] in Jazz Studies, and has since toured around the world with artists such as Duckworth, Jose James, Kandace Springs and many other reputable acts.

Let’s hop right into this single, "All In My Mind" — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

This track came about from a really vulnerable moment when I was struggling financially, and I just needed a break so bad that I wrote a song about it. I call this song my love letter to money.

Of course "All In My Mind" follows on the heels of “Gramercy Place" -- Talk to me a lil bit about this selection…

"Gramercy Place" was written in the middle of a break-up when someone was threatening to come back into my life after a while, and I had to put up some boundaries to make sure it was real. I literally wrote that song in 5 minutes.

Both songs come courtesy of your latest EP, The Calm -- Conceptually, what does this title represent both to and for you?

The Calm is part of a 2-part series. This is about everything that happens before my dreams come true. I’m writing my history in advance, which is ultimately what manifestation is.

The Calm is a SRG-ILS project -- What particular string of events actually led to your current signing?

My agent got me this deal, and we really resonated with the label in our first meetings so it was an easy decision.

Tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And how did it all begin for ANEESA STRINGS?

I became interested as a baby, and then I picked up the bass at 12 years old. I joined every local youth music program, and then got 2 degrees in Jazz Studies and just kept learning and improving myself. I always wanted to sing but the bass getting added really set me apart, so I’m grateful,

Now you’re from Oakland, CA, correct? So growing up in "The Town," who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Raphael Saadiq, En Vogue, Too $hort (and) Sly Stone from the region for sure.

That said, how do you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and / or perform?

I call it music. I don’t put limitations on myself anymore.

Now as a songwriter when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw inspiration from?

It’s always life experience. Or, something I hope to experience.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want them to get whatever is in it for them. I can’t determine what that is. I can only be pure in my intentions, and allow the rest to unfold.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

This is too hard of a question, and completely unfair. Lol!

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would play the FNB Stadium in S.A. 'cause it’s huge, and I wanna perform in Africa.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of music?

I love the current state of music; I feel like anything goes, and everyone has access so the cream can rise to the top. It’s a lot less profitable than previous generations, and that makes me sad so I hope we can bring back more physical goods in general.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

I feel the key to my longevity has been and will always be that I trust my instincts, and follow my gut. I will always do that, and I will always try to be better.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Yes!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

I feel like playing at the Hollywood Bowl last year was my biggest career moment. I also now have 2 songs (on) XM Radio, so that’s cool, too.

What’s an average day like for you?

An average day for me consists of eating well, taking vitamins, stretching and getting sunlight, sending lots of emails, practicing or writing, and getting some good rest.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans...

I interact with fans with curiosity and fervor, and basically treat them how I would want to be treated and respond accordingly to how they treat me. Just like any other person.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is the music, my least favorite part is carrying my upright bass.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Get ready for a crazy, disciplined, uncertain, fun, long haul of a life.