INTERVIEW: Anieszka reminds us we all have 'Choices' with her latest single

Sydney’s Anieszka has a Mauritian background and has been releasing her gorgeous R&B/soul music since 2016.

Earlier this month she released the single ‘Choices’, a smooth, dreamy track with Anieszka’s vocals gliding effortlessly over the beats with lyrics that reminds us all that we hold the power to make the choices that define our life. “I wanted to reinforce that, and that whilst we can’t change the challenges and situations life throws at us, we can choose how we react to them. We can choose happiness, we can choose love, we can choose self-belief. There’s always a choice,” she says.

‘Choices’ is Anieszka’s third single this year after ‘True’ and ‘Presence’ and is solidifies her position as one of the leading lights of Australia’s still growing soul and R&B scene. We recently caught up with Anieszka to find out more about her music and career.

Hi Anieszka! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. How is life with you right now?
Hi! Thank you for having me, life is feeling pretty good right now. Super grateful to be releasing new music, that we are out of lockdown here in Sydney and always grateful to be alive!

Congratulations on the release of your latest single ‘Choices’, it is such a gorgeous track. Can you talk us through the inspiration behind the song?
Thank you so much! So happy you like it. ‘Choices’ is a reminder to become more aware of the power we all have within us to choose the things/people/situations/careers that feel right for us. I think sometimes we forget to take that time to really reconnect with ourselves before making a choice and to ask ourselves what it is we really need. I think we also don’t feel like we can make authentic choices a lot of the time, and so I wanted to call both myself and listeners out and say ‘hey, you can choose what feels right for you’.

What was the creative process like for this one? Was it a long process or did it come together quickly?
The lyrics and melody for ‘Choices’ all came at once one day and I remember scribbling it down and recording it on voice memos on my phone. I had verse one and the chorus down, and decided to hit up Lui Mateer as I felt he was the right person to bring this idea to life. Initially I thought the song would sound a lot more neo-soul but as we did Zoom session after Zoom session, we ended up with beat changes and layers and it felt like it was going in a very different but very right direction. I was ready to jump into the studio but lockdown hit and I kind of sat on the song for a while. I didn’t know how long lockdown would last and I felt a little hopeless, but after about a month or so I said to Lui let’s get this sounding the best it can, and then made the bold decision to record the vocals at home in my bedroom. I’m still very surprised that it turned out the way it did, and also quite proud! 

The lyrics are beautiful, very poetic and as you mentioned talk about how we can choose our path no matter how difficult the situation is: ‘you can choose how it flows’. Do you think society offers us so many choices today in every area of our lives that we have lost sight of how to make the important decisions?
Yes and no, I think there’s definitely more to choose from in our current society and as we progress it feels like there’s more and more choice, so I do agree that it can be harder to choose. I do, however, also feel like it is up to us to connect with that authentic part of ourselves, that calmer place within us, more often. If we can cultivate that part of ourselves then I think we can access it whenever we need a bit of clarity and it becomes easier to block out the noise. It’s a challenging thing to do with the stresses of life but I think it’s worthwhile to pay attention to. I think that will then lead to us making more choices that feel right.

Will there be a music video for ‘Choices’ and if so what can you tell us about it?
There will be yes! I can’t give much away but all I can say for now is think of the natural elements and what they represent.

You have a Mauritian background, how does the music and/or culture of Mauritius influence your sound?
My Mauritian culture is such a huge part of who I am. Growing up and listening to Sega (traditional Mauritian music) and Seggae (a mix of Sega and reggae) really planted that rhythmic seed within me. When I hear the beat of the ravanne (traditional Mauritian instrument), it’s like every part of who I am moves to it, it’s powerful. One of my favourite Mauritian artists, Kaya, really helped cultivate that part of me that wanted to speak my truth and come from a deeper place. As a whole, Mauritian culture is enriching, lively and beautiful and that’s what I hope my music brings to people. In time, I’d like to incorporate more of those traditional Mauritian sounds and elements into my music.

Who were the artists that you loved as a kid?
There are four artists I will always look up to - Alicia Keys, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill. Their music hits me on a complete soul level. I listened to a lot of R&B growing up so other artists like Aaliyah, Ciara, Brandy and John Legend were also big influences. Of course the greats like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey can’t go unmentioned either.

How did you get your start in music as a career? Was it something you always knew you were going to pursue or did it just kind of fall into place?
I started holding a tune when I was about 2 years old but I’ve known this is my path since I was 8 years old. I remember telling my mum and dad “I’m going to be a big successful singer, you can support me if you want to, or not. I’m going to do it anyway”. People used to tell me I’d change my mind, but it never wavered. I genuinely believe this is my purpose.

You are at the early stage of your career, what are the goals and dreams you are chasing?
I just want to connect with as many people as I can through my music. I’ve mentioned that my music is a form of healing for myself, and people have reached out to say they feel healed when they listen to my music (always makes me emotional to hear), so that’s the biggest goal - to affect people in a positive way, for my music to be a confidante for them. I’d love to do more shows and tour, connect with more local artists, hit the International market, keep building on my skills and keep expressing, reach larger audiences, take on more (and bigger) creative projects.. Maybe one day I can get that Grammy?

The music industry has often been a difficult area for women to exist in primarily because it has been run for so long by white, straight, older men. What are your thoughts on sexism and gender equality in music?
It’s been a tumultuous road for women, especially women of colour, in the industry. I think there is still a lot of sexism prevalent but I also see some change which gives a little bit of hope. I think particularly in the past year, a lot of us women have started speaking up and speaking together and we’re creating one loud voice that people can’t ignore anymore. It’s time for women to shine and take up more space, and to feel safe and supported whilst doing so.

What else is coming up for Anieszka for the rest of 2021 and into 2022?
I am planning shows and there may be some more music before the year ends, I’m still deciding! But 2022 will bring my EP and I am very very excited to share this body of work with the world. It’s a vulnerable, beautiful and special piece of me that I hope will resonate with people and provide more comfort and healing.

‘Choices’ is out now. You can download and stream here.

To keep up with all things Anieszka you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.