An emotional space-shaping voice of striking organic proportions.
Hitting play on LA-based artist Annahstasia's record, you are immediately struck by the deeply spirited and soulful tone of her commanding vocal. The raw beauty and committed nature of her delivery stand in contrast to the brevity of her career so far, the resonant and affecting warmth of her music carrying a depth more typically associated with artists well beyond her years.
"Through all the noise Annahstasia forged a commitment to musical honesty and craft in storytelling that remains the core ethos of her practice."
Annahstasia's approach to art is one of deep intent, her process a living, breathing practice that allows her work to grow and evolve naturally and openly. She reflects on her debut album Tether, sharing that she "re-recorded it three times to stay true to the vision." Produced by Jason Lader (ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey), Andrew Lappin (Cassandra Jenkins, L'Rain, Luna Li), Aaron Liao (Liv.e, Moses Sumney, Raveena) and featuring guests Obongjayar and Grammy-nominated aja monet, the instinctual quality of the recording bleeds through the tracks on Tether, but is perhaps at its most potent on album closer Believer.
Tether is an expansive exploration of the power of the voice as an instrument. It is a guiding light through the narratives Annahstasia tells and for the instrumentation that decorates the album's handsomely free-flowing and illustrative character. Sublime.
Annahstasia - Tether
Red clay vinyl + Rough Trade Exclusive Surface Tension 7" + signed print.
For fans of: ANOHNI, Moses Sumney, Joni Mitchell, Zsela, Saya Gray
We're excited to announce Annahstasia as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the artist in her own words and don't miss debut album Tether arriving this June via drink Sum wtr.
Annahstasia on Annahstasia
A self-penned bio
Five by Five
5 Qs, 5 As
Describe Annahstasia in 5 words
Honest, opalescent, romantic, oblong, treasure.
5 records you listened to prior to making your album?
Exuma - The Obeah Man
Nai Palm - Needle Paw
Joni Mitchell - Heijira
Labi Siffre - Crying, Laughing, Loving, Lying
Robert Musci - Tower of Silence
Top 5 career moments since forming?
Opening for Lenny Kravitz in 19 cities after dropping my first project.
Getting international news coverage for having armpit hair in a Nike ad…gods PR.
Singing to the ocean in Cote D’Ivoire last fall.
Performing my fully independently released single on COLORS show in 2023. Recording Tether exactly how I envisioned it.
Best piece of advice for an artist entering the industry in 2025?
Prepare for a much longer road then you think it’s gonna be. Cultivate your moral and artistic core and protect that fiercely. Write to yourself about your dreams and goals, keep it within your mind's eye through all the ups and downs.
5 essential tour snacks?
Dried Mango
Smoked salmon
Bananas
Dates
French butter (assuming good bread is also available)