Feautured Songbay Artist: Anka Yura
Feautured Songbay Artist: Anka Yura
Listen to her original hit ‘Fire in the Air’ now >>
Anka Yura at Songbay
“How did you get in to songwriting?”
When I was six years old, my parents bought me my first instrument, a Mandolin.I learned to play it myself just by listening. My dad was so strict about me learning to play the Mandolin that he had me master at least one new song a day.
Sometimes, it’s not only teenagers or adults, but also kids who don’t want to be pushed too hard. One day, before my parents got home from work, I sat on my mandolin, jumped on it and broke it in half! (?)
But that wasn’t the end of my music journey. In fact, I carried music in my heart and mind through the years. I now make songs and music from my heart, not because I am obligated to.
I never imagined myself composing and writing songs but it all comes naturally to me.
“Where did you study songwriting?”
Even though I obtained Bachelor degree in political science and Mastered in International Business Management, I never quit studying music. We study many different things in colleges and universities but by studying something on our own and practicing on our own we learn more.
In fact, music is the one thing that I’d create all day without thinking about anything else.
Maybe it’s because I’m a bit of a shy person that I don’t often share my feelings with people.
So writing lyrics and putting melodies to them is the only way for me to express the feelings that I’ve never shared to anyone before.
” What are your musical influences?
My music taste comes from all over. But my greatest source of inspiration is my daughter.
” What would you say are your achievements as a songwriter?
My biggest achievement was being able to watch my daughter listen and dance to my song ‘Fire in the Air’?.
About a year ago, I sent my very first songs ‘Shades of the Rainbow’ and Roller Coaster Man’ to an International Song Writing Competition. I was shocked by its results. Shades of the Rainbow( not published yet) was placed as a semi finalist and Roller Coaster Man’ was awarded a Directors Award of ISRC.
“People you’ve performed or collaborated with?”
When my daughter Amanda was born, I decided to dedicate myself to humanitarian causes as much as I could. I joined the UNICEF Next Generation in Los Angeles. Being a part of this great organization and involved in its work for the past five years has inspired me to write the song Why Are You Away ( donated to UNICEF and its effort help children around the world).
‘Why Are you Away’ is a song about questioning powerful people who have become indifferent of helping people in need, once they have power.
This song was produced by Laetoli Music Publishing and sung by Jean Miller, acoustic guitar played by Scott Holt.
“Who are your favorite artists and why?”
I like all sorts of music, but in particular, I like to watch inspiring movies and listen to their soundtracks. I think soundtracks are not only for enhancing the movie’s story but also reveals the inner strength and energy of the main character in the movie.
“Thoughts about Songbay?”
I’m really happy that I found Songbay.
Songbay is a very useful and informative engine for artists. Not to mention, you can live chat with like minded artists through Songbay. It’s offers, features, and extras are amazing tools for those young emerging and new coming artists like myself.
Btw: Thank you Songbay for creating and sharing such beautiful artwork for my song Be Seeing You, coming soon in June.
All I can say about Songbay is to check it out for yourself and you’ll know what to do.
Take a look at Anka’s work on Songbay today. Feel free to get in touch with her with any work offers or collaboration requests:
