Anna Claire Loftis is a singer-songwriter who explores worldly matters through exceptional pop music, She offers up intelligent lyrics, pop-driven melodies and heavy synthetic beats. Anna Claire has mixed emotions about her biblical upbringing and the early contradictions fueled the honesty you hear in her music. Originally from Montgomery, AL she grew up in a Southern Baptist Church that flaunted the warmth of open arms and the chill of non-inclusion. As Anna abandoned the charade of perfection, she was able to rediscover her faith, while also making the leap to Nashville to pursue her music career.
On March 27th, Anna Claire Loftis dropped the third song and title track off her EP, Paper or Plastic. "Paper or Plastic" perfectly captures Anna's socially conscious and intelligent, pop-driven, music and message.
What is your earliest memory of music? And, how did you get started in music?
When I first started primary school, my music teacher always helped the kindergartners put on a play describing the Christmas story. Each little kid had a special part to play or a piece of Scripture that he/she got to say. It was a school tradition, and inevitably the whole audience would get emotional by the end. I am a big advocate for having arts curriculum and opportunities within the school walls - it really helped shape who am I and being able to step on the stage countless times throughout formative years - taught me confidence from a young age.
What was the first song you ever wrote? What or who inspired you to start writing music?
Honestly the first song I ever wrote was about a spider; thankfully my writing has evolved well past that. My earliest influences were Taylor Swift, Birdy, the Civil Wars and the different Christian acts popular around 2010-2015.
Do you play any instruments? If yes tell us about it. If not, do you work with a band or studio musicians? Do you produce your tracks or work with a producer?
I play piano, and began that lifetime struggle when I was eight. I have always hated theory and structure, but I understand a little bit is necessary. I mostly play by ear though. I work with a five-piece band and producer based out of Nashville. For my vision and songs to come to life - it has taken a well-trained army to put all those creative juices into motion.
What is your favorite part about being an artist (performing, recording, writing, playing)?
There is a lot I love about it - performing is a thrill and songwriting is soul searching, but being in the studio working is probably my favorite though.
Do you have any advice for young women pursuing music?
Well firstly establish what it means to you personally to pursue music. Your definition can evolve over time, and I don't know that I've always envisioned myself as an artist. But, be careful once you cross the line of hobby into profession. There is a lot of work and time involved and it MUST be something you absolutely love. And even then, I still think my faith is the underlying reason for my fulfillment within music. Despite being labeled a pop artist, I actually love being about to weave in scripture and truth into themes and lyrics I'm creating.
For readers who have never heard your music, can you suggest one or two songs to start with?
"In the Morning" and then either "Motion Sick/Paper or Plastic." There is a sharp humanity woven into all of them.
Where can fans access your music?
Spotify is one of my main hubs, but you can find me on all major music platforms!
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on SoundCloud.
For more information on Anna Claire Loftis, visit her website.
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