New York, NY— Born in Tunisia and raised in South Africa and England before arriving in New York, singer-songwriter Anya Singleton’s first full-length album, The Other Side, will hit stores August 12 and features 11 tracks all co-written by Singleton. Intensely introspective yet captivating, you’ll feel as if Singleton has invited you into her living room for an emotional thrill ride of a story. Not content to only chronicle the ups and downs of heartache, Singleton casts a refreshingly candid view on politics, materialism, and relationships. Never retreating behind slick over-production, she prefers to take an organic approach to this album, layering guitar-driven melodies with electrifying back-up vocals and plenty of keys, percussion, even backwards guitar.
“Don’t Tell Me,†a rousing anthem that channels Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, showcases Singleton’s sultry attention-getting pipes, while “Stop This Train,†an ode to the heartbreak of growing apart, finds Singleton’s lyrically aching vocals offset by her moving and intelligent songwriting – appealing to fans of Sheryl Crow and Joni Mitchell. Singleton tackles the tangled weave of politics on “Wake Upâ€, with its Shawn-Colvinesque groove, trippy rock edge, and jazz-affected timing that underscore her blues roots. Catchy melodies and dynamic lyrics echo 70’s classic period Stevie Wonder with nods to the Beatles, giving her music a timeless feel — while Singleton’s unforgettable voice, at once powerful, earthy and conversational, expertly combines a bluesy raw edge with a unique delivery, establishing her as an artist for a whole new generation.
 “I’m so used to wearing a performer’s hat that it was gratifying to trust myself enough to write all of the music on this album,†Singleton says. “I feel like I really gave myself the chance to explore my own voice and be at my most creative; this album really defines my style — rootsy but edgy enough to be genre-defying and commercially accessible.â€
As for producer Rob Arthur’s contributions, Singleton is quick to sing his praises. “Working with Rob was like putting on your favorite jacket – it just fits perfectly and you know whatever you pair it with, that outfit will be incredibly special. As a producer and a gifted musician in his own right, his ears were uncannily open all the time for what would make each track stand alone.â€
And that admiration is mutual. Arthur was impressed in particular with Singleton’s songwriting and how those songs connect to the listener on a personal level. “Anya’s ability to show emotions, to make you feel what she’s feeling, is something you don’t always find in a young singer,†he says. “I’ve usually looked to the classic R&B and jazz singers for that kind of expression.â€
Delicious, daring and a definite don’t miss – Singleton’s songwriting is unapologetically frank and emotionally charged, creating a moving palette of stories that will leave you wanting to hear more.
For more information, please visit www.anyasingleton.com
Music will be available on: iTunes, cdbaby.com, amazon.com
