Anya Vincent Talks Debut Single, Her Voice And More

Anya Vincent is a 20-year-old Scottish vocalist and songwriter who has released her debut single, ‘Catfight’. She kindly spoke to us:

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My earliest music memory was dancing about the living room as my parents watched Top Of The Pops episodes and played Stevie Wonder performances on the television. I used to babble along to the lyrics and pretend I was on stage with them!

 

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I had always messed about with songwriting and putting lyrics together, but it was during Lockdown 2020 that gave me the space to get my head down and focus on songwriting

 

 

You have your debut single ‘Catfight’ out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

 The inspiration behind Catfight came to me originally from watching many teenage dramas and confrontations unfold, and I decided to imagine what an exaggerated version of this would look like. 

 

Did you solely write the track or was it a co-write?

I wrote the song myself, and produced the demo in my bedroom in Paisley.

 

 

Was it a difficult song to write?

As the stories behind the track were relevant to me at the time of writing, I found that the song, lyrically, wrote naturally as it came directly from my soul and how I had been feeling at the time.

 

 Is the single accompanied by a visualiser?

The single has a lyric video to accompany it, which is out now. I love to dance too, so maybe there will be a little video surprise coming soon! 

 

 Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I recorded the vocals in Glasgow’s Gorbals Studio and worked with M83’s Jordan Lawlor who I co-produced the track with. He’s based in LA, and I’m based in Paisley so we made use of Zoom calls and emails to bring the track together instrumentally.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

Something I found interesting when in the recording stages of the track in Gorbals Studio in Glasgow was when sound engineer, Kevin Burleigh explained that he felt the song’s melody was reflective of melodies heard in Trad music. This would make perfect sense due to my upbringing in Glasgow’s Irish Trad music community.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

In my songwriting stages in my bedroom, I rely on my trusty SM58 to get my recording done, that microphone has heard it all.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

 I believe Catfight features me at my strongest, reflecting on past decisions and recognising self-worth, yet understanding the importance in making your own mistakes. Having said that, I have some new tracks in the works which reflect how I felt at the time of writing them.

 

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

There’s definitely going to be more music from me coming in the near future which I am really excited for!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I aim to be able to look back on my performances and music and feel confident that I have put my heart and soul into everything I do and perform and create music that I truly love, and to give everyone who comes to my shows the best time!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I really love my Looper, it enables me to create interesting harmonies, melodies and play my tracks live. I feel it makes for some great songwriting too.

How do you look after your voice?

Vocal health is so important and is a priority of mine. I look after my voice by steaming every night, warming up before every performance or rehearsal, healthily exercising it regularly and sticking to water before a performance or recording session.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved Agatha Christie novels and film adaptations, perhaps Miss Marple could hit a few notes while solving some murders.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

If I could describe my hometown, Paisley in five words it would be, musical, historical, special, cultural and inspirational.

Do you have any live dates in the UK/Europe planned for 2025/2026?

 Yes I’ll have live shows in 2026 but this year I supported Roisin McCarney at King Tut’s on the 30th of May alongside Chloe Roze. It was magic.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

 I love artists like Lauryn Hill, George Michael, Destiny’s child, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and Ariana Grande. I would recommend George Michael’s ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ album, to anyone who hasn’t heard it. The tracks on there really inspired me to develop my songwriting and introduce new rhythms to my tracks. 

 

 What makes Anya Vincent happy and what makes you unhappy?

I am at my happiest when I have a song idea that I’m really excited about, when I get to see an artist live that I’ve looked up to, and when I’m spending time with my family or friends and we’re laughing until our sides hurt. Those special, magical moments are the most important to me. Unkindness makes me unhappy.

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Carla Marcia Girvan

‘Catfight’ by Anya Vincent is out now.

Stream Here: https://hypeddit.com/lfwdz9

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Website /  https://anyavincent.com/