Meet Anika Nielsen | Singer and Songrwiter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anika Nielsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anika, why did you pursue a creative career?
Music had always been a big part of my life and I started singing pretty much from the time I realized I could produce a musical sound. Growing up, I did voice lessons and recitals starting at age four. All of this led up to my senior year of high school when I met my producer, Mark Vogel, at a little show put on by David Burnham at my high school, where I had a chance to sing a duet with David. After the show Mark approached me and asked if I wanted to work with him, and of course I said yes! I started writing and creating music after that and I haven’t looked back since!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am extremely passionate about my music, and even though I am just getting started, reaching this point has been different from what almost any other artist has had to go through. Right when I started writing, COVID-19 hit, so I have had to do everything virtually besides physically going to the studio to record. This took some getting used to at first, but I really don’t know any different now.

It was also really difficult to find my sound. It took me writing and recording a whole song (and trashing it) to realize I needed to take a step back and reassess. I reevaluated not only what I wanted my vocals to sound like, but also my lyrics and the production as well.

I really want people to know that it is ok to take risks. When I started releasing music, nobody knew that I had been working so hard for so long besides my close friends and family. I was worried about the reaction I’d get, but it thankfully has been really positive. I am continuing to create and take risks because I have found my people that believe in me, and my support system is always there. What I really just want people to take away is that once you find your passion, find your people and take off.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If we were visiting my home town of Laguna Beach, I would take my friend out to places around Orange County. For food we would do places like Active Culture, Banzai Bowl, Din Tai Fung, Roux, Mama D’s, and Danish lunch at my grandparent’s house of course! For activities we could go to the beach, OC Fair (if it’s summer), Disneyland, the Sawdust Festival, Lido, Fashion Island, etc. I really would just want to make the most of my time, and maybe we could even take a trip up to Studio city where I could record and go to Universal Studios!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone in my family has always been my biggest support system. My parents and grandparents showed up to every recital cheering me on with such pride and joy that it really melted my heart every time. They have encouraged me to follow my dream of creating music and they are the reason that I am where I am today. They are 100% my number one fans and definitely deserve a shoutout!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anika__nielsen/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anika-nielsen-9bb660230

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Anika__Nielsen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anika.nielsen.378537

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCTOT5JEgKcd9TdPG_dPYYkQ

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FMAcgXR9mMsPHI0PfiRRq?si=0_BfGs-4Ri-S15RGh2bcnw Tik Tok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdAjaG7Q/

Image Credits
Caroline Renezeder