Meet Anja Nissen | Singer – Songwriter

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

Hi Anja, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
When it comes time to reflect back on my career and life’s work, I would love to be a household name. It’s not about fame as a measure of success but having my music reach many people. My goals for the future and my dream is to be performing and singing internationally. To have released many albums and to also write for other artists. I think my calling is to bring dynamic and powerful music back to the forefront using my vocal and artistic style which has been influenced by artists like Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Mariah Carey to name a few.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been singing and performing for as long as I can remember, starting singing lessons when I was 6 years old. It has always been a passion of mine that was sparked early on when I heard my first Celine Dion and Mariah Carey records. You could go outside and find me singing on a large rock or on top of a shipping container on the rural property where I grew up in Sydney, Australia. I’ve always wanted to be the next powerhouse vocalist, so I set out to make that dream a reality. I sang in a plethora of singing shows and competitions, one of my biggest achievements was winning The Voice Australia in 2014 when I was 18 with coach Will.i.am. My journey took me to Denmark (where my parents were originally from) winning The Danish Melody Grand Prix which meant I had the honor of representing Denmark in Eurovision with my original song ‘Where I Am’ in 2017.

I would say what sets me apart is my ability to touch people when I sing, through my use of dynamics and storytelling. I love the push and pull that music creates, and I love to emphasize it. I want to bring the power ballads back. The music I am currently working on has a 90’s R&B flavor while still being contemporary Pop. I also feel that I not just writing about my experiences in love but also about family relations and trauma, this has been very healing for me and I think it will be for my listeners too.

I’m currently working and living here in Los Angeles as a Vocalist, Songwriter, Vocal Coach, and Vocal Producer. When I’m not songwriting or recording in the studio I’m usually traveling and singing across the country. Earlier this year I was on a US tour singing the biggest hits from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’ with an amazing orchestra as a featured soloist. I’ve had the honor of performing with an amazing band, responsible for some of the biggest events in Dallas, Texas. I also get to work with other incredibly talented vocalists mentoring their songwriting and helping them record/ bring their vision to life. It hasn’t been easy by any means. Almost like starting again moving to a foreign country and making a name for myself. Networking has been key and those seeds are definitely growing! I am so thankful to everyone who has guided and supported me on my journey so far here in the States. I have decided to stay here in Los Angeles for the unforeseeable future this is definitely where I am supposed to be!

I’ve learned on my journey so far that you have to take chances and go outside your comfort zone. Pushing yourself to the limit is what promotes growth and every time I have, it has really paid off. Leading me to new opportunities and friendships I may not have found otherwise.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my family members visit me here in Los Angeles there are a few things I always want them to experience. Here are some of them: – Bike ride along the boardwalk from Playa del Rey to Hermosa Beach or Marina del Rey to Santa Monica.
– Santa Monica Pier and 3rd St Promenade
– Visiting Hollywood and going for a hike at Runyon Canyon stopping by In N Out for lunch after
– Taking a road trip to Big Bear for the day and showing the diversity of nature here in California
– Evening comedy show at The Laugh Factory in Santa Monica
– Downtown street food markets followed by live music at The Ryhtm Room LA or drinks at the iconic night club ‘Clifftons’ (great cocktails in the speakeasy tikki bar on the 3rd floor!)
– Favourite places to eat would be:
Bacarri (Playa del Rey)
Cheese Cake Factory (Marina del Rey)
Luv2eat Thai (Hollywood)
Picalo Restaurant on Abbot Kinney

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout-out goes to my Family for always supporting me. My husband Daniel for believing in my dream. Noel Macdonald, who has been my mentor since I was nine and cheering me on ever since. Also a special mention to Kevin Flournoy who helped me find my feet in the music industry when I first came to Los Angeles and continues to advise me.

Website: https://anjanissenmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anjanissen/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anjanissenmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsmYikwTC47rMkan7Ppq9kA

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KjtX8ZPAoeLFnuv36UBpQ Eurovision Performance: https://youtu.be/716rTFMgZQ4