Introducing: Anna Westin

The music of Anna Westin draws inspiration from the Irish, choral, and Swedish folk traditions that she grew up with, fusing them with more modern and experimental indie-folk sounds. We caught up with the UK-based artist ahead of the March 25th release of her Lev album.

First up, could you tell us a bit about Anna Westin the musician?

Sure! I’m Canadian and grew up between Sweden and North America. I’ve been living in the UK for nine years, finishing my Ph.D. in philosophy. I currently lecture in philosophy and ethics, do a bit of writing and movement, and run a small anti-trafficking collective. I’m trying to explore the connection between the arts and movement in how communities and individuals heal. I like to cook too – that feels important to add to the description.

What inspires you to write music?

Lots of things. Conversations with friends, a phrase I read in a poem, some experience that I want to pull apart and explore from different angles.

Who or what would you say has had the most influence on your music?

I think it comes from lots of things. But a major influence has been my dad. He used to sing us to sleep when we were kids and we would listen to albums together and he would show me the poetry in lyrics by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, U2, medieval chants, and the Eagles. He showed me the enjoyment of music as a ‘wide’ human experience.

What has been your most enjoyable or memorable musical experience up to now?

Oh, hard question. I was in a choir growing up and I remember being in Argentina. We were singing Spanish folk songs and we stood in a round, about sixty of us, a capella, and it felt like an out of body experience – the resonance of all of those voices in the gold light of the space, singing together. And llamas in the background, which, you know, added its own feature.

What has been the most memorable gig you’ve ever played or attended?

We played a gig in Jerusalem a few years ago, in a hostel. And it was packed with lots of different people – travelers, religious, students, and it just felt like people were there to really listen and enjoy themselves. The music followed by conversations and laughter, and it was just fun. It reminded me of why I love doing this so much – how it kind of connects us as humans at a very basic level.

What was the last album or song you listened to?

El Cant Dels Ocells – Intimo – Pablo Casals

If you could support anyone, who would it be and why?

Joan Baez – she epitomises the great female folk artist who kept their integrity and a sense of social responsibility with amazing musicianship. Her voice is phenomenal! And her songwriting – so good. Her, and Joni Mitchell. Ugh actually, maybe also Martha Wainwright. Can you have three…?

What other bands or musicians do you feel we need to be checking out right now?

Haha. My producers are in a fantastic band – best album of last year in my view (!) – Voka Gentle.

Was there a specific inspiration or incident behind your Incense Ascending single?

I wrote it in Margate, after being kept awake by some neighbour brawls. I couldn’t sleep and the song kind of came as a way of thinking about the different lives in our houses, and the way the roof and the walls hold lives. A kind of way to bless the space I was in by trying to listen to it a bit deeper, I guess.

What’s up next for you in terms of music, gigs, videos…?

The album LEV is coming out on Friday 25 March. Can’t wait! And we’re kicking it off with a gig in London at St. Pancras Old Church, London on the evening of 19 May 2022. Looking forward to some touring after that…

You can also listen to Incense Ascending and more music from Anna Westin on Apple Music and Deezer. You can get details about the album release and the upcoming London gig on Anna Westin’s Facebook and Instagram pages.