We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Mvze and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Pursuing music is tough! It requires a lot of risk. To be super invested in something that takes away time from people you love, and sometimes even experiences. But music was something that I just could not stop doing. It was in me. It still is. To be brave enough to share my story and be vulnerable is scary. What people might say, or think. But my love for this is much stronger. And to be able to turn my pain into power and help others, is so rewarding.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being from DC, a Latina, I was definitely the first of my kind. I had to create a lot of opportunities for myself. A Latina that raps coming out of the dc area, was unheard of. It just wasn’t a thing. There wasn’t an example for me. So I had to learn a lot of things on my own. The hard way. Going viral on YouTube over a remix I did to 93 til infinity was so unexpected. Thanks to Logic for sharing it to his fans. But I was extremely grateful. It eventually led me to getting my first deal out in Houston Texas. I learned so much about marketing and branding. I learned that it was more than just the music. Business played a huge role. And unfortunately things with my label didn’t end well. I am grateful for all the experiences though. I was able to perform on bigger stages and festivals like SXSW as an official artist. My social media presence was different. But it was time for me to go independent. And I rebranded. Changed my name, my sound. Then I met Mark Henry, a producer. He’s produced for Wale, fat Joe, lil Kim. He took me in and really developed me. My sound wouldn’t be where it’s at today if it wasn’t for him. Happy that we’re still working after 6+ years. When you know who you are, and you know what you believe in, there will be people along the way that will offer you everything you ever wanted IF you folded on yourself. Yea, maybe I took the long way, the scenic route, but I don’t regret it one bit. I’ve learned so much. And to be able to do what I love how I want, is the best feeling. I’m living proof that it is for sure possible. When you know your worth, the right people will come!
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.
So I’m from DC! Born and raised. We most definitely going to Yums, the carry out so they can try chicken wings w/ fries and “mumbo sauce”. Mumbo sauce is our sauce and it’s so good! Then of course, when people hear DC they think, oh the president lives here. So best believe we doing a whole tourist attraction thing and going to see the White House and all the museums. The famous monument, Lincoln memorial. Etc etc. and we also have to go to Ben’s chili bowl for a glizzyyyy. They are so good.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God first and foremost. Because even at my darkest, my absolute lowest, he never left my side and always guided me to the light. And of course, my family my Mvze team, and my supporters!!
Website: https://linktr.ee/annamvze
Image Credits
@_superp