INTERVIEW: Zim-born Londoner Ananya is a musical dream with new EP!

By Agencies

Looking for the artist of your dreams? Look no further than Ananya. A talented musician and incredible lyricist, we’ve had her EP i woke up one night playing on repeat in our heads… it’s basically a lullaby for us at this point. But it’s anything but boring. i woke up one night is breathtakingly beautiful, creative, and thought-provoking. It’s sure to take you off to the clouds.

We had the chance to speak to Ananya about the EP, her influences, and more. So, wake up, grab your coffee, and fly away to dreamland with us!

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. For our readers, can you introduce yourself and tell us about when you first decided you wanted to pursue music?

Thank you for having me! I’m Ananya, a Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter now based in London. From my earliest memories, I valued the incredible power of music. Its ability to transcend the boundaries of genre and language always fascinated me and introduced so many emotions.

Growing up in Zimbabwe felt like magic—a sun-kissed childhood spent outdoors, embracing creativity with my three siblings. I was fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women who instilled in me the importance of self-confidence and creative expression. My childhood paved the way for my musical creativity and shaped my journey.

Your newest EP, i woke up one night, has just been released. What was it like bringing this project to life? Do you find it difficult to create such raw and honest pieces of work? Is there any song on this EP that stands out to you the most?

It was such a great experience, and I’m so grateful for it.  Realizing that my journey of growing up and self-discovery is shared by others has made creating honest music so fun. Each song has played a part in various healing processes, they’re all so close to me. ‘october’ is my favorite because of its vulnerability and the perspective of regret it conveys.

Where did you get the idea for the title of the EP? Is there any special story or significance behind it?

The opening line of the EP’s first track, ‘bad for you,’ begins with ‘I woke up one night.’ Throughout the EP’s creation, I’ve come to appreciate how fitting this line is, as many of my creative sparks originate from my dreams. Over time, I’ve noticed that my creativity tends to blossom during the quiet of the night. The title allows for interpretation — what unfolded after waking up? Was it prompted by a nightmare, inspired by a dream, or a result of restlessness leading to writing? Late nights often find me at the piano or guitar, transforming sleepless moments into melodies and lyrics.

The title makes us think fondly about our dreams. So, we’d like to know: if you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream career?
A lawyer!

You have a beautifully heartbreaking track titled ‘macy gray,’ which is definitely one of our favorites on the album. Do you find it easier to create and connect with those slower, sadder tunes or the faster, more upbeat songs?

Thank you. Initially, I found it easier to connect with slower, sadder tunes, as I love and appreciate how they’ve accompanied me on my journey. However, over time, I’ve found myself connecting more with upbeat songs because of the uplifting feelings they leave me with.

In the spirit of your song, ‘bad for you,’ we have to ask: what is one of your guilty pleasures?
Recently, I find myself unable to resist binge-watching any series I start. I’ve come to accept that once I start a series, I’ll likely finish it within a couple of days.

To tie this all together, we would describe i woke up one night as a masterpiece. If you had to describe the EP in only one word, what would it be and why?
Oh, my goodness, thank you so much. I think I’d describe it as honest. The EP’s authenticity resonates with me—it genuinely reflects the experiences that inspired the songs, effectively capturing the essence of navigating the highs and lows of growing up.

Dreaming of more Ananya? So are we! Thankfully, we can continue to stream i woke up one night every night and watch the music for ‘i’m too nice’ to get us through the day!