Anna Aya
Sometimes, life prepares us to fulfill our destiny. A rapid rise as an internationally renowned model, worldwide travel, years of formal dance training in multiple styles, and innate creativity practically foretold Anna’s future as a global pop singer, songwriter, and performer. The 18-year-old half-Japanese and half-Armenian draws on her dynamic professional background and upbringing to deliver energetic and identifiable anthems, equally pulling from both sides of her heritage.
Linking up with GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum producer Louis Bell (Post Malone, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Camila Cabello, Halsey] and 6x Japan Gold Disc Winner, multiplatinum producer Michael Africk (Mai Kuraki, Zard, Jordan Knight), Anna introduces herself with a series of 2023 singles via Handcraft Entertainment/Virgin Music, with many more to come.
Drawing on her Japanese upbringing, she asserts herself as a voice for her culture, remaining reverent of its nuances and traditions and also leveraging them to distinguish her on the international stage as a singular artist. “When you listen to me, I want you to get a sense of inspiration,” says Anna. “I hope that maybe one of my songs will change your perspective or make you feel better about yourself. That’s the power of music. Hopefully, you have a good time too!”
Anna has grown up in front of the camera, splitting her time between Japan and Los Angeles, eventually finding herself in photo shoots for top-tier Japanese brands and in magazines, including Vivi and 25ans. As part of these editorial pieces, she notably modeled for some of the most influential fashion houses in the world, including Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton.
The results were not a surprise, as Anna had gravitated towards modeling since she was a young girl, appearing in print campaigns and commercials for household name brands such as American Girl Doll, AT&T, Children’s Place, Ford, Samsung, Target and more. She concurrently learned how to speak three languages—Japanese, Armenian, and English and has continued to speak them fluently throughout her entire life.
This tri-lingual fluency enabled her to work as a translator on Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots. Impressed by her presence, the show producers welcomed her as a season regular and host. Plus, Ellen sought her out as a translator for its Japanese guests as a native speaker. She recognized the influence of both sides of her background. She was also accepted into college in Tokyo.
As a dancer, studying jazz, hip-hop, and ballet, Anna’s passion for music led to vocal lessons while listening to favorite artists a la Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Madison Beer, and more. In 2022, she caught the attention of Michael Africk, who discovered her through international connections and invited her to collaborate in his studio, eventually signing her to his company Handcraft Entertainment.
“I’m heavily influenced by my culture and experiences as a mixed person,” she observes. “The Japanese side is more reserved and diligent. Then, I have my loud, extroverted, and outgoing Armenian side. Of course, Los Angeles is super social and that influences me too. I’m a balance of the peaceful, calm, and collected self and louder self.”
Now, Anna shines on the Bell and Africk-produced bilingual single “Someone Else” that will be released via Handcraft Entertainment/Virgin Music on July 26th. This first offering features an airy sample that wraps around a thick bass-boosted groove as Anna’s robust delivery takes hold. As she flexes her skills through both English and Japanese vocals, it culminates on a climactic and catchy chorus, “A girl just needs to hear it from herself or she might from someone else.”
“The song just embodies my personality and how I go about things—not even just in terms of relationships,” ANNA states. “The meaning is deeper. I know what I deserve, and I won’t stand for anything less.” This determination and confidence shines bright and continues with the upbeat and undeniable “Hit Me With Your Love,” where she leans into bright verses with fiery energy of her own.
In the end, everything has brought Anna to this point, and she’s ready to show the world who she is.
“This is a season of change and evolution for me,” she leaves off. “I’m stepping into new territory, challenging myself, going out of my comfort zone, and doing things that bring me happiness and joy without fear. It’s a year of confidence and a new chapter I can’t wait for.”