Q&A: Anna Shoemaker Shares Insight Into Her New ‘Someone Should Stop Her’ Era
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
Photos By Sophie Gragg
ANNA SHOEMAKER IS AN ARTIST IN MOTION - both geographically and sonically. Following a significant move from the gritty energy of New York City to the sun-drenched optimism of Los Angeles after a pivotal heartbreak, Shoemaker's sophomore album, Someone Should Stop Her, released on February 21st, marks a distinct evolution in her sound. As she joins Mallrat on tour this spring, including a highly anticipated sold-out stop in Austin at the Parish, audiences will witness this transformation firsthand.
Someone Should Stop Her is a deeply personal record, chronicling Shoemaker's journey of self-discovery and shedding her "NYC angst" for a more wistful outlook on the future. Fans heading to this tour can anticipate a setlist heavily focused on the new album, with a bit of a surprise each night.
As she takes Someone Should Stop Her on the road, Shoemaker is clearly embracing this new chapter, offering audiences across the country a glimpse into her evolving artistry. Read below to learn more about tour, how to get over a break up and Someone Should Stop Her.
LUNA: Tour just started, how was the first night?
SHOEMAKER: Last night was really fun. The last tour I did at the end of last year with Joe P, I was by myself. This time, I'm playing with my friend Aaron, so it's nice to have someone up there with me, it just feels like more energy. Touring after the record's out feels awesome.
LUNA: What can we expect from the rest of the tour?
SHOEMAKER: We're really running up the album. We're playing only songs from the new album, and then we have one spot where we'll throw in a cover. I write a lot with Aaron, so last night, we played a new one we were just writing the other day. It's cool to have that flexibility because usually my set is what it is.
LUNA: What's it like in the opening slot versus headlining? How did you prepare for this tour and set versus a festival or your own set?
SHOEMAKER: It's awesome being able to see some of your favorite artists every day. I'm a fan of Mallrat, so getting to do this is amazing. You want to take the best of your set and put your best foot forward while keeping the integrity of what you want to say.
LUNA: It's probably nice when the artists are cool and you assume their fan base is cool and nice.
SHOEMAKER: 100%. Everyone I've ever toured with has had an amazing fan base.
LUNA: How did you and Mallrat get connected?
SHOEMAKER: I know someone in her band, Japanese Wallpaper, who's an incredible producer. He's seriously the sickest producer. We've been making music and only met in the past few months while making music together.
LUNA: This album was very personal, deep, and vulnerable. I'd love to hear more about that creative process and how you feel about it now that you've had time to reflect on the release.
SHOEMAKER: I'm really proud of my album. I wrote it in a pre-transitional phase, going through a breakup. It was a hard time, with the breakup and moving from New York to LA. My whole life was kind of in shambles. It's cool to look back on these songs because even though they're memories of not the best times, it's cool to see how far I've come. I feel like I've entered a new chapter and have my feet under me instead of hanging from the ceiling.
LUNA: What advice do you have for someone in the midst of a breakup?
SHOEMAKER: Go no contact. You have to lean on your friends and tell them to tell you when it's too much. That was the biggest thing for me. Believe you'll get through it. The wrong thing isn't going to pass you by. If you're supposed to be with someone, it'll happen. You shouldn't have to work so hard all the time/
LUNA: Back to the album, what track are you most excited to play on tour?
SHOEMAKER: I love playing "Mini Skirt." It's fun and more challenging. I get a little topped up on adrenaline trying to play it.
LUNA: Is that the hardest track to play from the new album? What makes it difficult?
SHOEMAKER: It's just harder. I cut myself out of playing guitar, so I play very basic stuff, but I'm learning.
LUNA: How does this album reflect your sonic growth? It has a bit more of a singer-songwriter feel.
SHOEMAKER: We really wanted to focus on the lyrics, and that came naturally. I worked with my friend Constantine on the whole record. After we wrote "Holly" for my last record, we knew this was the direction we wanted to go. When we wrote "Mini Skirt," we wanted more guitars, just what felt right. So we leaned in more. With each new song, we leaned more and more. We were patient and let it happen.
LUNA: Do you feel yourself continuing to lean in this direction, or will you focus on this album and figure out the next move later?
SHOEMAKER: Yes, it feels natural. I started out playing guitar and singing in bars, clubs, and coffee shops. So it feels natural to me.
LUNA: Shifting to the visual side of the album, are there any upcoming visualizers you can tease? What's that side about?
SHOEMAKER: The whole album was shot in Montana, around my dad's house. It's basically a road trip where I'm running away from my problems and having a mental breakdown. It's crazy because it happened in real-time.
LUNA: What role do you play in your visuals? Do you have a team?
SHOEMAKER: I work with Dina Cardo, one of my friends from New York, and she's the best, I love working with her. She's one of my closest collaborators. We just have a language without speaking, she gets it.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately? Any new artists you're excited about?
SHOEMAKER: Kacey Musgraves, Alex G, Angela Autumn and Willow Avalon.
LUNA: Dream collaboration?
SHOEMAKER: That's a hard one….Kacey Musgraves.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for the upcoming summer season?
SHOEMAKER: Something that I like to come back to, a little mantra if you will, is just take your time. I feel like I get so frazzled and overwhelmed sometimes, and I just have to remind myself, I’m fine. Just take your time.
