Annie Scherer
Singer/songwriter/producer Annie Scherer has just released her brand new single “Everywhere I Go (Everybody’s the Same)” and it is a must listen.
Co-written with Suzie Buist and produced by Kelly Cronin, “Everywhere I Go (Everybody’s the Same)” is an anthem for introverts.
“As an artist, I often feel pressured to have an ‘influencer-type’ social media presence, and to be extroverted with a loud personality. Creatives are often misunderstood in this way. A lot of us are observers and channel our energy and emotions to our craft. “Everywhere I Go (Everybody’s the Same)” is about being heard without being seen and that it’s okay to exist outside of societal expectations,” she says.
Cinematic, dark, big and catchy, the Nashville-based artist delivered a brilliant record.
A music video will be coming out very soon. Stay tuned.
But for now, go stream "Everywhere I Go (Everybody's the Same)" now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Josh Kranich
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! I’m Annie, and I make dark pop and alternative music. I grew up in a small town outside of Albany, NY, and moved to Nashville just over a year ago.
What did you grow up listening to?
Until I was in middle school, I only listened to bands and artists that my parents loved, like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Madonna, Nirvana ,The Pixies… I could go on and on. My aunt introduced me to Taylor Swift’s “Speak Now” when I was in middle school and that really opened my eyes to contemporary artists.
When did you start making music on your own? What was the biggest challenge when you first started?
I’m originally a classical pianist, and started taking lessons when I was six. I used to write sheet music, and would come up with short tunes. When I turned 11, I taught myself guitar and performed at open mic nights around town. My biggest challenge at the time was being taken seriously, and having limited venues available.
When did you know you could sing?
I didn’t start singing until I played those open mic nights, and I was very insecure about it in school. I was known only as a pianist and was never chosen for solos in choir. It took years for me to see myself as a singer.
At what point did you realize it was time for you to be an artist and release your original music?
I’ve wanted to share my music with the world for my entire life. When I was 15, I recorded my first EP with a Nashville producer that my dad grew up with. That was my first professional experience.
"Everywhere I Go (Everybody's the Same)" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I’m an introvert who loves being alone and spending time with a small group of friends. As an artist, I experience a lot pressure to have an influencer-type social media presence, and loud personality when that’s not me at all. I think a lot of creatives can relate and feel misunderstood in that way. I wrote that line, “Everywhere I Go (Everybody’s the Same)” after attending a networking event. I realized that everywhere I go, human behavior always repeats itself, and sometimes those events can feel draining and superficial. That being said, I have met the most incredible people in Nashville and I’m grateful for connectedness of the pop community here.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it? When did you start working on it?
I had the opening lyric and melody ready when I had a writing session with Suzie. I must have been feeling super passionate that day because we finished it in about an hour. Suzie is a fabulous writer. It was our first session together and it came together so smoothly.
Kelly Cronin, the producer, absolutely crushed it. She had reached out to me on instagram, and when we met in person, we realized we had very similar taste. When I went to her house to hear the first draft, I was blown away. I had the idea to add a scream to the second chorus, and I managed to make it work even though I had lost my voice that day.
This is my first release that I didn’t solo-write or lead production for!
What's your favorite lyric on "Everywhere I Go (Everybody's the Same)"?
“I can’t help it if you’re so critical. I think that you think I’m dismissible” is probably my favorite because I think some people are quick to judge others based on their “status” and nature.
What made you want to release "Everywhere I Go (Everybody's the Same)" as a single?
I knew this would be a single as we were writing it. It’s the most pop song I’ve put out, and I think a lot of people will relate to it. It’s also just really fun and catchy.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
(Spoiler alert) I’m releasing a music video for this song and we took the photo in between takes. We had a bunch of extras, so I wanted to capture that party-like scene.
What message do you want to deliver to introverts out there?
It’s okay to exist outside of societal expectations. We live in a very connected world, and it’s important to set boundaries.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part about being an artist is probably the social media pressure surrounding numbers and followers. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, when most of the industry professionals look at that. The best part is when your art really resonates with people. A single comment on a post can make my day.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What advice would you give to women?
A lot of business decisions are made by men, which can be discouraging. Things are really starting to shift though, and I admire female artists like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce who have carved a path for future female artists.
As for advice, the industry needs women to include women. Support other female artists and professionals, and build those relationships.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
TikTok is everything right now, and numbers are the driving force. While the opportunity for autonomy is great, I wish the industry favored the actual art over popularity.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
If cats and dogs took over (laughs). But in all seriousness, I’m an environmentalist and I think there should be more education surrounding the environment. I also wish more people paid attention to news. Lots of young people don’t realize how fortunate they are to have the opportunities that they have.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Have standards but set realistic expectations. Work hard and lean on yourself when you can. With those combined, you’ll have less disappointment and more success.
What can we expect to see/hear from you this year?
I mentioned this before, but I’ll be releasing a music video for this song soon! I also have some more singles on the way, and some other projects that I can’t disclose yet, so stay tuned!
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