Four words to sum up Anna Scionti’s music? We’d go with striking, powerful, uninhibited, and raw.
The woman behind the music is as down to earth as they come, living a bigger than most life, and doing her damndest to stay focused. The Dirty Slide of Anna Scionti.
How did you get on the path called music?
I’m a country girl at heart. I grew up in East Gippsland and started playing the drums in the High School band. At the age of about 16, I then started playing guitar. I remember that my mother would take me to hear my grandfather sing at these community concerts. He had such a strong voice and was maybe why I sang…I mainly sang hymns at church in my youth. I have always sung since … I’ve not had any formal training. About 6 years ago I decided to make playing, songwriting, and releasing some recordings my priority. Never too late to chase your dreams!
When was the first time you really found your sound?
I can’t say I have found my sound exactly. I’ve played in bands with friends, including alternative folk-rock to county-blues. I guess I’m always working on my ‘sound’. I’m influenced now by the old blues artists and slide guitar players. However, I grew up on alternative rock.
What is the biggest challenge regarding the business of your music?
Keeping focused on the music & making time for songwriting. The business always gets in the way, however, it is a crucial part to ensure you continue to play and have an audience … chasing gigs, planning ahead, media, marketing. You have to keep creating though so you have something new to share.
What is your current artistic (or otherwise) obsession?
I’m obsessed with Cigar Box Guitars and have been for a few years now. My first CBG festival I played at was in Yackandandah in 2017. I meet some amazing players and makers of Cigar Box Guitars and from there have made some fantastic friends who are also obsessed with CBG’s.
How do you spend your time beyond music?
My partner and I have two adorable Boston Terriers dogs who keep us entertained. Especially while we were in lockdown in 2020! I’m also an Intensive Care Nurse and work part-time in between gigs (which was a lot in 2020). I also like video editing. As an independent artist my ‘official videos’ off my three albums I have created and put together.
Excited to say my next video release is for ‘Mississippi Saxophone’ – a song off my new album Junkbox Racket. It’s an Animation created by Sydney Musician – Clayton Doley … Out soon!
What can we expect from an Anna Scionti show?
My current shows are all about my new album Junkbox Racket (released 4th December 2020). Swampy, dirty slide guitar – on a Cigar Box Guitar mostly! I normally have about 3-4 Cigar Box Guitars with me at a show. They are all different and come with a unique sound and story to tell.
When was the last time you learned something new?
In lockdown, I purchased a recording interface and have started learning a bit of home recording.
