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'It's sort of like a church': Anya Marina discusses the intimate feel of small house concerts

Anya Marina is a New York-based singer-songwriter with an eclectic flair. She will be performing in Chapel Hill on Sunday, April 8 for an intimate house concert.  Staff writer Skyler Taggart talked with her about her upcoming performance.

The Daily Tar Heel: What kind of music do you perform?

Anya Marina: That’s a funny one. I guess it is kind of hard to categorize yourself, but singer-songwriter, indie-rock, indie pop.  

DTH: What is your favorite song to perform live?

AM: I really like this song I wrote called “Move You.” It’s on my first album and it’s just a really fun rhythm. I like the lyrics and I like the melody, so it’s always a lot of fun. I never get sick of that one — which is rare to say about a song. 

DTH: What are some shows you have done in the past?

AM: All over the U.S. and in London. I started out in San Diego, so I have played a lot in Southern California and then up in Portland, Oregon, where I lived for a while — and now I live in New York, so I am playing here quite a bit. 

DTH: Have you ever been to Chapel Hill before?

AM: I have been about five times before. I think I have been in town with Eric Hutchinson, Jason Mraz, Tristan Prettyman and Joshua Radin. 

DTH: Why are you doing this concert in Chapel Hill? 

AM: I love playing in Chapel Hill. I love getting shrimp and grits at Crook's Corner. I wanted to try out playing more house concerts. I have done a few of those in the past, and they have been so fun and intimate. It’s just a different atmosphere than playing in a club where you’re getting carded and there is a cover charge and there is a lot more chatting. Whereas in a living room, it’s sort of like a church. Everyone is there for one purpose, and they are listening so it’s really a treat for the artist. It is nice to hang out with people after to meet and talk and not feel rushed to get out. It is a relaxed atmosphere, and I just love how intimate it is. You can connect with people better. 

DTH: What do you like about performing smaller shows? 

AM: You can just call out to the audience and ask what they want to hear. It is a little more interactive because you are just feet away from each other. It’s cool — I like this whole shift from being on a big major label to being more in touch with fans. I feel like the whole world is doing a bit more of this with the advent of technology and the internet. That wall that was up when I was on a major label is kind of broken down, and you just start to talk to each other. 

DTH: Do you have any pre-show/after-show rituals?

AM: I am alone in the green room with many pieces of paper making chicken scratch and arrows from one song to another, and then I just go on stage and just wing it. Before a show I am pretty focused and quiet — I want to be alone. After a show it is just fun to talk to people, hang out and connect. It’s always really special when someone comes up to you and tells you things like "this song really affected me," or just to get to know people. 

DTH: Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

AM: Come to the show. Tell folks to come down — it is going to be really fun. 

@skylertaggart

arts@dailytarheel.com

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