Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anna Ballew. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I’m teaching an eight year old how to play guitar right now, and I’m learning so much about what I need for myself through teaching her. As you can probably remember as an eight year old, everything is exciting and fun and your attention span goes to ten different things in a minute, so it can be tough to push through just learning one chord before she wants to take a break or ask about my guitar or tell me a story from school that day. It’s been so helpful for me to see that as endearing, and to be curious about my frustration that comes up, because that’s how my brain works too! When I sit down to work on things that I really care about, my mind immediately goes elsewhere. It feels like I’m actively talking to myself as I try to keep the focus with this student, which feels quite healing.

I’m learning I need to talk to myself with as much patience and grace as I talk to my student. It’s so easy to come in with the should’s of “well I’m 28 and I’ve learned all these things and I should have better focus etc”, but the truth is we have to meet ourselves where we’re at with certain things. When it comes to pushing through difficult tasks, I have a hard time not getting overwhelmed, giving up, and moving to something more instantly gratifying. I’ve really had to practice not shaming myself for admitting that, especially in the United States where so much of our value is based on what we accomplish. So I have been trying to see both as true, that my worth is not based on my accomplishments, and there’s so much value in staying present with learning something new especially when it’s a skill that can provide so much joy to those who participate in it and those who hear it, like a musical instrument.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello! My name is Anna Ballew, I’m a San Diego based mostly full time singer songwriter :) I’m from Missoula Montana, moved here to San Diego in 2021 years ago to spend some time with family during covid, and after a few years of a nudge to pursue music professionally, I took the leap and have been gigging around southern California consistently since 2022. I play electric and acoustic guitar, largely inspired by jazz and soul, and folk americana music, and sing lots of covers and originals, depending on the gig. I started songwriting in college, and after playing a full band gig of all originals in 2021 at a jam session, I was hooked and have played the Belly Up, Music Box, Humphreys Backstage Live, and am excited to play Belly Up again on August 1st, and the Soda Bar August 15th. That’s really where I thrive, playing my own music with amazing musicians for people open to receiving it. This year I released my first song called Bitter, and raised over $10,000 to record an album. I have a couple songs that are almost ready to be released, and am planning the rest.

In terms of what else I do, I teach guitar, and french! I studied abroad in France during college and love speaking the language and teaching it. I’ve found recently that I think my gentleness as an artist comes into my teaching and people really appreciate my patient person-centered kind of approach.

The last big project that’s in the works for me is some music based travel — I’m going back to France this fall to attend an art residency where I’ll have time to write in a calm serene environment with other artists. I’m also planning a gig in Paris, am doing some traveling in Morocco with a friend who’s from there, and plan on finding some gigs there as well!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’ve been reading a book called Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and I’ve loved the ways these ideas have weaved into my brain and my outlook on life. It’s about how indigenous teachings and the understanding of plants can heal the way we live with each other and with the earth. The main thing that’s been helpful for me is the idea of reciprocity, mostly in the example of expressing gratitude in different ways for the gifts we receive from the earth. When applying this to my life, I’m trying to remember that in a thriving ecosystem, when every being involved is contributing their unique gift to the collective, that creates harmony, and there are more than enough resources to go around. I often forget that, especially living in a capitalist system where the resources are so unequally distributed. Of course the path towards redistribution and healing is long and complicated, and as we try to do this as a society, I’m trying to contribute through my unique gift of my voice and musical storytelling.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’m seeing a lot of this question on social media right now, and I think it’s a really good one, which is, how can we support artists, creators, people providing helpful art or information for the world? People often don’t like the answer. I’ve been seeing a lot of black creators lately, who are providing free anti-racist education, make the ask to their followers to either contribute a small monthly payment for their content, or to unfollow them. I think it’s a bold move in the right direction, towards a world with less exploitation and more reciprocity.

To answer the question, I think society can best support creatives by financially supporting local art and artists, because the thing people struggle to understand is how much time and energy it takes for artists to find paid work for themselves, to do the internal healing it takes to make honest and compelling art, to share it, and then to survive in a capitalist system. This question is really helpful because it places the focus on what people need, rather than what people want to give. I think people would much rather hit the follow button on Instagram once than consistently donate money to artists to help fund them creating healing art for the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annaballew.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_ballew_music/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjNHIq3rXgF9QK4KlmdOCw

Image Credits

The Shukans, Kaylyne at Amplified Studios, Sydney Valiente, Nick Haugen