We recently connected with Anna Mariko Seymour and have shared our conversation below.

Anna Mariko , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My musical brainchild, Prismia, is a project where I wear many hats – main songwriter, composer, producer and performer. Prismia has been my debut as a lead singing drummer. As a person who has always written and collaborated with teams/bandmates, this new solo endeavor has given me an opportunity to explore my innermost thoughts, feelings, goals and desires. By doing this, I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone, which is something that is integral for growth. The different musicians and creatives that do weave in and out of this project make the space that much more beautifully unique and I hope to inspire limitless creativity and inclusion through Prismia.

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

When I was a toddler I would hit pots and pans and bang on my grandpa’s old marching bass drum while bypassing the multitude of guitars in my home (that was the first sign).

During my adolescence, I was in youth music programs and formed my first band at the age 10. For the next 12 years I performed in bands as a drummer and backup singer, playing original music. Although I was active in high school with choir, marching band and drumline, these bands were my everything.

I went to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and completed my Bachelors Degree in Contemporary Writing and Production in 2021. During my last semester I thought about how I was going to use my newly acquired skills. Right before the pandemic hit, I had started a new band, but we didn’t make it far with members moving and the whole world feeling uncertain. I was still sad and a bit angry we never had a chance to perform our originals. All these feelings lead me to the project I have today, Prismia.

Besides Prismia, I’ve been able to utilize my degree by doing some commercial work. I’ve also enjoyed teaching youth music through non-profit organizations. I’m constantly meeting and working with musicians as a drummer and singer for hire.

I am a musician, there is no “backup plan”. This is where I feel most confident, this is where I belong.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a performer, being onstage is a very special kind of high. It’s a magical experience being able to give energy to a crowd and have it reciprocated. Performances are like snowflakes, they’re unique and can never be recreated in the exact same way. That’s what makes performing so special. When I’m onstage, I feel the most human.

As a music teacher, it’s exciting to see the gears turn in a student’s head. Having a student go from not quite understanding a topic to having that “light-bulb” moment is an amazing progression to see and to be a part of!

As a songwriter, every song is its own novel. There’s a lot of things to consider – tone, form, lyrical language, phrasing, arrangement, etc. In a very child-like excitement my imagination can run wild. That kind of freedom is enriching. Once the song is finished, I can’t help but feel immensely proud of this sonic baby I have created!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I’ve noticed that some people who work in non-creative spaces think that being a creative is easy and doesn’t take a lot of work. That is so untrue! I think our work process might be different, but to discredit one another is just unfair! Especially coming from a music college. I received so many comments about how music school must be like taking Sandbox 101.

Being a creative is analytical. In particular, songwriting and composition are very meticulous. Learning music theory is basically like learning mathematical formulas! Going into more producer/artist/content creator route, you must think about numerous things all at once. With all these paths you’re on all of the time, there is no 9-5 that you can get away from at some point. Just walking down the street you might think of a tune, melody or lyric seed, and then you either have to tend to it immediately or let it slip away.

There’s so much more to music that meets the ear!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.annamarikoseymour.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prismiamusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prismiamusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamarikoseymour/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/prismiamusic_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCucUfZ6xjtKzqnhtTU0mAaw
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6R65K1bHggdkaMhyUU6dtd

Image Credits
Rain City Rock Camp Bill Bungard Cam Cavagnaro Giiirlband Studios