The Don't Rock the Inbox Proust-Ish Questionnaire: Michaela Anne
Michaela Anne is one of those voices in Nashville I connected with almost immediately - just truly great, emotionally connected country and folk songs. Her new album, These Are The Days, hits both me and Natalie where it hurts: in the throes of motherhood, watching the days both drag and fly by at the exact same time. We're truly sad that Michaela will be leaving Nashville for a new adventure soon, but her music, and her influence, will linger all over the songs to come in this town. We figured we'd ask her to fill out our DRT questionnaire on the way out - and the answers were as great we expected.
The Don't Rock the Inbox Proust-Ish Questionnaire: Michaela Anne
What country album is your idea of perfect happiness?
Wide Open Spaces by The Chicks
What’s your greatest fear about your career?
That my concern over "my career" will at times overshadow the miracle and magic of getting to play music at all.
What is the trait you most deplore in other artists?
An elevated sense of self importance just because they make art.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Insecurity
Which living country artist do you most admire?
There are many but because I recently saw her perform and speak, Rosanne Cash quickly comes to mind. Not only is she a talented artist, she's also an incredible writer, outspoken activist and intellectual.
What is your greatest extravagance on tour?
A Marriott hotel??? Meaning a Fairfield or Residence Inn. Extravagance is not a word I associate with my touring (haha). But also finding a good espresso. I can't drink hotel drip coffee.
What is the most overrated virtue in the country music world?
Authenticity
Which of your past aesthetic choices do you dislike most?
I feel like I should say thigh-high go go boots and big hoop earrings but I still love both to be honest!
Which country artist, living or dead, do you most despise?
I don't know if I despise anyone but I'm uninterested in artists who use their platforms to elevate ideas, policies and politicians that harm people. I'm equally uninterested in artists who choose to never say a word about anything going on in the world, especially at a time when so many civil and human rights are being harmed.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse in your songwriting?
Dream
When and where were you happiest?
Most recently on my 40th birthday. I spent the day with my family and then had a living room dance party with a bunch of girlfriends. Simple, small and exhilarating.
Which talent would you most like to have, other than music?
Gardening and crafting...
If you could change one thing about your career so far, what would it be?
I'd like to say making some different decisions along the way with some people I chose to work with but at the same time, I'm really happy with where I'm at right now and I wouldn't be here if not for all of my experiences. I'd love to make more money though! :)
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Choosing family and my whole life growth over prioritizing career aspirations.
If you were to die and come back as another country artist, living or dead, what would it be?
Dolly Parton...I'd love to experience how her brain and heart work.
Where would you most like to live if you didn’t have to be tied to one particular place for work (if you are)?
Greece! And also....I've spent my entire adult life thus far living in NYC or Nashville because I've thought I had to for music. I'm about to embark on a move to a smaller town that feels aligned with another dream of mine, not music career related, but just how I want to live my daily life and raise a family, all while still being a professional musician. It's exciting and scary at the same time.
What is your most treasured musical possession?
My 1969 Gibson B-25 my husband gifted me for my 30th birthday.
Which historical figure in country music would you most like to collaborate with?
Vince Gill.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom. She's one of the bravest, strongest people I know.
What is your greatest regret?
Spending too much time and energy trying to feel accepted or validated by others.
What is one perfect country song, to you?
I Can't Even Drink It Away by Charlie Rich
