An-Ya

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The greatest treasures can sometimes be found in unexpected places. For An-Ya, the fresh new Pop/R & B international sensation her story began in Vladivostok, a quiet Russian village near the Pacific Ocean. An-Ya’s exceptional musical talent was revealed as soon as her father bought her first tape recorder. “I’d wander around the apartment singing into the microphone. Something sparked inside and I devoted myself to making music.” An-Ya is also a self-taught guitarist, and learned English by harmonizing along to the tunes of Britney Spears and Spice Girls.

Before she was a teenager, An-Ya had already won a string of prominent music competitions; her potential was so great that her family moved to Moscow so An-ya could study at a prestigious music/theater academy. Along with acting and vocal training, An-ya began writing songs whose styles reflect her admiration for artists like Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Take 6 and singer/producer Brian McKnight. An-Ya notes, “I love to write ballads so Brian McKnight is a big influence.”

When she was 12 Anya took her love of music out of the living room by performing at (and winning) numerous musical competitions. Her potential was so great that her family moved to Moscow so Anya could study at a prestigious music/theater academy. Along with acting and vocal training, Anya started writing songs. that reflecting her love for artists like Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Take 6 and singer/producer Brian McKnight. Notes Anya, “I love to write ballads so he’s a big influence.”

At age 18, An-Ya beat out hundreds of talented girls to become one third of Yes!, the smash-hit Russian pop group. The video for the trio’s hit “I Imagined It” aired to great acclaim on Russian MTV and their CD, Best Songs of the Radio earned multiple awards in Europe. One of the contest’s judges, Oleg Shmelev, approached her about going solo. She and Oleg began collaborating, and after establishing herself as a legitimate rising star in Europe, An-Ya knew it was time to come to the US. Singing to one of the songs she’d recorded in Russia, An-Ya auditioned for Joe Simpson, Ashlee and Jessica Simpson’s father/manger. “I guess he liked me”, An-Ya laughs. With that, the treasure once buried in Vladivostok had truly been discovered by the entire world in her first US record deal with Papa Joe Records. She conquered Russia, now with the backing of Papa Joe records she is on her way to conquer the hearts of North America!

Her self-titled debut album, ANYA, is a mix of emotional ballads and hot club dance mixes, including her chart topping first single “Nightlife” featuring rapper David Banner. Bumping with an irresistible groove pushed along by An-Ya’s soaring vocals, “Nightlife” is about dancing till the break of dawn and is tailor made for the preeminent clubs. “The first time I heard ‘Nightlife’ I knew it was the one,” pop sensation An-Ya says, “and to have David on the track was unbelievable because I’m such a fan.” Her project boasts production from heavy hitters like Teddy Riley (Michael Jackson, Guy) Timbaland associate, Jerome Spence and American Idol’s top dawg, Randy Jackson.

Reflecting on her meteoric rise, An-Ya feels she’s already grown as an artist and as a person, and is eager to see what happens next. “When I was a little girl, An-Ya says, “I’d see the people that I’m now working with on TV and now it’s my reality. I still can’t believe that this is my life now. It’s really amazing.” And the deeper she digs the more of her treasured talents the world will crave.

Like the true star she is, An-Ya now resides in Los Angeles, CA. When she’s not watching her hit single “Nightlife” climb the billboard charts, she spends time in the studio adding her favorite artists to her play list, such as: Lil Wayne, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Lady GaGa. An-Ya is performing at hot clubs in Los Angeles and New York, building the buzz around her amazing vocals and out of this world dance moves. An-Ya is the artist to watch in 2009!