On the eve (almost) of her UK tour, Anna KiaRa takes time out from sorting out visas and venue bookings to fill in our Headline Act questionnaire…
Simple things first – where are you from?
I’m from Russia, but my European line-up is international, mostly Dutch musicians.
How long have you been playing as a solo act?
I separated completely from my previous band last year, but I started to perform with Anna KiaRa from time to time already in 2021.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Chiara was the name of the daughter of Simba in the cartoon The Lion King. I just modified the name to make it original.
What are your influences?
My main influences are Nightwish and Kamelot. I also respect Tarja as a singer very much. Also some classical music, such as Rachmaninoff, Bach, Mozart.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I mostly compose in symphonic and power metal genres, but I try to include elements from different genres as well, such as alternative, folk and even black metal. I don’t like to restrict myself with any limits, so my music isn’t typical for the symphonic metal. I also use my voice as one of the main instruments, because I feel it like this and I know how to use it!
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
They are mostly about philosophy, fantasy, reincarnation and how to overcome the darkness inside you. I’d like to believe that my music, at least some of the songs, help people in the dark times of their lives, and I’ve already been received some comments like this.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live shows is a very good quality show, and believe me, I know what I’m talking about. I’m a professional musician who spent more than 15 years to my musical education, and I really care about the high quality performance. My audience can expect to hear my songs as they were recorded on the albums. Also I have some theatrical elements – this year I added wings with the lights, and I start show with them, which helps me to take the audience attention from the very beginning. I like to add something new to metal music, so don’t be surprised if next time I’ll come up with something else!
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
On my latest tour in July 2024 I had some throat problems, and I asked people for some cognac right from the stage. I got it and drank it right on the stage, and this wasn’t my typical performance at all!
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
Our drummer has Pearl drum kit, and our guitarist plays on Ibanez. I play piano myself, and my favourite pianos are grand pianos by Steinway and Blluthner, but unfortunately they are too big and too expensive. If you ask me about microphones, recently I got old but good Beyerdynamic, and I really like its sound!
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
I released my latest single “Poetry Of Despair” in July, and I’m going to release a collaboration song with German band Lyriel in September.
What are your plans for the next 6 months or so?
Crowdfunding for the new album, the UK tour and festival in Germany in December. Meanwhile I need to finish composing the new album, to record it and to have a few shows in Russia as well J and don’t forget all the document work for the UK and German visas!
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
I’d like to be a support act for Tarja or Kamelot, and for my opening act I’d like to choose Flowerleaf or Crusade of Bards (we already played together in my previous tours, and they are really nice guys!)
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
If you want to check out more new music, then fire up our Headline Act playlists on Spotify and YouTube!
Anna KiaRa: facebook | instagram | spotify | bandcamp | youtube | bigcartel
