The Huffington Post hails Anana Kaye’s work as, “Gorgeous. Rich and strong, yet tender and translucent.” American Songwriter adds, “This lush, acoustic instrumentation lays out a musical bed that perfectly highlights Kaye’s vocals front and center.” Now, the celebrated Nashville-based artist—a native of the Republic of Georgia—joins the distinguished roster at Meridian (ECR Music Group) for her forthcoming new album out early next year, Are You There?, and its debut single “Cordelia,” out December 2nd.
Alongside her long-time musical collaborator and co-writer Irakli Gabriel, Kaye explains that she’s made an album for a world at its tipping point—a world of beauty and tragedy—and one she wants to meet head on. “In a world driven by deceit, flattery, and bullshit, what happens when someone decides to speak the truth?,” says Kaye. “That’s what drew me to the character of Cordelia from King Lear. I wanted to explore those timeless but contemporary Shakespearian themes, and set them against a disco beat with adventurous arrangements—a clash between raw truth and seductive illusion.”
Growing up in a culture rich with deep musical traditions, Kaye was profoundly influenced by the storytelling nature of Georgian music. The potent presence of that influence continues to be present in her work, her harmonic sensibilities, and the intricate nature of her arrangements, melodies, and vocal harmonies. “Cordelia” is no exception—what’s more, the striking garment the artist wears on the single’s cover artwork has traditional Georgian elements.
Kaye’s path led her to Nashville, where she began blending these influences with Americana, folk, and alternative rock. Her acclaimed collaborations with Americana pioneer David Olney, her work on The Waterboys’ recent record Life, Death and Dennis Hopper alongside Bruce Springsteen and Fiona Apple, and her featured appearance on the tribute album Can’t Steal My Fire with Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams have secured her musical reputation with remarkable speed.
Of her forthcoming new album Are You There?, Kaye explains how the album’s songs are personal, but its themes are global. “The album is a reflection of our uncertain, chaotic, and deeply human times, exploring the challenges of navigating this new world disorder we’re living in,” says Kaye. Recorded against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, Georgia’s struggle for freedom, and the tensions of life in the States, the album brings together bold production and musicians from different corners of the world to create what Kaye and Gabriel call, “A musical silk road that echoes the tragedy of yesterday, the fears of tomorrow, and the beauty that makes life meaningful today, leaving us not with answers but with one simple question: Are You There?”
“Cordelia,” the first single from Anana Kaye’s new album Are You There?, is out December 2nd on Meridian (ECR Music Group).
