Anana Kaye is riding high—her recent singles “Cordelia” and “There Is A War” have secured her a record deal on Meridian (ECR Music Group), reignited the Nashville-based artist’s audience on five continents, and garnered editorial lauds from Apple Music—the service included each track on their ‘New In Alternative’ global playlist for a combined six consecutive weeks. Now Kaye, originally a native of the Republic of Georgia, releases her full length Meridian debut, Are You There?, out March 20th. Called, “Gorgeous. Rich and strong, yet tender and translucent,” by The Huffington Post, Kaye and her long-time musical collaborator and co-writer, Irakli Gabriel, have made an album for a world at its tipping point—a world of beauty and tragedy—a dichotomy reflected and projected in this striking collection of new songs.
“The album is a reflection of our uncertain, chaotic, and deeply human times, exploring the challenges of navigating the new world disorder we’re living in,” says Kaye. “The songs are personal, but the themes are global. It was written in the wake of the war in Ukraine, the fight for freedom in Georgia, the tensions of life in the States and the loss of close collaborator and friend David Olney.”
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 evident in her work, her harmonic sensibilities, and the intricate nature of her arrangements, melodies, and vocal harmonies. The unique garment the artist wears on the album’s cover artwork (designed by Ana Dvali, and photographed by Giorgi Kolbaia) 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.
“What possesses a person to uproot their family and move to another country? Desperation and hope,” Kaye explains, referring to the album’s tentpole track “Cross The Water.” She adds, “Crossing that water is inevitable, one way or another. The journey has started, and once you cross to the other side, there’s no going back. From that point on you’re always a stranger, a refugee.”
Produced by Charlie Chamberlain and featuring appearances by David Bowie collaborators Tim Lefebvre and Mark Plati, the album brings together bold production and musicians from different corners of the world. Kaye and Gabriel call it, “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?’”
Anana Kaye’s new album Are You There? is out March 20th on Meridian (ECR Music Group).
