Each Measure Feature: Anana Kaye
FEATURE
Anana Kaye’s latest single, “Cordelia,” soars with a catchy melody, flawless vocals, and a full sound that vamps not only a strong message but also anticipation for a promising new album. Anana Kaye is a Nashville-based singer and songwriter. Her collaboration with fellow songwriter and musician Irakli Gabriel has produced a stream of EPs and singles.
Filled with Shakespearean references, the lyricism of this track features the youngest of King Lear’s three daughters, Cordelia, and her role speaking truth amidst a world of pain, delusion, and chaos. And if you don’t know the ins and outs of Shakespeare’s King Lear, “Cordelia” rejuvenates the classic with enough energy, beauty, and bold questioning to reveal to anyone the modern relevance of an age-old story. As a theater nerd myself, I loved picking out the direct references to the inspirational story: an unending raging storm, a wildness likened to blindness, and the cries of an outcast. Kaye’s choice lyrics are a beautifully stripped-back version of Shakespeare’s rich play, distilled to the most poetically resonating moments of injustice and confusion that surround Cordelia’s narrative. In speaking about the inspiration for this track, Kaye recounts her interest in this character, with specific interest in questioning what it means to speak the truth in a world of extreme rage and fragility. The simmering verses lead up to a punchy chorus that sticks around hours after listening, the resounding question “Are you there?” summarizing a bold confrontation in the midst of chaos.
Her clever lyricism seems perfectly crafted to be boosted by a chorus of harmonies. Kaye’s expressive voice is both powerful and soothing, the melody expressed with a smoky tension while backup vocals add a little more funk with murmurs and belts, and nostalgic oohs and aahs added in just the right moments. I can only imagine what the mix looks like with the many vocal tracks and such full instrumentation, complete with disco-esque beats and a plucky bassline. The arrangement more than delivers; with its adventurous arrangement, listeners can only wonder what is in store for the new album. But Kaye’s voice is not just that of a stunning singer.
The striking cover for this single features Kaye herself in traditional Georgian attire. As a proud Georgian national, Kaye is also an inspiring example of using her platform to inform, express, and activate listeners with more than just music. Exploring her socials even for just a minute gives the sense of a young talent who is unafraid of being a voice for change…as well as rocking the indie music scene. If this is the future for emerging musicians, I couldn’t be more excited. Anana Kaye- we’ll be listening.
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