Ana Egge is a singer-songwriter and apprentice luthier from Brooklyn, NY. She has released 13 studio albums, playing her homemade guitar. Egge’s music has been praised by critics for its honesty, vulnerability, and beauty. She was born in Canada, and raised in North Dakota, and has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. Egge is the subject of a 2015 documentary film, Bright Shadow. She has been featured in Billboard, Rolling Stone, and on NPR to name a few.
Ana Egge’s newest album, “Sharing in the Spirit,” is a collection of songs that touch on politics, addiction, sex, and love. In our interview, we discuss getting back on the road, how to talk about difficult topics…and Egge’s pink suit.
You’ve always struck me as a sensitive storyteller, someone who isn’t afraid to go deep, like in the song “He’s a Killer Now.” How do you tap into that pain?
Well, thank you. The only way to the other side is through right? And a friend just said to me the other day, the only way through is together. I don’t think we can feel the good stuff if we shut out the hard stuff. My loved ones have been through the wringer. My family has experienced a lot of tragedy, including deaths, suicide attempts, and ongoing mental health struggles. Perhaps loving people struggling through all that really opens you up to a new kind of acceptance and compassion for others who are struggling too.
Similarly, “Door Won’t Close” taps into a difficult experience and the freedom of leaving it behind. What do you hope listeners will take from it?
Is it brave or stupid to put yourself and others at further risk? Maybe both? My therapist told me once that the best time to stand up to an abuser is anytime you can. What do I hope listeners will take from it Maybe there’s room for more examples of people standing up for each other. I survived telling a hard truth, you probably can too.
I’ve been talking with my friends lately about how local music scenes have changed since lockdown. What is your sense, now that you’ve been back on the road for a bit?
Yeah, lots of places have closed and new places have opened. I’m just so psyched to be out playing again! In the beginning, the joy and excitement was really palpable coming from the audience too and it still feels that way. We all just went through a crazy painful, unimaginable thing. It still feels too close to be able to fully grasp it.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming album, Sharing in the Spirit?
I can’t wait to share these new songs! To perform each night with my amazing band and I just love traveling and being in new situations. Plus I got a PINK SUIT for the tour:)
What’s one lesson you feel you’ve learned, and plan to take with you in the future, after recording this album?
I scrapped a few things in the making of the album. Certain parts and certain instruments didn’t work, and I re-recorded some things. I felt I had more freedom to do that this time around for some reason. Or maybe it’s because the songs were just quietly telling me what they needed and I’m a little deaf. But I kept listening and it was very obvious once the songs were happy!
Sharing in the Spirit will be out on May 17
Ana Egge — Official, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter