Singer/Songwriter Anna Rose isn’t afraid to get personal on her new record Last Girl of The Rodeo.

The autobiographical concept album finds Rose blending genres from rock, pop, country alternative, and indie. It’s a project she is truly proud of and hopes that audiences connect with it in one way or another.

She caught up with us over Zoom to discuss the album and much more.

Hi Anna! Congrats on the release of Last Girl of The Rodeo! You must be excited for everyone to finally hear it! First, can you tell us a little about the creation process?

We recorded this record in 2021. These are songs that I had written and in the process of writing while we were in pre-production. Throughout 2020, I was writing these songs and leading right down to the wire of recording I was finishing a couple of them. The process was amazing. I worked with one of my favorite producers who also produced my last record (The Light Between). The difference with this process is that the songs were immensely personal it had a real concept to them. It really is a concept record. The most important thing to do in the studio with Paul was to leave all the bulls*it out of it. To leave anything having to do with the industry out of it: managers, labels, distribution, radio…everything and just make something that felt like the truth and I think this is the closest I’ve gotten to my truth which feels really great to be putting out into the world.

What’s your typical working routine when coming up with songs?

It varies! This record I wrote a lot by myself so there were several songs that fell out of me, almost like journaling where you look back at them and go ‘oh my god! what have I written?’ There were other ones that were co-writes. The song “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” is a song that I actually wrote with Paul Moak, I think a few years before we recorded the record and we had done a demo of it in his studio and just couldn’t beat it. Part of that demo is in the final recording but I also co-write in Nashville a lot. I’m a songwriter for other people and for commercials (film/television). “Alameda” was a song that while deeply personal, I wrote with a friend of mine I often write with for other projects. It all varied for this record. My process is to serve the song, don’t serve yourself.

What part of the album creation process did you find the easiest and hardest?

The easiest part of creating the album was recording the album. I’m someone when I go in and record something I trust the way it is…I don’t micromanage the recording process. I would say the most difficult process was writing these songs because they were very painful to write and were about a painful time of my life.

As you endure the highs and lows of the music world, what has been your number 1 learning perspective of the industry, and what’s your advice for aspiring artists?

For aspiring artists I’d say, go out and play and live a show- an open mic night or a songwriter round or find friends to play instruments and make a band. I’ve spent 20 years playing shows and digging into becoming a better musician and artist and songwriter by playing in front of live audiences. It’s very different than creating on a computer in your bedroom.

Number 1 learning perspective: never compare. Your path as a music artist..your path as a songwriter is unique. The more that you look at what other people are doing…the more you forget what you’re supposed to be doing.

Exclusively to Countrypolitan, enjoy the gallery of Anna Rose.

Three words to describe your latest single “Already Gone”.

Honest, painful, and empowering

You’re so vulnerable on this new album, so do you feel like music is therapeutic in a way that it heals you? Or is it therapeutic in that it transforms you?

Ooh both! This record very much feels like a snake shedding its skin. I feel like I’m in a new phase of my life and career. I think music has the power to do that for both the creator and the listener. Because this is the most vulnerable and truthful record I’ve ever made. My only stake at that game is to connect with the people who are meant to hear it. I would hope those people are meant to be healed by these songs and also be transformed by them into something – a deeper and more truthful place in themselves because that’s what the creation of this music did for me.

Where do you imagine people listening to this new album?

I love listening to an album when I’m driving. I definitely envision it as a car album but honestly, I’d take people listening to it anywhere!

What music do you turn to when you’re feeling vulnerable or down and need comfort and space to heal?

Joni Michell, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Fleetwood Mac, Sheryl Crow. There’s something for everyone. When I need to heal it’s usually Joni.

Lastly, what are your goals for the rest of the year, next year, and beyond when it comes to your music?

I try to live a life without expectations because I think a life with expectations is kind of a killer of all joy. I try to live in the moment. But I would love to play in bigger shows. I would love to connect with as many people as I can with this album.

You can listen to the full album below.