Conversations with the Inspiring Anna Coen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Coen.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Anna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am captivated by beauty and mystery, and as far as I can remember, I have been that way for a long time. Stories, adventures (particularly in the mountains), and different forms of art have been my inspiration and sanity for many years. Music, however, I see as my language.

I got my first guitar when I was a young child and promptly broke 3 of the six strings. I used to believe I inherited my mom’s singing ability (God bless her), so I smothered the secret dream of ever becoming a singer or musician. However, some passions are so strong, even a lack of skill can’t keep you away. I started writing songs when I was a young teenager, mostly alone, all really terrible. But at last, my heart had a language. I wrote because it made me come alive. I wrote because music could say what mere words could not. What words do justice when you summit a mountain or encounter the living, loving God, or watch the slow change of a compost garden becoming rich soil for your veggies? No prose I’ve ever found has done those sacred things anywhere close to justice. Music and poetry, however, begin to scratch the surface of the beauty and mystery of the world around me. So I write, and I sing, and I play. Not to be heard, but to express. Not for fame, but for honesty. Where I reach a dead-end in prose, I pick up my pen and guitar and attempt to put melody and poetry behind the human experience.

My first release was a short EP called “Her Name is Time.” These songs are me grappling with each aspect of time (past, present & future). Next, I released a cover of “Annie’s Song” by John Denver as a tribute to my sister for her beautiful marriage. Last, I released a short single called “Genesis”: a song about new life dedicated to my new baby niece, Gracie. A new project has taken shape, but all I can say so far is each of the songs is written from the perspective of different women from Scripture.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If “smooth” means without fear and pain, no. It has not been smooth. I’ve had to face some immense fear, chief among those the elusive fear of failure. Facing fears head-on is an ugly process. Weaving your heart and soul in a 3-minute song and putting in front of a stranger and asking “you like it?” is 1000% uncomfortable, and often times, hurtful.

However, I was recently told, “The attentive listener will hear the secrets of the song.” No longer do I strive to be “understood,” but rather to be honest and true. My favorite leader of this lifestyle is Jesus. I look at the things he said and am shocked by the mystery. He was not out to defend himself or be understood. He was out to say what true and to speak with heart. The rest was up to the listener to receive. I want to be like him. My advice for all creatives (everyone, by the way), is to create. And then do it again. And keep going until you die. Share the creations if you want, or don’t. That’s not really the point. The point is to give your heart a language.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I am a songwriter and a singer. I write music with heart. I am proud that I said “yes” to sharing my art. I am proud that I have started the journey to becoming a better poet and musician.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Absolutely. We, as woman, see the beauty and pain of the world in a unique way. Many women often feel deeply, which allows us to express deeply, which inspires others to change deeply. People welcome art that moves them, and women are superstars at creating heartfelt works of art.

Contact Info:

• Email: anna.coen.music@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_coen_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacoenmusic/?view_public_for=105616800927909

Image Credit:
Miah Bofill of MB Images

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.