A country-pop artist from Far North Queensland, Anais Campbell returns from a brief hiatus with her newest song exploring the solo journey musicians often take with their creative pursuits.
Almost a year since her previous release (the single, 'Back To Me'), Campbell's latest offering is titled 'Small Things Everyday' and explores wearing someone else's shoes and shouldering the opinions of others – an experience that shaped Campbell's early days as an emerging musician in the country music scene.
A rich, rustic acoustic guitar riff twangs to life, its energy instantly vibrant drawing you in as Anais' clear, emotive vocals add a passion that's tangible.
The song's pop-country tones lean more towards the pop spectrum (think Noah Cyrus, Kelsea Ballerini), but that earnest quality of country music shines through via a slide guitar as the rhythm continues to glide along, like a cantering horse enjoying the open plains.
It's equally mediative as is its fierce potency, Anais singing about pursuing long-term goals while remaining staunch when others question your career path. "What if I did, what if I do, doesn't make sense to you. . . doesn't have to," the Cairns artist coos fondly.
"It's an anthem for those who believe in who they are and what they offer, achieving their goals through small things every day," Campbell says.
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (27 February), today scenestr is delighted to premiere 'Small Things Everyday'. Enjoy.
"I wrote the base of 'Small Things Everyday' in all of 15 minutes," adds Anais. "It all started late at night on my couch, when I was feeling a mix of inspiration to write, but also overall stuck in my creative journey.
"The words went onto paper pretty easily, straight from the heart and mind. With intention, 'Small Things Everyday' began. I was able to bring it all together alongside ASHA, an incredible songwriter based in Sydney.
"She and I have had a few songwriting sessions together. She just gets me. It's unique to find as a songwriter, to be able to explain a vibe, your feelings and purpose to someone, and to have them help capture it in lyrics. I love working with her.
"This song represents where I am at as a writer, musician but also as a human navigating my 20s."
An artist who recorded her debut EP in Nashville when she was only 17, and has graced coveted stages like Tamworth Country Music Festival, Anais worked with Melbourne-based producer Ben Oldland on 'Small Things Everyday'.
"He is everything I need in a producer," Campbell says, "fun, relatable, collaborative, a listener and truly wants the best for the artists he works with.
"I loved being in the studio for a few days, as we built these tracks from scratch, from base instrumentation, to synths and heaps of vocal layers.
"I seriously adore the studio environment, especially one where my ideas are valued and actioned, but also challenged where needed. He often has his family dog in the studio too, a big bonus for me being a dog loverrrr!"
