EXCLUSIVE: Interview & Giveaway With New-York Based Rocker, Anna Rose

Anna Rose has a sweet, if not cute name. Her father is Oscar-winning Disney composer, Alan Menken. Put two and two together and you would assume the singer/songwriter created delicate, catchy pop tunes. Nothing could be farther from the truth, however. This New York-based rocker brings an emotional, poignant, and raw sensibility reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and Janis Joplin with a splash of Ani DiFranco.

Her latest album ‘Behold a Pale Horse’ is an addictive mixture of classic rock n’ roll, blues, and soul. It represents a departure from her debut release ‘Nomad’, signifying a maturation, empowerment, and self-awareness previously undetected.

I got a chance to catch up with Anna Rose in advance of her show with Julia Weldon and Nero, My Panda tonight (Friday) at New York’s Knitting Factory to discuss her name, her influences, why she will never be a Disney girl, and what we can expect from her live show.

For info on tonight’s show, click here.

GIVEAWAY: Click here for a chance to win a copy of Anna Rose's 'Behold a Pale Horse'!

ASHLEY BAYLEN (AB): Many people hear your name and assume your music will be sweet, soft, feminine, and “pretty”. You have been quoted saying “Don’t let the name fool you.” For those unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe your sound?

ANNA ROSE (AR): I would say I write and play rock 'n' roll.

AB: Were you ever concerned that your name might deter potential fans from listening to your music? Did you ever consider adopting a stage name?

AR: Yes, I suppose I always feel a bit concerned about that, but my real name is Anna Rose and I'm going to stick with it. My name is a part of who I am.

AB: Your new album ‘Behold a Pale Horse’ shows a maturity and raw vulnerability that wasn’t as evident on your debut release ‘Nomad’. Can you describe what’s changed in you as a songwriter in between these two releases?

AR: I think I was still searching for my "home" as a songwriter on Nomad. By the time I finished Behold A Pale Horse, I had found my home.

AB: What inspired the album’s title, ‘Behold a Pale Horse’?

AR: The title is actually a phrase from the Book of Revelation, but it took on a much different meaning for me as I worked on the album. It was the inspiration for every song, in one way or another. It was the working title all the way through the recording process and once the album was finished, I knew I couldn't change it. Those words had taken on so many different meanings by the end. I suppose it's my way of giving credit.

AB: Your father is Oscar-winning Disney composer Alan Menken. Did you ever consider pursuing the Disney route a la Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, or Christina Aguilera?

AR: No. That's not my style.

For more on Anna Rose, go to page 2!