“Sorry Doesn’t Work” (except it does in this song)
photo by Max Baker
The LA-based singer/songwriter Anna Dellaria released a powerful new single “Sorry Doesn’t Work,” that lyrically delivers a story many of us can relate to. From the very beginning Anna delivers a strong vocal performance, backed by a very complimentary guitar. There are airy melodies in the background that contrast against Anna’s boldness, but aside from that, her voice is what carries the song. And she makes it sound effortless.
You could say that from the beginning I was intrigued. I recognized that a lot of thought and passion went into this song. It felt very personal, and I love listening to lyrics that clearly mean something to the singer. You can clearly hear and feel the amount of care that Anna has put into this song, because she truly sounds like she’s giving it her all. And this goes for what the lyrics are trying to say as well. She is trying her best to make things right. The song keeps building and building.
I appreciated her soothing and controlled voice because I felt that it helped deliver the emotion in the words immensely. I felt the pain in her voice, I heard the remorse, I understood where she was coming from, and I enjoyed hearing her side of the apology. The last chorus of the song is my favorite, as the emotion and power only amplifies, and the consistent building throughout the song paid off pleasantly in my ears. I was impressed with Anna’s runs and, again, her control.
This song is one that can be sung loudly and passionately along with during times when you feel helpless or hopeless. I might imagine belting this in the shower after a particularly long day at work, or in your bedroom as you cry over a break-up, in the car, really just whenever, because the best time to sing a song like this is most definitely in the car where you can be alone and get in your feels.
You can listen to Anna Dellaria’s new single “Sorry Doesn’t Work” on your platform of preference, and you SHOULD! It’s a really beautiful song, performed by a very talented singer. And, if you are in the LA area, be sure to look into her upcoming performance at the Genghis Cohen on February 20th.
Anna was kind enough to answer a few questions about her music, her journey, and her new single. Keep reading to see what she had to say!
photo by Derek McCoy
An Interview with Anna Dellaria
Sarah: When did you first realize that music was your passion and that you wanted to do it full-time?
Anna Dellaria: It's always been something that has honestly felt just inherently a part of me. I'd say I was about 6 years old when I realized that everyone else wasn't obsessed with singing and making melodies and that this was in a way something I uniquely loved and would want to do forever.
S: What has being in the music industry been like?
AD: A legit roller coaster. The anticipation and excitement is much like climbing to the top of some crazy drop. Then throughout you experience fear, anxiety, and then really awesome joy and adrenaline, and then some days it feels like when you're at the end of the ride and you're just kind've sitting there waiting for the next thing after you conquered that initial fear. So you get back on and go again haha. That's specific to the industry itself, but the art and writing process is the greatest love of all time.
S: How does it feel to have your music gain more attention, such as being played on networks like HBO and getting acclaim from The Four Oh Five and Indie Shuffle?
AD: One of the coolest things has by far been watching new listeners discover and connect with the music on their favorite shows. I think sync, in particular, is great because it connects the music to listeners in a way that no other platform can; If you're two favorite characters finally get together - you're probably going to be much more emotionally attached to the music, etc. that's helped create that special moment. At the end of the day, my goal with sharing the music I make is that it connects or moves someone, and to know that it's doing that across those platforms is the most rewarding thing.
S: What would you say is your most notable accomplishment so far as an artist?
AD: Connecting with my sound and my message as an artist more and more throughout the last 6 months. Having been challenged to really reconnect with what I want to say and how I want that to sound and move has been the greatest accomplishment for me. It's really easy to be just okay or palatable in general, but I think it's harder to maintain that initial authenticity and childlike innovation we all have when we first start out creating music.
S: Could you tell me a little bit about your upcoming release “Sorry Doesn’t Work”?
AD: It's definitely a more stripped-down perspective of my music, and one of my more vulnerable songs in terms of it being mostly a guitar, my voice, and real-life experience of f*cking up big time haha.
S: Is there a memory you could share with us about writing the song or what the song means to you?
AD: I got together with two of my good friends and favorite collaborators, Emily Kocontes and Jonny Shorr. I was venting about how I had just been in a weird place where I kept starting fights for no reason (projecting my own crap onto my partner), and/or been saying things I didn't really mean that were just impulsive. In all of this my biggest frustration was that every time I apologized it just felt so useless - like clearly, I can't take back the words or just magically fast forward through forgiveness. "Sorry Doesn't Work" became this declaration of helplessness for those of us who feel useless or out of control when trying to help someone heal. Whether in a relationship or just trying to comfort someone you love.
S: What is your music writing process like?
AD: It really depends! I write a lot just myself and piano. I also write a lot in collaborative sessions with friends or other co-writers and producers in order to keep things fresh. Writing has always felt like this necessity (even if it's bad writing!) so although there's a lot of it I try to really focus in on the songs that I actually love vs. the ones that I just needed to write as a way of processing how I'm feeling.
S: I know you are planning on touring along the West Coast. Any plans to travel elsewhere in the United States for shows?
AD: Yes! My ultimate goal is to get to the East Coast this year, which is in the works but for now, all I can say is stay tuned ;)
S: What does the future look like for you? What are some of your goals?
AD: Hopefully a lot more live shows and a lot more moments of people connecting to the music. Challenging myself to make better music and have it move people are my main goals. Hope you enjoy what's to come :)
Article and interview by Sarah Vincent, chief editor.