Anna Storm is a Pop-R&B artist, whose music radiates confidence and oozes swag. Built upon the desire to encourage others to step out their comfort zones and be fearless, Storm has crafted a sound not to be reckoned with.
Hailing from a small town in Connecticut, Storm spent much of her childhood disregarded from others and continuously harassed by school bullies. Her only escape was music, allowing her to channel her emotions when there was no one else but herself. It was then that Anna Storm was born.
Through adversity and determination Storm flourished in confidence, blooming into the fearless alpha female she is today. Storm declares, “You don’t need anyone’s approval, not about what you wear, not about what you do, not about what you feel. Self-love and self-confidence are such beautiful things, and they equate to power for those who decide to embrace them”.
What inspired the title Clown Tears? Any particular reference there?
Clown Tears was inspired by a couple of things. First, clown tears are when you put on a happy face to conceal the pain you’re feeling inside– like in a toxic relationship you do this as a defense mechanism and protective measure. Also, your significant other is a clown because he cannot act like a real man who truly values you and puts you on a pedestal. You are the ringleader and you decide when the circus is UP– if your clown of a man is not putting yourself on a pedestal, its time that you put yourself on that pedestal and love yourself enough to walk away from someone who takes you for granted.
How did you get yourself out of a toxic relationship? Any tips and tricks?
I got myself out of a toxic relationship by being strong enough to realize my own self-worth and by taking care of myself. Since I knew my S.O. was neglecting me, I took myself out on dates– treated and pampered myself. I gave myself all the love and affection which I should have been receiving from him– this in turn made me feel better about myself and reminded myself of my worth. I was able to let go of him because I was so focused on bettering myself that I did not have any time nor energy to focus on what he lacked. You need to love yourself so much that you are unable to tolerate any disrespect from anyone else– don’t give anyone any discounts on YOU! Just focus on positivity and improving your own life, and it will become easier to let go of people who do not contribute to your being.
How did you discover acting and how did it become a parallel career for you?
I used to do musical theater and acting classes growing up, so it was something that I was interested in from a young age. I just loved the spotlight and playing a different character, so acting really struck that chord for me. Since I had that affinity and skillset from an early age, it was a no brainer when acting opportunities would arise. I also grew a love for reality based acting as well– “Anna Storm” is a persona which I play every day on social media– I am always acting in a sense. Yes, my persona is me but a very exaggerated version of me for entertainment sake– so because I’m always acting even in my music career, acting in and of itself is natural to me.
Does it take more discipline to be an actor compared to being a musician?
It takes more discipline to be a musician because as an actor you are just interpreting someone else’s vision for the most part– whereas with music you actually have to have your own vision and be able to transmute that to viewers through song. I think being a musician and creating your own material requires way more creativity than acting– it requires that you be a visionary. While acting isn’t easy, you do not have to be as creative to be an actor.
When did you know you wanted to be a singer? Is there an episode in your life you can remember?
I knew I wanted to be a singer when I would steal my mom’s Mariah Carey CDs and play them in secret trying to sing along with all the vocal runs. I actually could sing a lot of the runs and essentially taught myself to sing that way. It was so fun for me as a kid to do this– I felt like I was playing acrobatics with my voice. I would then perform these songs very dramatically per what I had watched on MTV– I pretended to be a diva. I then realized I was meant to be a diva and be one of those people on TV one day!
What is your favorite moment on set so far?
My favorite moment on set so far was when I was filming for Snapchat’s “Phone Swap” which is a popular reality dating show and I volunteered myself to twerk on a blind date on TV. I told my date that I was a twerkaholic, so he asked me to twerk on the table– it was so silly and ridiculous. I really have no shame and not much embarrasses me– this is why I can be so entertaining. It is natural for me to be in the spotlight– that is where I shine brightest.
What are some of your mentors in both industries?
Some of my mentors are just people I follow on social media that I really respect– other veterans and people who have perfected the craft. There are way too many to name and I don’t want to leave anyone out– but I am constantly engaged with social media and trying to learn from experts on various platforms.
What can you tell anyone who is aiming at entering the entertainment business? Tips, words of wisdom?
I would say to anyone who wants to go into entertainment that you need to be patient and consistent because it isn’t an overnight phenomenon, but if you are consistent over time you will start to see results. Also, even if no one believes in you in the beginning, ignore them and believe in yourself– trust me they will all jump on the bandwagon once you start to get more traction. Just be super focused and self-motivated and do not listen to anyone but yourself– THIS IS YOUR JOURNEY!
