July 10, 2019

Check out Anslee Connell’s Artwork

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anslee Connell.

Anslee, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I’m from a small town outside Savannah, Georgia, and I grew up in a family band. My dad put on a music festival in our backyard every summer, which is where I got my start singing in band and for the public. When I moved to Austin 12 years ago, I started a photography business and then a clothing design business shortly thereafter. It wasn’t until 6 years ago that I formed my band, Savannah Red. It took me a while to be honest with myself that I wanted to pursue singing and songwriting because it was what I’d been dreaming about, but I never felt good enough or brave enough to truly go after it. I went through a breakup that left me almost homeless if it weren’t for the support of my family, and during that time, I realized that music was the most important thing to me. A few years later, I endured a traumatic incident that almost claimed my life, and when I recovered, I made the decision to become a full-time musician as I’d truly landed in who I was and what I was meant to do. I knew I’d be supported in my quest to sing, write songs, and change the world, one note at a time.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I create jazz, blues, and heart-centered soul songs with my 5-piece band. It is my calling to be a singer and songwriter, and I choose to use my talent and calling to serve the greater good. My songs are mostly uplifting and consciously created. I hope when people listen to my music, they feel something, be it good, happy, turned on, or inspired. It took a long time for me to truly find my voice and own my personal power, and I’ve infused that journey into my work. I love what I do! I also want women to feel empowered to pursue their calling, to take up space in the world, to do what the hell they wanna do, and to love themselves. My first original album, “Paper Doll,” is coming out this Fall and I’m very much looking forward to releasing it!

Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
The biggest challenge facing artists today is lack of financial support. Artists are being priced out of cities these days, funding programs are getting cut continually, and lots of places that want to book artists for things tend to lowball their payment or ask for their art in exchange for “exposure” which typically does nothing for the artist. We need the financial support in order to continue doing what we are called to do, and there needs to be more city-funded programs, non-profits, and organizations that are passionate about giving artists fair and consistent pay for their talent, passion, and hard work.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can go to my website at www.savannahredmusic.com or facebook.com/savannahredmusic. You can support my work by signing up on my mailing list, ordering my merch, or booking my band to play at an event or venue.

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