Anna Shoemaker on 'Everything is Fine (I'm Only on Fire)'

There has been a lot of exciting music coming out of Brooklyn, New York, and Anna Shoemaker’s debut album, Everything is Fine (I’m Only on Fire) is no exception. The artist has a strong sense of self, which is evident when listening through her first project. It is uniquely her—made up of pieces of her diary over the past two years. It’s incredibly balanced and authentic. The project contrasts themes of falling in love with darker themes like self-destruction. Twenty Minutes Later got the chance to ask Anna a few questions about her debut album via email. Read our interview below.

THIS IS YOUR DEBUT ALBUM. HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS TIME TO PUT OUT A BIGGER PROJECT?

Honestly, it just felt like the right time to share a larger story!

THE ALBUM STARTS WITH “Until I Die.” WAS THAT THE FIRST SONG YOU WROTE FOR THE ALBUM?

No, it was actually maybe the last song I wrote for the album! I wanted it first because it starts out right away and it’s straight to the point— it just felt like a good F U starting point!!

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE TRACKLIST FOR THE PROJECT? IS IT THE TYPE OF ALBUM YOU WANT PEOPLE TO LISTEN TO FROM START TO FINISH?

Yes, definitely! At first, I sat down with my friend Mikey and he helped me sort of build a skeleton. It was like writing a story— it had to have a beginning, middle, and end, not only lyrically but sonically. Then, I went through it again with my manager and team at the label and we all listened over and thought it through as a listener. There was a lot of trial and error.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION PEOPLE LISTENING TO THE PROJECT? WHERE ARE THEY LISTENING TO IT/WHAT ARE THEY DOING?

Ideally on a long drive, drinking coffee! But, honestly, I feel like it’s very versatile. If whoever’s reading this has listened to the album start to finish, let me know where and when! I wanna know the vibes!

IS THERE A STORY BEHIND THE NAME OF THE PROJECT, Everything Is Fine (I’m Only on Fire)?

When we wrote the song “Everything is Fine,” I knew it had to be the title track. It really encapsulated the vibe and message of the album. Everything is FINE!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PART OF THE ALBUM?

“Change My Mind” and “Long Drive Home” are super special to me. They just feel particularly freestyle and diary-like. It’s some of my favorite writing I’ve done.

YOU HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS “BROOKLYN’S OLIVIA RODRIGO.” IS THAT A BIG TITLE TO LIVE UP TO?

Maybe! I’m not sure! I love her so much.

WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR INFLUENCES WHEN YOU WERE MAKING THE ALBUM?

My friends! I was lucky enough to get to write this album with some of my best friends and my boyfriend. Andreas Stavropolis, Middle Part, Richie Quake, Invisible Will, Mikey Freedom Hart, and Khaya Cohen all had big influences on the sound of my album. I think it’s a really special time to be making music in New York right now, there’s a really great community.

ARE THERE ANY OVERALL THEMES OR THINGS YOU LEARNED WHILE WORKING ON Everything Is Fine (I’m Only on Fire)?

I learned the importance of taking your time and not compromising anything for your art. There were definitely moments where I had to make tough decisions and have tough conversations, but I always prioritized the music and the project and I’m proud of that! It was really hard work.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE OTHER PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM LISTENING?

That it’s okay to feel your feelings and it’s okay to be dramatic if that’s what you want to do.

YOU CAN LISTEN TO Everything is Fine (I’m Only on Fire) ON STREAMING SERVICES LIKE SPOTIFY AND APPLE MUSIC. GO LISTEN AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW @twentyminuteslater TO STAY UPDATED ON FUTURE POSTS.