February 2023

During those quarantine stay-at-home years, music became all the more prominent in my life. I was constantly searching for new music, and it was Annabelle’s Tik Tok platform that introduced me to many underground hip-hop gems and new artists. 

This week, I got to meet none other than Annabelle Kline herself! Her platform is a home for the music-loving community. I recommend checking out her entertaining videos and her creative playlist curation business. 

I absolutely love your playlist curation, your social media content for the music community, and the events that you plan. What do you think is the most critical skill you’ve developed from all these experiences?

Being in charge of so many different things - from social media, to running a business, to doing shows - has shown me that consistency is really important. This means working through the days where I feel really discouraged, and having the self-discipline to do what I need to do. Following up, showing up for people, and doing what you say you will is critical. 

I am an avid Jhene Aiko fan. Her words have been my mantra in life. In what way do certain artists (and music in general) influence or elevate your personal life?

I listen to a lot of artists who are people I really look up to. Being able to take in an artist's wisdom through their lyrics is a great way to guide you. For me, those are artists like Erykah Badu when she says “Free your mind and find your way, there will be a better day”. Or when Pharrell says “The motivation for me is them telling me what I could not be”. If I’m going through a hard time, their lyrics will pop up in my brain and remind me that I gotta keep going. 

How do you move forward from rejection or disappointment; and conversely, how do you continue building on successful endeavors?

It’s definitely hard to deal with rejection and disagreements in both business and music. In SZA’s song “Far”, she says “I'm dealing with a lot of rejection”, and Sadhguru's response is “If nobody wants you… you’re free”. If I’m getting rejected, I'm set free from that person or situation. I tend to zoom out when I get rejected. Even the most successful people deal with a ton of rejection. I also am the kind of person that firmly believes in divine timing. I have a deep trust in the universe and its plan for my life. If I get rejected, it may be for the best anyway. Building something successful in the face of rejection means having a clear goal, being willing to make changes and compromises, and going with the flow. It’s about passion and self-trust. 

What has been your greatest learning experience in your music career, and in your time spent with the music community?

The most impactful learning experience was being in an unfamiliar room and realizing that I can be myself. Last year, I went on tour with Earthgang and spent a week in an Atlanta studio with all of the Sincethe80’s artists, including JID and Earthgang. It was a week or more with a bunch of very powerful famous people and men. I learned to let go and be my authentic self, instead of standing in a corner and being reserved or nervous. I’d be thinking “I don’t give a f*** what these famous people think of me, I’m going to be myself!” That mindset actually helped me make friends with everyone and become more comfortable in the space. 

Who has been your greatest supporter and cheerleader in this journey?

My first cheerleaders were my college roommates. When I dropped my first merch, they were the first to buy. I had a show in LA recently, a bunch of them came and they were so excited to see how everything had grown. I feel very grateful for my family and friends. I also have a very strong community of dope women who lift me up. 

Finally, what is the one piece of advice that you’d give to a female-identifying creative in the music industry?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. As a woman in the music industry, it can feel like you need to put on this front like you have everything figured out, so people don’t take advantage of you. There's nothing wrong with getting support from the people around you. I struggle with asking for help because I don't want to come across as weak, or like I don't know what I'm doing. But listening to those fears can be very isolating and can shut you out of a lot of knowledge and growth. Surround yourself with other women in music and supportive women in general! I recommend finding a female mentor or a woman that you look up to, whether it be friends or professionals in music.