Annessa Subero: Making a Joyful Noise

At her childhood church, Crossroads Pentecostal Assembly, she was devoutly involved in music through the congregation’s choir and musician’s team. And her musical inclination followed her through her primary and secondary school years where she was also part of the schools’ choirs.

In 2008, she became part of TT’s first all women’s band, “Nehilet Blackman and D All Girls Band” where she first entered as a vocalist and transitioned to one of the band’s guitarists. “I have been privileged to perform at several highly publicised events, both locally and internationally in countries such as Ghana, the UK, and the Bahamas,” she says of her time with the all women’s band. “Now, I have decided to leave the nest and _ y on my own.” Annessa has the privilege of being one of only a few women music producers in TT, and she suspects she may be the only woman producing gospel music right now. Last year, she released her debut single “Joyful Noise”, a self-produced track that saw great success on the local and regional gospel circuits. The track is a song of praise based on Psalm 100.

Of the track’s creation, she says, “The lyrics came while I was reflecting on how vast and marvelous the universe is. I was amazed at its beauty and wanted to offer up thanks to God.” She explains that her songwriting process usually begins with the idea she would like to convey, and while writing she is always mindful of the lyrics being relatable to others. “I go with what feels good.” Having been surrounded by music for most of her life, she has had the opportunity of working with countless producers but explains the frustration “when you hear something in your head and you are the only one who hears it.” In fact, it is this very frustration that drove her to begin producing her own music. “My background in music and being exposed to so many top-notch musicians and producers has shaped my approach to constructing songs,” she elaborates.

She describes her gospel style as a modern blend of pop, neo soul, and trap music. She is also inspired by the musical genre jamoo (Jehovah’s Music), which was created by the late musical pioneer Lord Shorty, also known as Ras Shorty I. “But I won’t be limited by any particular genre,” she says of the limitations she refuses to set on herself and her music. “Music is one expression of emotion and a song can take any form depending on the feeling involved.” She also refuses to be limited by gender.

Although in a male-dominated industry, she describes her equal work ethic as garnering her just as much respect as and from her male counterparts. “They can’t knock you if you’re working just as hard as they are,” she says lightly. “They respect me as a new producer and never once have I heard ‘You are doing great… for a girl’.” She also hopes, as a producer, to support up-and-coming women artists who need mentorship and support in their musical careers.

She hopes that by setting an example of a successful woman in music, other women can see themselves in her. “I want all women who are interested in music to know that it is not gender specific. You can do whatever you like, do it well, and be respected without the gender tags,” she says of what she hopes her work and creations will inspire. She continues, “Be the bassists, sound engineers, producers, and DJs. This realm doesn’t just need more women in these areas, but creatives who are willing to push the envelope. Your gender should never stop you.” And while the genre of gospel is known for praise to a higher power, Annessa does not only limit her lyrics to that of worship. “Through my lyrics, I try to convey that it’s ok to be human. We win and we lose. On my Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/annessamusic) there is a song called ‘Moving Forward’ which speaks about failures we may come across in our lives and the importance of getting up and continuing on your journey,” she says of the allencompassing lyrics and music she creates, with hopes that every person can listen and have a takeaway.

This month, she will be releasing her next single featuring Nathaniel (known for his single “For Better or Worse”), called “Nobody”. She shares that the track is an upbeat, melodic, and introspective song of God’s love and mercy in her life. “It’s Hip-Hop inspired, so look out for those banging 808s!” she says coyly ahead of the song’s release.

In the future, she hopes to have her own record label and work with young creatives, like herself, who are hoping to spread words of encouragement, praise, and love to the world. She also has a special place in her heart for women artists and will continue to represent them through her work.

To other women, she says, “I just need women to know that they can do anything they put their mind, hearts, and wills to. Say ‘NO’ to your doubts and watch your future unfold.”