From the serene landscapes of Wellfleet, MA, to the bustling streets of New York City, Anne Stott’s journey unfolds, driven by an unyielding passion for music, theater, and social change. Her music, a blend of grunge electric beats, 80s and 90s power chords, and atmospheric vibes reflects the contradictions and diverse influences of her life. With the release of the climate change anthem "Water To Blood," she invites listeners to confront urgent global issues while embracing the deeper themes of time and control. To delve deeper into how Anne Stott incorporates her unique beats to tackle social issues, continue reading.

Where are you based?
I’m based in Wellfleet, MA with deep roots and a lot of time spent in New York City.

What initially drew you to pursue a career in music and songwriting?
Music and theater were all I wanted to do as a child. Then in my twenties I tried to find respectable employment that lit me up the way creativity does, which was an epic fail. So I came back to my first love of music and then later theater and film.

How would you describe your music style?
My sound is eclectic cinematic alt pop/rock. My style spans alt 80s, 90s power chords and some spoken word through a modern atmospheric vibe. I embrace my contradictions, so on any album of mine you’ll find grunge-y electric songs and acoustic musings, tight pop tracks and weird sonic explorations, spoken word anthems and vulnerable questions.

Congratulations on the release of your climate change track "Water To Blood." Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song and your hopes for its impact on raising awareness about climate change?
Thank you! The unprecedented wildfires, flooding, rogue tornados, global pandemics have created a deep urgency about the state of our planet and massive frustration at the corporate greed that prevents us from taking the dramatic actions required. That’s the obvious initial spark and topic of the song. But once I got writing it, time and control became the deeper themes. How obsessed we are in this culture with the illusion of controlling our circumstances (and that the planet is ours to exploit) and thinking we can manipulate time. But we can’t. Time is speeding up on us and the planet is not going to let these corporations bleed it dry without consequences. So, the change is ours to choose.

How do you see music as a tool for activism and social change, and what role does it play in your advocacy work?
I love all the arts, but the vibration of music means it can sink deeply into people’s consciousness and provide a direct comfort and motivation. I’m an artist before I’m an activist and I often feel guilty that I’m not doing more work on the issues that matter to me. So when I can channel my desires for change into my creative work it is profoundly gratifying. I hope Water to Blood will help people continue to express the frustration that so many feel and also energize them to keep taking more action toward sustainability.

You've been involved in a wide range of advocacy work throughout your life, from joining Amnesty International in high school to participating in Black Lives Matter protests and advocating for climate change action. What drives your passion for activism, and how has it evolved over the years?
It’s hard to say what the initial drive is. Why some people feel compelled to speak out against what they think is wrong and stand up for a different future and others don’t is actually a mystery. I do know that my life today as a woman and a queer woman only exists because of thousands of people across hundreds of years who risked their lives to create freedom for those who didn’t have it. I feel a responsibility to carry that work forward for future generations.

Your activism spans various issues, including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-war efforts, and environmental activism. Can you share some memorable moments or experiences from your involvement in these different causes?
The first New York City Dyke March down Broadway in 1993 when The Lesbian Avengers rolled a huge bed down the middle of the street with a sign that said LUST FOR POWER is definitely a great memory.

There has been a beautiful coalition building in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations I’ve attended over the last eight months. The Jewish and Palestinian led organizations coming together with unions and other social justice organizations. We are witnessing in real time street level activism change the cultural narrative. Tangible shifts in larger consciousness are usually so slow it’s hard to pinpoint them so it’s always important to note when an activist movement can change minds as dramatically as this one is right now. I of course abhor Hamas’ October 7th attacks and feel for the grief of so many Israeli families, but the brutal oppression of Gaza and the West Bank by the Israeli government and now this inhumane destruction must end.

With your extensive experience in activism and advocacy, what advice would you give to individuals looking to get involved in social and political causes but may feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start?
The national situation is such a mess right now and can feel very overwhelming.
1. You can choose one issue, get educated and put your energy there. Be sure to stay conscious of how that issue effects entire communities, not just yourself.
2. Look to leaders for inspiration and education. Read their books or watch their interviews. Their insight can help clarify how or where you want to get involved.
3. Local involvement is less sexy than national issues but is vital. We need trans rights advocates on school boards and people with awareness about environmental racism and housing justice on planning boards.
4. It’s important to know your limits and pace yourself. Burn out is huge in the activist world and most issues require long haul commitment.

What message or takeaway do you hope listeners and audiences receive from your music and your activism?
Ultimately it’s not really up to me what people take away from the music. The songs really do live outside of me and my agenda for them. At the end of the day, I’m an employee of my songs.

But I have a deep desire to empower people, both politically and emotionally. I want people to know they can face whatever is getting in their way and evolve into what feels most true for them. And that process always cultivates more love and compassion for everyone else.

Can you share any challenges you've faced as a singer-songwriter, and how you've overcome them?
I spent a bunch of years not making music or creating at all. And I was really frustrated and unhappy. So for a long time when the challenges came up I’d just remember that I didn’t really have an option. No matter how hard some songs are to write or how many rejections I got or how riddled with insecurity I was, my life is as it is supposed to be when I create and share those creations with the world.

Which doesn’t mean the challenges don’t still get to me. They get to me all the time. One essential tool is to have a creative community. For a long time I was trying to do it all alone and hit so many walls I couldn’t navigate my way around. Now I have a group of musician friends who meet once a week and we share information and resources and commiserate and celebrate together. It’s life changing.

Photo Credits: Joe Navas and Kelly Davidson

How do you feel your music has evolved, and where do you see it going in the future?
My 2010 album Pennsylvania, is basically indie folk rock. You can hear my quirky style in there but it’s much more subtle. Over the years my songwriting has evolved to allow for more eclectic and atmospheric sonic experiences to be revealed. Working with Barb Morrison on this upcoming album, Watershed Synapse Experience, has been really exciting because the songs are the most pop and produced I’ve ever released, but they are also the most raw. Which sounds like a contradiction but feels like a true representation of my sound. And that is definitely thanks to Barb and their musical insight and desire to honor each song for whatever it is.

In terms of the future, I rarely impose an agenda on my songwriting. It’s very much about finding what resonates with me in the moment. So I plan to keep exploring and expanding and honoring whatever I find.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
Speaking of my expanding sound…. My first ever dance remix will be out on June 21st. I Can’t Hide (Audible Yays Remix) was produced by Barb Morrison (Deborah Harry, Rufus Wainwright) and Bart Schoudel (Beyonce, Selena Gomez). Barb not only produces albums but also makes dance remixes with Bart. They suggested that they do a remix of one of the songs on the album and I’m so excited to have a dance song coming out. I feel like it’s opening up a whole new territory for what I can express. I Can’t Hide channeled some of my most vulnerable desires for myself and the world. The fact that Barb and Bart transformed those desires into a dance experience through which people can release their own struggles is thrilling to me.

It has been a crazy past few years, how have you been staying positive?
Oof. It takes work. I’m not good at making myself stay positive. And I don’t believe in trying to make ourselves feel good when there are huge challenges all around us. I need to acknowledge how scary and downright surreal our world is right now. There can be a lot of anxiety. From there I look for what helps and inspires me. Meditation is vital. Community is vital. But one way that I keep hope is through witnessing how many people are willing to take a stand. The youth movements against gun violence and climate change are so inspiring. The current movement to end the violence in Gaza. I try to keep my head aware of the problems and my heart focused on what’s inspiring. It’s a daily challenge.

What is your motto in life?
That’s a great question. I don’t think I have one motto. I do believe that in any given second we are capable of so much more than we realize. But I go back to the words of Patti Smith as a guide:

“In art and dream may you proceed with abandon. In life may you proceed with balance and stealth.”

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Photo Credits: Joe Navas and Kelly Davidson

Anne Stott - Beats for Change