Anna Lynch found her stage by accident

Anna Lynch stumbled into performing when a hosting gig at The Blues Kitchen unexpectedly opened doors to the stage. Armed with musical instincts inherited from her mother and grandmother, she quickly made a name for herself by transforming familiar songs into something distinctly her own. “I love taking a journey through different genres in one set,” she says, an approach that’s earned her a loyal following. Now crafting her debut EP, Lynch isn’t interested in sugar-coating experiences. Her songs tackle personal battles head-on while still aiming to “have people dancing around their kitchens.” What started with nervously submitted performance videos has evolved into something neither she nor the venue managers who took a chance on her could have predicted — a distinctive voice cutting through Manchester’s crowded music scene.

How are you? How’s life treating you at the moment?

I am honestly so good right now. I’m feeling the best I’ve felt in years. I am creatively aligned and really dedicating time towards my original music. Nourishing my mind, body and soul is my focus at the moment, and I feel so peaceful and grateful all at once.

You actually started at The Blues Kitchen as a host before becoming a performer. Walk me through that journey from behind the scenes to on stage.

I really feel the universe had this in store for me — applying for the job as a host for The Blues Kitchen was the most random, unplanned thing. They had already hired all the staff but then myself and my sister applied and one of the managers wanted to meet us. Lo and behold, we got the job. I was blissfully unaware of just how life changing that job would be for me. Initially, I loved hosting. I loved being in the hustle bustle of a brand new venue. But then I started to notice how fun the music was. I knew I somehow had to get on the stage. I spoke to the managers and sent an email over with some videos I had at the time and they gave me a gig — the first one was scary but amazing and I had all the staff supporting me. I then met one of the bookers at Blues and he gave me more gigs. Then it really just snowballed from there.

Your musical style is described as soulful and jazzy. Who were the artists that first inspired that sound?

I love all types of music and I think that’s from my mum and my Nana. They always played and sang a whole range of musical styles, but I remember completely falling in love with Amy Winehouse when I was 10. I was just mesmerised by her voice — songs, her tone. She really did inspire me and shape the artist I am today. She is the queen in my eyes. I have for sure gone through different eras when it comes to music. I get very obsessed with certain artists for a while and deep dive through all of the EPs and albums — my current obsessions are Bob Dylan, Cleo Sol and Olivia Dean.

The Blues Kitchen feels like more than just a venue — it’s almost like a creative launching pad. How has this space shaped your artistic development?

I couldn’t agree more. This venue has been like a home away from home to me. I didn’t start off as the performer I am today initially. At the start I was pretty terrified. The Blues Kitchen has nurtured, supported and shaped me over time. It has given me space to grow and I will be endlessly grateful for that. I adore the staff, the bookers, the content team — it is a big family of truly beautiful people and when I walk through the doors I feel at home, at ease and excited.

You’re preparing to release a series of singles from an upcoming EP. What story are you trying to tell with this collection?

I am! This is my first ever solo release and I am so ready and excited. It’s been a long time coming but it has been an incredible process. The story’s been hard to tell in ways. It’s been painful talking about my internal battles and the journey to a happier, more loving space. The writing is incredibly honest, heartfelt and hopefully relatable to a lot of people. Some of it is sad and some of it I am hoping will have people dancing around their kitchens whilst making a coffee. I hope it can be there to soothe and hold people when they need it most.

Manchester’s music scene is incredibly vibrant. How does the city’s musical landscape influence your sound?

I think Manchester being so iconic and incredible musically attracts incredible musicians and talent. That’s led me to meet producers and instrumentalists that have helped me grow and also worked with me to create my music. My sound has been so positively influenced by all of those musicians.

From solo performances to full band setups, you’ve got incredible versatility. What drives that flexibility?

I just love to perform in as many capacities as possible and I love the nuances of each of them. There’s the high energy of a full band and the more mellow, warm and cosy feel of a duo. Each one serves a purpose and I love getting to be a part of all of that.

Your performances range from Gypsy Woman to Amy Winehouse covers. What connects these seemingly different artists for you?

I think, and from the feedback I have got from people who have heard me, is that I bring my own spin to all of these. I put my Anna stamp on them all. While they may be totally different genres, I try to take a song and make it my own and use my tone to add character and soul. I love taking a journey through different genres in one set — it feels so exciting and fresh. And at Blues we ensure we keep it stylistically appropriate for the listener, which I think makes for a fun night. The listener may hear a song they’ve heard so many times before but never in this way.

Music can be such a personal journey. What has singing taught you about yourself?

Music is my constant. It’s on my mind all the time. It’s a safe, nurturing place that I can escape to when life gets challenging. I can think of so many tough days where I have left that behind, got on the Blues Kitchen stage and let go of all the stuff and just sang — sang from my heart. Connecting with that always puts me in a much better space, and every time I stand on a stage and sing I know I am living in alignment with my purpose. It’s an inner knowing that I come back to every time.

What’s left? What are you still itching to explore in your musical journey?

I am just getting started. I am so driven. I can’t believe I get to be here and make a living out of music, but my gosh it took a lot of hard work and knocking on doors. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and for where I am. My dreams are big, and I am so driven to getting there. I want to release my first body of work and start doing live shows. And one day I’d love to make a career out of that. Currently, though, I’m reminding myself that while I’m on the road to those things I still need to live and be present and be grateful for all the amazing things I have achieved. If little Anna could see me now, she would be so happy. I may not be at the final destination but I am here, doing the thing I always dreamed of — The Blues Kitchen will forever be the starting point for this journey.