We recently caught up with singer-songwriter and "Heard It All Before" hit-maker Sunshine Anderson at a show in New York City, and she revealed to us why she's been on hiatus so long. Anderson, who has been raising her daughter as a single mom in Charlotte, NC, is looking to "bite the bullet" and get back to making great music, but this time she wants to make sure it's done her way. In our sit down, she opened up about getting over her fears, not wasting her music, not reaching her peak as yet, making 2014 her year, and more. Check it out
Singersroom: So how does it feel to get back out there in front of your fans?
Sunshine Anderson: You know what, it is very nerve wracking because it is scary, especially when you have been gone for so long. But I feel a sense of calm that I know I didn’t feel the first time I was here. That lets me know that I have grown and is still growing…and I’m ready!
Singersroom: How have you been? What is new in your life?
Sunshine Anderson: Well I’m a mommy! I have a 5 year old little girl named Sky. We are kind of tucked away in Charlotte, North Carolina where I’m from my home. I’m raising my 5 year old, and I’ve been in the studio, I’ve cut a couple of records, got my cosmetology license in 2009, and I was in Atlanta for 7 years. I’ve done a few things, but musically I’ve been off the scene.
Singersroom: So, what is your plan for music?
Sunshine Anderson: You know that plan is still developing. I have to be honest; I didn’t know for a long time if I was coming back. People would always say, we need a new album, and I’m like, you got two brand new albums on iTunes, holla at that ok! As an artist, you don’t like to waste records or albums because they are your babies and when the world doesn’t hear them or get that satisfaction, you’re like then what am I doing this for? I’m really waiting for R&B to come back, then someone told me I shouldn’t wait for R&B to come back, you should create it and give it to them, but I’m concerned about wasting records.
Singersroom: So, if you are not really sure about music, what made you come out tonight to perform?
Sunshine Anderson: I’m so tired of sitting still! Closed mouths don’t get fed and out of sight out of mind! If people don’t know you are around, and people don’t know that you are alive, they can’t feed life into you. Honestly, I’m here because what if I can do it again, could it be different? A part of me that feels it can be different this time around. I’m taking the steps to make sure it is different. You hear artists all the time talking about creative control and it’s about me and it truly is. If I can’t do what Sunshine wants to do or give the fans what Sunshine has to offer then I don’t want to do it and I think that is the issue. The first album was the guinea pig, the second album I learned I could write. I wrote on six songs on the second album. The third album, OMG, me and Mike City are back together again.
Singersroom: Your first single was huge “Heard it all before” and then your third album came out. What took place between the first and third album?
Sunshine Anderson: The second album wasn’t promoted at all. This is what I mean by wasted album. This is something that was not within my control, but it still gets wasted, and I do feel some way about it. That album was a great album, a really great album.
Singersroom: You still have a lot of people who love your music and a great fan base. How do you throw out the "what if’s" and just do what you love again?
Sunshine Anderson: I’m learning that people still love my music! I’m here! If nothing else, this was the first step and I’m excited where I used to be fearful. I’m just going to go out there and be Sunshine.
Singersroom: We talked about Sunshine as a musician. Let’s talk about Sunshine as a mom. Are you a soccer mom?
Sunshine Anderson: Wow! I’m not a soccer mom, I’m a dance mom. Dancing is serious in our household, and now she’s about to go Kindergarten. Unfortunately, I am a single mom at the time, so that is a challenge within itself. Your focus changes a little bit, you just want to pour everything into her. I just want her to live out her hopes and dreams and by this your own hopes and dreams get sidetracked. I think that is where I’ve been.
Singersroom: What is your support system like?
Sunshine Anderson: I have a great support system! We have grandma and grandpa, so life is great! I think that is why I feel a sense of calm. I remember when I was here the first time, I was too nervous, an uncomfortable nervous.
Singersroom: We have a lot of fans that loves Sunshine Anderson! When are we gonna get some new music?
Sunshine Anderson: I am really hoping soon. I know you must speak it into existence so in 2014 will be my year. I don’t feel like I’ve peaked yet. I have so much left to do in this industry, but it is so hard to chase something that hasn’t been nice to you. I feel like there is so much left to do, so it’s time to bite the bullet and get it done.
Founder and Creator of Singersroom.com and IncredibleWork.com. Follow me on Instagram at @gary.gentles.