Annalisa Fernandez is the kind of artist who doesn’t just make music, she captures moments. Her songs unfold with an elegant stillness, a kind of emotional clarity that feels both intentional and intuitive. There’s a softness to her delivery, but never hesitation. She writes from the middle of the feeling, offering windows into intimacy, identity, and self-definition.
Music has long been part of Annalisa’s story, shaped by the warmth of her Filipino upbringing and late-night karaoke sessions, where expression came before perfection. But it wasn’t until years later, that she began to shape her own universe: polished, soulful, and unmistakably hers.
In this conversation, Annalisa opens up about the making of “Couch”, the importance of defining femininity on her own terms, and the practices that keep her grounded beyond the studio.
Let’s take it back, when did music first feel like not just something to listen to, but something you needed to make? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was what you were meant to do?
For me music has always been really present in my life, especially culturally being Filipino. I have so many wonderful memories of my family gatherings and we'd always end up busting out the karaoke and singing together and get real silly. I've always been drawn to music and love how it helps me express myself, but it wasn't till after I finished my Bachelor that I really started to pursue it. I started doing gigs around Melbourne and writing my own music, worked with other artists and it felt like the right path for me.
Your sound is this incredibly polished yet emotionally raw. Who were the artists or sounds that inspired you? Were there any songs you would forever have on repeat?
At the time when I wrote "Couch" I was listening to a lot of BLK ODYSSY, Victoria Monet and SiR so I can hear those influences when I listen back to the record. I'm guilty of being a repeat offender already but one song that never gets old is "Nights over Egypt" by The Jones Girls.
What song of yours would you send to someone if they had never heard your music before?
Probably "Couch", although the "Morning Light" EP has such a special place in my heart, R'n'B has always been my bread and butter so I'd want the listener to experience that part of me.
Your new single “Couch” is incredibly relatable, there's this mix of vulnerability and comfort.How does it feel to put something so intimate out into the world?
It feels really liberating. I was so excited to put this record out and lean into this sound because it was different from anything I had released so far. I also had so much fun with my girls shooting all the visual content from the comfort of my own lounge room so creating it in a safe space made me feel confident in the vision and I found it easy to share and release out into the world.
Navigating the music industry as a woman comes with its own set of challenges and expectations. What’s something you’ve learned, unlearned, or had to push back against?
I guess I've learned to never be afraid to take up space or speak up when you really need to. I think early on I didn't really know how to hold my own but as I've gotten older and been in the industry for some time now it makes a difference to be assertive and know your own boundaries in certain spaces. This not only applies to being a woman but another learning curve would have to be the amount of roles you undertake as an artist, especially for those who are independent artists, it feels as though you have to be able to do it all yourself whether it be being your own manager, your own booking agent, organising a tour etc.
Do you feel there’s pressure to present your femininity in a certain way, or have you found freedom in defining that on your own terms?
I think there are a million ways to be feminine, and I'm the kind of girly that loves any excuse to dress up and create a look so I feel as though I have so much freedom in what I make of myself. As long as I feel like I'm being my true authentic self, that's all that matters. "The limit does not exist" - Mean Girls.
When you're not working on music, what keeps you grounded?
I have a few outlets other than music that keeps my creativity flowing.
1. I love making beaded pieces, necklaces, earrings, body chains, head pieces, hair rings, tops, skirts... you name it and I could probably figure out how to make it out of beads. It's nice to have another creative outlet other than music.
2. Poi - one of my friends taught me how to use poi and I've loved it ever since. It's like a flow state and can feel quite meditative because the movement feels like a pattern to me. There's also different kinds of flow toys like silk fans that I also use and dance with.
3. I boulder 1-2 times a week and that really energises me, I'm also the kind of person that needs some kind mental stimulation when exercising so looking at the different climbs as puzzles to figure out makes it more fun.
4. Last but certainly not least, quality time with my nearest and dearest. I often find that I get a lot of inspiration and perspective from my close friends, so having that energy around me feels like my cup is never empty.
What do you imagine for the next era of Annalisa, what’s different? What stays the same? What should we get excited for?
More magic, more spice, I have so many ideas for what's to come. Visually there will be some contrast depending on what the music calls for but you can definitely be expecting more RnB from me. I really want to lean into that sound and push that further this year. At some point I'd love to do a show and create a whole experience for people that would include dance and all the flow stuff that I do, but that vision will come at a later date at this point in time.
Talent: @annalisa__fernandez
Photography: @_karabo_