Embedded Files
A Junkyard Wonder is Ananya's Debut Album, releasing on 2nd November, 2024.
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
About the Album
About the Album
Meandering through musical grandiose with conversational intimacy, 'A Junkyard Wonder' is the 8 track debut by Ananya Sharma, taking listeners through experiences, that fluctuate between states of self loathing, love and acceptance. Contrary to Ananya's soft spoken and inward nature, her lyrics express truthfully, the evolution of her relationship with self image. Set to musical arrangements that bring together numerous friends and collaborators from all over the globe, the record splits itself into five core lyrical pieces, linked together by three interludes, each representing a pivotal theme to the concept of self image. These are titled 'The Flaw', 'The Discovery' and 'The Cure'.
Few albums explore the nuances of self image as candidly as 'A Junkyard Wonder'. The title, belonging to the first track on the record, is derived and inspired by the title of children's book 'The Junkyard Wonders' by Patricia Polacco. Though there is no mention of this phrase anywhere on the record, or Polacco's story/ characters, this title was chosen by Ananya, since it felt appropriate to the concept of the album- finding beauty in places we don't usually believe it exists. Seamlessly flowing into the next track on the record, the music takes a break from heavy lyricism, to create space for a hummed lullaby filled with introspection called 'The Flaw' which represents the first theme of this album i.e. self loathing.
Next to follow are the words, "You are your own bliss", as quoted in the orchestrally rich 'Teardrops', which is one of many endearing reminders of the love we can find in ourselves and life. This song carries memories of the beautiful pianist, Aidan Witvoet, who blessed this record with his playing and Ananya's life with his friendship and ideals.
'In adversity, we write', being Ananya's anthem as a songwriter, she then speaks (literally) to the heartbreak and learnings from her year abroad, in the central interlude of the record called 'The Discovery', alluding to the theme of self neutrality and acceptance.
"I stand here strangely still with all the world", are words of poet, Jane Tyson Clement in 'Here'. To this poem, Ananya adds just one lyric i.e. "Strangely still as me", recognising that with every loss there is a newfound appreciation of all that is given a chance to breath and go on.
Floating through poeticism, the music quickly shifts into what is perhaps the most free and experimental tune on the record, called 'The Cure'. This is the final interlude on the album and carries the theme of self love, with a bold musical exploration of orchestration, chorale and vocal improvisation.
Having abundantly expressed the woes of internal conflict, Ananya breaks that train of thought for a split 5 minutes with 'I will what I want', a song that expresses the desire to acknowledge and move forward from toxic patterns of self sabotage and pity.
The outlet of all these realisations is finally concluded as "Release is reprise", words that ring loud and proud in 'Bittersweet', the last song on the record. Sharma explores the full and complex range of her emotions and confronts her past to reform the present. With this, comes the end to a larger story of resonance and perhaps, the willingness to re familiarise with the musical intricacies of this world. At the end of one listen you are left with a series of musical 'oh las' ringing in your head, connected by honest and profound words of affirmation, allowing the embrace of your own junkyard wonderment.
Collaborators
Collaborators
"I am honoured to say that this record involves over 40 friends and collaborators (pictured above) from all over the globe. Having undertook this production in Spain, a majority of the collaborators are creatives who I met through my community there, which was a truly enriching experience. I am lucky for my badass team of musicians, engineers and visual contributors on this project. I would like to specially thank the core production team of this record, starting with Jorge I. Vázquez (co producer), whose creative inputs and support were instrumental in bringing this record to life, Nic Hard (mixing engineer) who is a personal hero to me and Ishaan Jagyasi (mastering engineer) who is one of my best friends and trustees when it comes to all things music. Without this team this record would be nowhere near what it is today."
"I am honoured to say that this record involves over 40 friends and collaborators (pictured above) from all over the globe. Having undertook this production in Spain, a majority of the collaborators are creatives who I met through my community there, which was a truly enriching experience. I am lucky for my badass team of musicians, engineers and visual contributors on this project. I would like to specially thank the core production team of this record, starting with Jorge I. Vázquez (co producer), whose creative inputs and support were instrumental in bringing this record to life, Nic Hard (mixing engineer) who is a personal hero to me and Ishaan Jagyasi (mastering engineer) who is one of my best friends and trustees when it comes to all things music. Without this team this record would be nowhere near what it is today."
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
The title is inspired by 'The Junkyard Wonders' by Patricia Polacco, a heartwarming story about little misfits in a special class, also known as the 'junkyard', finding friendship and love through each other. This song carries a conversation I've had with myself much too often, strolling back and forth between self love and loathing.
A Junkyard Wonder (Title Track)
A Junkyard Wonder (Title Track)
Music and Lyrics by Ananya Sharma.
String Quartet arranged by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Lead Engineers:
Jorge I. Vázquez
Ananya Sharma
Assist Engineer:
Askhay Baheti
Musicians:
Mirza Redzepagic: Flamenco Guitar
String Quartet:
Angela Moya Serrat: Violin
Saúl Flores Eduardo: Violin
Jorge I. Vázquez: Viola
Samuel C. Ledesma: Cello
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
The first 'interlude'/ instrumental composition on this record which addresses the first central theme of self loathing.
The Flaw
The Flaw
Music by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Ananya Sharma
Roni Ayala
Assist Engineers:
Nicolas Romero Almela
Manu Linois
Salman Afridi
Ishaan Jagyasi
Musicians:
Anthony Lafond: Drums
Sanjay Divecha: Acoustic Guitar
Bob Lanzetti: Electric Guitar
Angela Moya Serrat: Violins
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
Dedicated to Aidan Witvoet, this song talks about feeling your feelings and the catharsis that comes with crying.
Teardrops
Teardrops
Music and Lyrics by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Jorge I. Vázquez
Ananya Sharma
Assist Engineers:
Ishaan Jagyasi
Arina Korenyu
Tanishq Seth
Lars Gardner
Jackie Walter
Musicians:
Aidan Witvoet: Piano
Samuel Keri: Electric Bass
Nikos Siderakis: Oud
Robed Fenelus: Marimba
Anthony Lafond: Drums
Angela Moya Serrat: Violin
Jorge I. Vázquez: Violin
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
This is the second interlude/ composition on the record and speaks to the second central theme of this album of self neutrality. It contains a spoken word about my year abroad and how that experience changed my life.
The Discovery
The Discovery
Music and Lyrics by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Ananya Sharma
Assist Engineers:
Nicolas Romero Almela
Salman Afridi
Ishaan Jagyasi
Musicians:
Santiago Bertel: Piano
Anthony Lafond: Drums
Ananya Sharma: Spoken Word and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
'Here' contains lyrics originally from the poem 'Summer Night Storm' by Jane Tyson Clement, with the addition of one lyric by Ananya, "strangely still as me". This poem adapted into song is an ode to nature, life and gratitude for all that breathes with and around us.
Here
Here
Music by Ananya Sharma, Lyrics by Jane Tyson Clement.
Lead Engineers:
Jorge I. Vázquez
Tanishq Seth
Ananya Sharma
Musicians:
Rachel Groves: Harp
Djessy van den Dries: Violin
Matthew Baker: Double Bass
Daniel Quesada: Percussion
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
The third and last interlude/ instrumental composition on the album which captures the third central theme of self love.
The Cure
The Cure
Music by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Ananya Sharma
Roni Ayala
Assist Engineers:
Nicolas Romero Almela
Salman Afridi
Ishaan Jagyasi
Manu Linois
Musicians:
Anthony Lafond: Drums
Sanjay Divecha: Acoustic Guitar
Bob Lanzetti: Electric Guitar
Angela Moya Serrat: Violins
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
I will what I want is the desire to acknowledge and move forward from toxic patterns of self sabotage and pity.
I will what I want
I will what I want
Music and Lyrics by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Jorge I. Vázquez
Lars Gardner
Assist Engineers:
Ishaan Jagyasi
Rachel Groves
Tanishq Seth
Nick Iacono
Ruben Segovia
Jackie Walter
Musicians:
Felipe Ribeiro: Keys and Synths
Rachel Groves: Harp
Bob Lanzetti: Electric Guitar
Michael Ventura: Tenor and Alto Saxophone
Adrian Alejandro Medoza: Trumpets and Fluegelhorn
Robed Fenelus: Drums
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma.
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Photo captured by Shreya Shetty | @preciselypicturesque
The last song on the record, and speaks to accepting past traumas and experiences to reform the present.
Bittersweet
Bittersweet
Music and Lyrics by Ananya Sharma.
Lead Engineers:
Ananya Sharma
Jorge I. Vázquez
Ishaan Jagyasi
Assist Engineers:
Shabnam Jafaranisab Kermani
Musicians:
Santiago Bertel: Piano
Felipe Ribeiro: Keys and Synths
Kurtis Li: Acoustic Guitar
Rachel Groves: Harp
Michael Ventura: Saxophone
Imam Hamdani: Electric Guitar
Juan Moreno Bermeo: Electric Bass
Juan Pablo Arias: Drums
Ananya Sharma: Lead and Backing Vocals
Programming by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez..
Produced by Ananya Sharma and Jorge I. Vázquez.
Mixing Engineer: Nic Hard
Mastering Engineer: Ishaan Jagyasi
Stages of the Self: Portraits made by Rachel Groves
Stages of the Self: Portraits made by Rachel Groves
The Flaw
The Flaw
For 'The Flaw', the first instrumental interlude which embodies fluctuations with self loathing. Questions of who we are, why we are here, and what determines our inherent sense of worth.
The Discovery
The Discovery
For 'The Discovery', the second instrumental interlude which embodies acceptance and realising a sense of gratitude towards nature and life. Feelings of awakening, awareness and lightness.
The Cure
The Cure
For 'The Cure', the third and last interlude which embodies strength and self actualisation. A release of built up trauma and conditionings. Speaking our truth fearlessly.
Visual Team
Visual Team
Album Cover Art- Photography/ Editing: Shreya Shetty
Album Cover Art- Makeup Artist: Choi Haokip
Interlude Artworks: Rachel Groves
Album BTS Video Footage:
- Kshitij Singh: Teardrops
- Nicolas Barboza: Here
- Shabnam J. Karmani and Arabia Palmer: Bittersweet
BTS Photography:
Shakthi Prasad KT: Teardrops
Manu Linois: Bittersweet Trio, A Junkyard Wonder, Interludes
Akshay Baheti: A Junkyard Wonder
Studios
Studios
Berklee Valencia Campus-
Berklee Valencia Campus-
(AKSS & STAD)
(AKSS & STAD)
El Spot Studios, Valencia, Spain
El Spot Studios, Valencia, Spain
Additional Recording: Studio Satya, Andheri West, Mumbai, India.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse