From the heartland of Black Earth, Wisconsin, to the star-studded studios of Nashville, Anna Dahl has never taken the easy route—but she’s always taken the honest one. Her latest single, “Top Shelf” (released June 6, 2025), is an unfiltered anthem of self-worth, sass, and unapologetic confidence. It’s a song that dances between playful and powerful, giving listeners a taste of the bold, spirited artistry that defines Anna’s re-emergence on the national stage.
We sat down with Anna to talk about her early days turning down a major label deal, recording in iconic studios alongside Nashville’s best, and what it means to be a mother, a rock-country rebel, and a woman with a voice too loud to ignore. If Top Shelf is your introduction to Anna Dahl, buckle up—there’s a lot more coming, and she’s not holding back.
Interview with Anna Dahl
Anna: Honestly, turning down a major label offer was a difficult decision, but looking back I wasn’t ‘ready’ emotionally or mentally. I was a mature teenager, but had some growing up to do. My voice continued to mature and life between now and then has certainly ‘seasoned’ my writing through life experiences.
Anna: I know so many wonderful women who sadly lack a bit of self confidence. Women are hard on other women and even harder on themselves. I wanted to write a playful song about a girls’ night out while encouraging women to fully be who they are, know what they’re worth and not shy away from asking for what they want and deserve!
Anna: I have goosebumps reading this question. The experience WAS absolutely surreal! I don’t know how to describe it, but there’s definitely a feeling you get walking through the halls that so many legends walked before you. I love Kacey Musgraves “Golden Hour” album, being in the same booth she was in recording her vocals on that album, maybe even the same microphone, was a moment I’ll never forget!
Anna: Just how incredibly chill and down-to-earth they all are. You’ll run into some big egos in all aspects of life, but not there. These guys just have brilliance and creativity flowing through them; they’re also some of the kindest people you’ll meet. I’m proud to know them and feel incredibly thankful our musical journeys brought us together 🙂
Anna: I’m not sure if I decide or if the song decides. I have lived through some wonderful moments as well as hardships, as we all likely have. I file those moments away until the right opportunity presents itself to express through song. Other times songs come at me like a freight train. I wrote a song called “Song that Matters” that was inspired by a family friend who had committed suicide. I was overwhelmed with the horrific news and because I process emotion through music, it created the perfect storm and the song flowed out of me effortlessly. I would like to record that song someday. My hope would be that it would help someone feel less alone, encourage them to make a different decision and find help they need.
Anna: That’s a great question! Each city left some influence behind and has absolutely shaped me into the musician I am today. LA has a cool, laid-back atmosphere where I spent my days in the pop and rock world. Madison has a fun, small-town feel with lots of good, midwestern folk, country and blues vibes. I lived in London working for a record label where I spent time fully immersed in an alternative/ indie rock scene. Now Nashville is an animal of its own. It feels like a creative mega land full of just good souls: ) You can feel the creativity and inspiration rise as you come down through the clouds on your flight. It’s definitely my new favorite city to hang and write!
Anna: I feel like “Top Shelf” is a good middle-of-the-road, “nice to meet you” song. It’s a good introduction to who I am, and what I have coming! Some of the slow songs I’ve played for family and friends have brought them to tears, while the more rock country ones get that “YA! F** YA” response! Haha… They are all about my life experiences while changing some of the perspectives to speak to more.
Anna: Well.. as you get to know me, the word “subtle” isn’t one that has ever (or will ever be) used to describe me. Just ask my Mother who is currently in Seminary to become a Pastor. Haha. Don’t get me wrong, she did raise me to be a well-mannered, proper woman, but nature fully took over my spirit from the beginning. I’m FULLY and unapologetically myself with a whole lot of opinions; I’m full of dry, sarcastic humor and attitude! I’m certainly not for everyone, and my music won’t be either, but I hope it finds its way to the people who are ready for a fresh, outspoken take on the world, even in a genre that celebrates subtlety. I want to give people permission to call it like it is, stand up for themselves, and sing at the top of their lungs songs that may be a little uncomfortable for some.
Anna: A friend of mine recently sent a text that said: “I just wanted to say how proud and in awe of you I am, chasing your dreams never ends for you and you’re such an inspiration for all of us to keep doing what you love”. That right there is exactly what I’m hoping to inspire in women and especially moms. Being a mom is the most incredible, rewarding experience of my life. I think it’s easy to lose sight of what you want and what your dreams are when you bring a little human into the world. I fully believe that finding a balance in life is so important. I find I’m a better Mom when I also make time for myself, doing what I love! It definitely doesn’t hurt that my daughter finds living on a tour bus to be “the greatest thing ever in the history of things”!
Anna: Well, unless you’re a total fun-hater, it’ll be difficult to stay in your seat at my shows! I LIVE to perform and put on a great show! There is absolutely nothing like connecting with an audience through your own music. You’ll experience everything from the lows of the quiet moments when I’m singing a heartfelt song where it feels like there’s nothing in the world outside of me and the audience to the highs of running all over the stage, rocking out, moving through the audience, and often inviting a few fans on stage. You’ll get a taste for it all at my shows! Typically, the morning after a show-day requires Aleve as my feet are dying from jumping and running in heels and my neck is sore from the headbanging. Haha! 100% WORTH IT!
Whether she’s standing in a Nashville vocal booth once occupied by legends or inviting fans onstage to dance beside her, Anna Dahl makes it clear—she’s here to stay, and she’s bringing her full self with her. Top Shelf is just the beginning of a bold new era. If you haven’t heard her name yet, don’t worry—you will. And when you do, she’ll be singing a big chorus that makes you feel like you were always meant to be part of it.
