Aquaa Mermaid is making a splash in 2024, unveiling ambitious plans to release new music. The journey begins with an edgy rock-influenced remix of her hit single “What Do You Know” this February, followed by “Mercury” on March 15. Since the 2021 release of her debut project, “Aquawithachoppa,” Aquaa’s production style has undergone a transformative evolution, marking the development of a distinctive originality that defies genre boundaries.
Aquaa effortlessly blends elements of pop, alternative rock, and rap, drawing inspiration from artists such as Paramore, Nikki Minaj, Pink, and Janet Jackson, among others. Her musical expression transcends conventional limits, creating a unique fusion that resonates with a diverse audience.
Her new music delves into the realm of mental health, exploring the enigmatic facets of her mermaid goddess’s psyche, and taps into her darker side. To gain insight into the artist behind the music, we had the privilege of interviewing Aquaa, providing a profound exploration of her upbringing, creative journey, and what brought her to this point in her career.
Where were you born, and what’s your birthday?
Maryland – June 23, 1994.
What’s your legal birth name?
Cynthia Chene Anderson
Why did you choose Aquaa Mermaid for your artist name?
I picked the name Aquaa because it’s refreshing, and everybody needs water to survive, lol.
What’s your zodiac sign?
Aquaa Mermaid: My zodiac sign is Gemini cancer cusp (the cusp of magic).
Tell us a bit about your early life and how you describe your childhood.
My early life was very challenging. I was the kid who was filled with love but did not receive it. I was the black sheep. I was creative and very mature at a young age, and that is how I survived in the world by myself. Even though my family treated me like a black sheep, I was always popular in school and known as the creative, talented, tomboy pretty girl lol.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, I have 14 siblings.
Did your family support your dream of being a music artist/ performer?
Yes, my mom and dad are very supportive. My dad says, “If that’s what you want to do, do it,” my mom is more of a practical supporter.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a recording artist?
When I was in 4th grade.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from many emotions throughout my life. Also, from my different personalities, I’m big on mental health, so most of my music is based on my mental state.
Tell us about your process for creating music. Do you write tracks? Do you compose music? Do you write lyrics and melodies?
I listen to a beat that catches my soul, then from there, I play it over and over with my eyes closed, and I envision a video, then from there, I freestyle until I remember and then write it down. I like to attack the chorus first because it is an important part of a song. I write every song I record.
How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
Rebellious, creative, unpredictable, inspiring, bold.
How would other people describe you in 5 words?
Strong, determined, loving, creative, and talented.
What are your hobbies outside of music?
I love being creative, making clothes, and taking creative pictures. I love doing decor cosplay and tarot reading.
What is the name of your label?
Aquaa Mermaid: Magnum Music.
Who has supported you the most in your career?
My manager is the biggest supporter. He helps with all sorts of things, including my child. Also, my close friend’s circle.
Who are your musical influences?
Paramore, Pink, Janet Jackson, Doja, Micheal Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Missy Elliot, Eminem, Linkin Park…the list goes on.
How would you describe your music?
Aquaa Mermaid: I describe my music as a wheel of fortune. You never know what to expect.
What message do you hope others will take from listening to your music?
I’m human; I hurt, cry, smile, etc, just like anyone else. I hope I inspire people to be their true selves even if the world doesn’t accept it.
If there was any artist in the world you could collaborate with, who would it be and why?
Paramore or Doja Cat, I feel, will be a collaboration that the world never knew they needed.
Have you won any awards outside of music?
I won cheerleading awards and poetry awards. I also used to be a hip-hop dancer, and I won dance battles.
Tell us about your single “What Do U Know?”… How would you describe the song? Why did you write it? Who produced it? Did you have any co-writers?
“What Do U Know” was a song I wrote about a guy wanting to work things out with a girl he took advantage of, and now she has the courage to cut him off and get back into that boss chick energy. I wrote it because it was very relatable. My producer, MK, produces many of my tracks and mixes and masters them. I have no co-writer on this, but MK does spot my background vocals.
How many tattoos do you have?
I think I have 14 or 15.
Tell us about your chest tattoo and its significance.
My chest tattoo is a representation of fish scales.
Tell us about the significance of your other tattoos.
All my tattoos represent different sides of me.
25. How many piercings do you have, and where?
I have 6. I have my boobs, my nose, my lip, my belly, and somewhere else…
What and who inspired your look?
What inspires my look is based on my mood and energy. I’m either bold, loud, dominant, or soft, beautiful, earthy goddess vibes.
What do you consider your brand identifier? What makes you authentic?
My brand is mermaid, which symbolizes how my mind and heart are very much human, and the fin-tail represents me constantly going with the flow of life. I’m a person who is not afraid to go against the odds, so doing what is best for me and being myself helps me stay in tune with myself.
What’s your favorite song in your catalog and why?
My favorite song in my catalog is called “Creeper.” It’s about a woman who is very different from the norm. The world painted her out to be this crazy person, a monster, and she is no longer letting them get to her. She is in her high priest energy, and she realizes they are actually scared of her because she is so much in tune with everything about herself, and they are scared they can no longer break her and manipulate her.
Are there any charity organizations you are passionate about supporting?
Yes, I’m big on mental health organizations for the youth, and I want to help single moms who have dreams and goals they want to do but are scared they can’t because they are a mom.
What is your mission?
This might sound crazy, but I really believe my mission in the world is somewhat to save through my music. I can’t really explain it, but I feel it in my heart like I’m supposed to restore hope or something.
Do you have any new music you would like to tell us about that has not yet been released?
Yes, I have a whole ep that I just finished. I haven’t given it a name yet, but this is the first project I did where I tap into my mental health and the dark side and express myself. It’s a super relatable project, the side I have never shown. I plan to release my first single off the project “Mercury” on March 15.
Can you tell us some key highlights in your career that led you to this point?
My music journey has been very rough. It made me stronger and more determined. It helped me realize my true path in music, which is pop and rock, which made me tap into myself more unapologetically.
What types of audiences do you feel best to relate with your music and why?
The emos, weirdos, rebellious, creatives, and pop and rock music lovers.
When did you first realize that you had this gift of music?
When I was 6.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist in today’s music industry?
The world never had of seen an “Aquaa” so that makes them nervous to believe in the vision because I’m so different and versatile.
How can people find you and support you?
Stream my music, repost my music, and interact with me. I’m a really loving, nice girl, even though my music and style is bold. I’m on Instagram, Spotify and YouTube.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
Aquaa Mermaid: The world is going to wake up one day and love me and say that I’m what the music industry has been missing and needs. Mark my words.
What makes you different from every other artist out there?
I’m not afraid to show the world the good and bad side of me. I’m not scared to go against the norm. I’m not afraid to show the world I’m human and imperfect.
Are you religious? How has god played a role in your journey?
I’m not religious, but I firmly believe in god and spirituality. God is the reason why I’m still here. The things I have been through, I only survived because of god. I’m in that 10% of people meant to lead and change the world. I feel it spiritually.
Is there anything in your life or career you would have done differently if you could rewind?
I would change my humbleness. I feel being humble gets you overlooked. I’m big on being human and embracing my power to my full potential. Being humble makes you hold back, and the concern of how others view you makes you dim your own light.