Cherryville native launches music career
Anna Patterson went from a career in professional dancing to making music full time.
The singer-songwriter recently released her first single, and credits both the pandemic and Cherryville for her new career.
“Growing up in Cherryville was definitely something that shaped my love for music,” Patterson said.
As a kid, Patterson often attended MerleFest and Gaston County’s own Cotton Ginning Days with her family, where she was surrounded by folk and bluegrass music.
According to Patterson, being exposed to those genres shaped the style of her own voice today, which she would describe as akin to First Aid Kit, The Wailin’ Jennys and Ira Wolf.
Patterson began writing music very young.
Although she never truly stopped writing, Patterson did sit songwriting aside to pursue a career in professional ballet.
When the pandemic hit, however, all of the ballet theaters closed.
Patterson suddenly found herself temporarily back in her childhood home with plenty of time to write and practice guitar.
“The pandemic made me decide to take the jump,” Patterson said.
While, "Mountains," is currently her only released song, Patterson has four additional songs that she plans to release soon, creating her first EP.
According to Patterson, “the awkward stages of doing an art form and just going through all of that as an adult has its difficulties.”
However, she’s enjoying the process.
"I live in Charlotte now," Patterson said. "Meeting so many other musicians in Charlotte has been so beneficial."
Patterson’s partner Nathan Dowdy records her music at Riverbed Studios, which he founded.
“I’m happy to do this with him,” Pattersons said.
While she’s not in a hurry and doesn’t mind the process, Patterson does have some dream venues where she hopes to someday play.
“One day I would love to sing at the Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville or to play at MerleFest because it's just so sentimental,” Patterson said.
"Mountains," is available on all platforms and a video trailer is available on YouTube.
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Cherryville native launches music career
