Artist: TANASI
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina
Latest Album: TANASI (released May 8, 2026)
What’s the most difficult creative transformation you’ve ever undertaken?
Becoming one third of Tanasi was and continues to be a real challenge for me technically and creatively. Incorporating a lot of different styles into our music from different corners of the globe naturally stretches my comfort zone. Whether playing in odd meters, alternate tunings, providing percussion and even flatfoot dancing while playing my guitar, there is always lot to learn. In addition, being a trio, every moment requires a lot of dynamics from all of us. So we have to work very closely to make each moment count. Luckily we have a lot of years of shared effort that makes it all possible. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn new things. – Anya Hinkle
What has been the best advice you’ve received in your career so far?
I heard that when you are doing the work you are meant to do, it doesn’t feel like work. That is always a great measuring stick for everything we are “working” on. Of course, there is a lot of hard work that goes into being a musician and a lot of it isn’t exactly fun. Bfut at the end of the day, it feels natural and right and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I am doing with my life. – AH
What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?
We played together [recently] after having a couple month hiatus from the trio, because of other projects we’ve been working on. It brought me such a ridiculously large amount of joy to be up there creating a moment for the good people of Waleska, Georgia, at the Falany Performing Arts Center. Billy had just gotten back from teaching in England at Sore Fingers. The creative juices were overflowing and Anya was feeding off of it, rockin’ her heart out, and our harmonies were digging into each other. I was so aware of the power of that moment, the happiness that I feel performing music that inspires with these people whom I love, and getting to share that with the sweet folks sitting in their lawn chairs, enjoying a peaceful evening under the trees.
Getting to play at the Ryman with Vassar Clements is also surely a highlight. – Mary Lucey
What would a perfect day as an artist and creator look like to you?
One version of a perfect day would be having an entire day free to do nothing but write, study, and practice. Our German Shepherd sitting at my feet, howling at the occasional D note (he loves them, not sure why), fresh fruit in the fridge, nice tea and coffee – and while we’re at it, might as well be overlooking a beautiful ocean with the occasional break to go surfing.
Other versions of the perfect day involve collaborating with others, hearing original compositions come to life, co-writing something new, and still with the Shepherd, fruit, and ocean or forest. – Billy Cardine
If you didn’t work in music, what would you do instead?
I would either be a veterinarian or working on marine biology projects. – BC
Photo Credit: Gen Kogure