[INTERVIEW] Bonnie Anderson, ‘What you see is what you get with me’

Dropping her single, “Unbroken”, last Friday, 20-year-old Bonnie Anderson has firmly placed her stake in the Australian music industry. With her powerhouse voice and a stage presence that puts people double her age to shame, the song is a pop-infused sure-fire hit for the Sony artist.

“It’s definitely… very anthemic.” Anderson shares with PPcorn. “It’s kind of about forgetting what’s gone on in the past or what the hard times that you’re trying to overcome, or you have overcome, and focusing on where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.”

Penned while living in L.A., the singer took a step back after the success of her Platinum hit “Blackout” to embrace her life as an artist. “I went overseas and I decided to do that off my own back…and live it and breathe it basically. I was writing two sessions a day in L.A., and I was just really, really digging deep for that special song, you know. I didn’t want to just relate something that wasn’t me. I wanted it to be right and for people to be able to connect to it.”

Her time abroad also allowed her to explore her own sound and see what she could come up with musically. “As an artist, we’re always experimenting and trying new things. I mean, I grew up listening to soul music, so…I love soul music. My mom was a singer growing up and was always very involved in music and the end scene live. That’s where I’ve been heading more towards,” says the bubbly singer.

“It’s throwing me back to a little bit of what I actually love and adore. “Unbroken,” as it’s a total pop song, it just has that meaningful thing to it. I like to say that my music has meaning and soul.”

Anderson stepped onto the music scene in 2007 when she won Australia’s Got Talent as a 12-year-old. Unlike most of her peers, she chose to complete her education and left the spotlight for a while. This has given her a unique perspective and direction when it comes to her career.

“It’s just been a crazy journey up until now, I guess. As a 12-year-old, I was still a kid and learning, and taking that time. That was really important for me to be the other side hanging out. Learn it, live and breathe it, travel, tour, do as many gigs as I possibly can… I’m proud of it.”

With more singles already in the pipeline and an album nearly completed, it is difficult for the singer to pick one career highlight. “I think I’ve gotten many, many goals and year things I’m working towards and we’ve all got those as people. I mean, what would be my highlight? Australia’s Got Talent was something that was pretty special as a 12-year-old. Every so often I… just wake up and pinch myself and think, ‘Look at what I get to do. I love what I do.’ It’s pretty incredible to be doing what you love as work.”

2016 holds big dreams and new territory for Anderson. With the release of “Unbroken” is a streamline of publicity, live performances and touring. Ultimately, though, what keeps the star grounded is her commitment to keeping it real.

“I love connecting with the audience. It’s special for me. I just love jumping around. They get to see the real you…There’s nothing you can hide when you’re on stage and you tell stories to people.”

With a single that pushes the boundaries of what it means to be young, independent and fearless, “Unbroken” is the perfect window into the heart of Bonnie Anderson. Authentic, creative and with a voice that will make your spine tingle, this Aussie is the real deal.

“I am pretty real always. What you see is what you get with me and that’s the way I love it. I’m never…one to ever change and my family is so supportive. I have an amazing family and friends. It’s important to do what you love, do it well, work hard and be real. “