By Tyler Wright
Selby-based singer-songwriter Anya Hynninen is bringing her talent back home after making it to a spot in the final six on the 2023 season of Australian Idol.
Also known as Anya Alchemy, Hynninen is set to perform a mix of covers and unreleased original singles at Belgrave’s Sooki Lounge on Friday 12 May as part of her homecoming gig.
The 20-year-old said it is “daunting” heading into her first performance back in the Hills.
“I’m ready to show who I really am and what kind of artist I really am out of the show,” Hynninen said.
“When you’re performing originals, I write very personal lyrics, so it’s a vulnerable experience being that in touch with your emotions in front of people.”
Known for her soulful voice and trademark pink hair – Hynninen garnered support from her home town and community in the Dandenong Ranges during her Idol experience.
“The main thing I’m focusing on is writing for myself and for other people,” she said.
“My big message is to be yourself and to own all your emotions and all your feelings, even when they’re bad sometimes… like jealousy and anger.”
Hynninen said she was writing songs the “whole time” she was filming in Sydney, helped by a guitar she had flown up from Melbourne.
“I’ve got the full band for the first time, and they’re all really good players,” she said.
“I’m bloody excited to show what we’ve come up with.”
Attendees can also expect “a lot of pink” at Hynninen’s upcoming show.
“I hope that everyone can feel like they can be themselves… sometimes you go to a gig and no one’s singing along and you’re too scared to sing out and you feel a little bit awkward.
“I don’t want it to be like that at all.”
People should also be on the look out for an Anya Alchemy EP, expected to be released in the coming months.
“I’m planning on touring it regionally at the end of July, early August,” she said.
If you’re interested in snagging a ticket to Anya Alchemy’s homecoming performance, visit https://events.humanitix.com/anya-alchemy?fbclid=IwAR2spBPtWdcp3e8nvXJY1mqsZs2fyZqf-_Tn31YC2veePm8ur8tyrZ59UL8
The performance will start at 8pm and finish at 11pm.
