Anna of the North is so much more than a much sought-out feature for artists like Tyler, the Creator, Rejjie Snow, and HONNE. Her own distinctive take on pop is earning widespread acclaim and genuine buzz for being equal parts ethereal, surreal, and enchanting. It is an idiosyncratic approach to the genre that the Norwegian standout leverages to wonderful effect in her latest single and video, “Leaning On Myself.”

In “Leaning On Myself,” Anna of the North presents a sonic portrayal of self-care. Floating through a deserted minimalistic soundscape, Anna of the North feels more self-assured in sound her than she has ever been before, and by no means is this small praise. The Norwegian artist’s past works delivered iridescent bouts of fantasy pop, detailing heartbreak, guilt, and the small joys of life. Yet in her latest, we are elated to get to know the next step forward in Anna of the North’s constantly-evolving artistry. The Norwegian talent spoke on her new self-reflective single, sharing,

“I’ve been writing a lot of music the past year. ‘Leaning On Myself’ is one of the songs that came out of it, maybe one of my favourite songs. I remember flying home from the States where we wrote it and I started crying. I kind of realized I’d written the soundtrack of my life one year ago. There was a point where I went through a lot of shit and I wasn’t feeling very well. I had one big breakdown where I called my mom and just knew I had to change my ways. I had to cut some people out of my life, people I loved but I knew weren’t really good for me. It was tough. But I’m good now. Every time I listen to this song it takes me back to that moment. It’s fucking sad but also powerful. I’m very grateful for where I am today. In the end, you only have yourself, you know, and I guess that’s ok.

Beyond sharing an introspective new single, Anna of the North was kind enough to announce her first-ever headlining tour and share a surreal music video that sees the left-field pop artist’s dream of having “elf ears and wings” fulfilled.  

Watch the video for “Leaning On Myself” below: