Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, often throwing us far from the path we had envisioned. But sometimes, that’s just the way it ought to be. We leave behind a path of shady disappointments where the odds are stacked against us, and we find ourselves barreling down the highway and into the harmonious rhythms of life. In ANORA’s latest song, “Mexico,” this sentiment rings as an anthem, where the majestic voices of ANORA and Donny Beck of Pipe Down mesh perfectly with the vibrant instrumentation that leads us to southern shores where sea salt and sunshine produce a potent hit of happiness straight to the hippocampus.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with ANORA about the track and her musical journey, delving into the inception of “Mexico.” ANORA’s voyage into music began at the age of ten, singing for her family before joining her church choir and participating in musical theater. Reflecting on these early experiences, she said, “For a while, we went to this First Southern Baptist Church and did a lot of gospel singing there. So, I think that’s kind of where I first experienced soul. And then when I was ten, I started doing musical theater, and that was another expanse of artistry where I learned some technique.”

ANORA’s love for songwriting was sparked by her sister. She shared, “My sister was my first inspiration for writing music. We actually wrote our very first song together called ‘Flowers and Chocolate’ — which I think I’ll record one day. I think I was twelve or something when I wrote it with her. It’s kind of a funky little jam for children to be writing. But it was fun.”

Amazingly, their tune eventually caught the attention of Oprah Winfrey when ANORA’s mom submitted a video of the two singing, and it ended up airing on the megastar’s television show. Describing this transformative moment, ANORA recalled, “I think that kind of gave me the bug to be like, ‘Oh, wait, I can do something. I can be amazing.’”

Fast-forward to 2024, and ANORA sees success in music in a completely different light. She has since carved out her own unique sound and grown not just as an artist but also as a songwriter, capturing her life’s adventures in her music.

“Mexico” was born on the road while ANORA was traveling from California to New Mexico for a music festival with her husband and then ten-month old daughter. The trip offered more than just a simple getaway. Instead, it gave her family a moment of solace after a series of moves and career changes. This mental toll eventually inspired the story behind the song, refusing to let the mental toll get the best of her and her family.

ANORA reminisced about the journey, saying, “I think road trips get you away from all the responsibilities of the day-to-day. It’s just like you and your mind. You can do whatever you want with it, or you could write a song, so that’s kind of how I spent that road trip in particular.”

The track opens up and immediately sets the mind at ease. The incredible voice of ANORA fosters a state of warmth and bliss, gliding over the top of the track like the glimmer of the sun sparkling a mound of seafoam. The sounds of crashing waves meld with a smooth drum beat, creating a sonic playground where each note invite the body to groove amidst the sound waves.

Heavy eyes, worried mind

 I know that things ain’t been easy

 And some things just don’t feel right

 Why don’t we both ditch our jobs

Come on let’s go full time on the road

Keen ears listening to the vocal harmonies will catch the voice of ANORA’s sister, Oly Sylvan, on backing vocals. This brings even more vibrance to an already bright track and adds a layer of familial warmth and depth. The addition of Donny Beck of Pipe Down creates an incredible duet, adding to the overall texture with crisp, dulcet tones.

ANORA explains the thought of inviting Donny onto the track: “I knew I wanted Donny to be on a song with me. That guy’s voice is amazing. It’s jazzy and raspy in all the right ways… So I reached out to him and he said yes. So I was trying to think of a song to have in mind and getting my creative connections happening in my brain. And since, you know, the drive is so long, I just was thinking, Oh, what if I wrote a song about Mexico? I’ve always wanted to write a song about Mexico.”

ANORA says another significant part of bringing “Mexico” to life was the help of the track’s producer, Gary Larson, of bigG Productions. She states that he got the vision of the song immediately.

Overall, ANORA’s latest single offers a truly divine listening experience where every ingredient is essential, from the added voice of Donny Beck, the brilliant instrumentation that equally grooves and soothes the soul, and a story that paints pictures within the mind.

“Mexico” drops on all major streaming platforms on Friday, July 12, but Rootfire readers who are ready to escape into the sun-soaked vibes of ANORA’s latest single before anyone can click the link above for an exclusive first listen.