Clea Anaïs has collaborated with many of Calgary’s top performers including, Woodpigeon, Dojo Workhorse, Thighs, Brock Geiger and the former Consonant C. Her solo work is delicate and soothing in voice, kissed with cello and piano. She performs at Higher Ground at 9pm this Thursday.

You have been involved in so many significant musical projects in town, as well as your own solo work; who inspired you to take the plunge as a performer?

Well, really I have performed since I was little. I started playing cello when I was 3, and performed and competed in various capacities during my entire childhood. I still get nervous though. I would say my mother, Dulcie Foo Fat is a big influence on me because she is so dedicated to being an artist. I guess this year I owe a lot of credit to Mark Hamilton and Brock Geiger, who have helped me gain enough confidence to play my own solo stuff.

What Calgary artist would you like to see more people aware of?

Well yikes. Calgary is oh-so full of amazing artists, to pick one wouldn’t be fair. Right now I am super into FreeNudeCelebs which is Jordon Hossak from Azeda Booth. Also I am in constant admiration of Laura Lief when she plays. Brock Geiger just released an awesome album and is doing super creative new things. Jacqueline Bell and Chris Dadge are working on a record for the project called A Relative Distance. They are a killer duo. That’s the tip of the iceberg, if you want to know more awesome Calgary musicians just find me and ask!

What is your favourite way to spend a sunny afternoon in town?

I love biking to spots by the river and laying in the grass. Also having slurpees.

How do you feel now about this city, that you maybe didn’t last summer?

Hmm. On a personal level, this summer was a bit rough compared to last summer. However, I have never looked forward to September and another year in Calgary so much and this is the of awesome collaborative projects - first time I have had no obligations to make me stay. I am so grateful for the awesome sense of DIY community that is being built in our city. I love that it is inclusive and is based on people’s excitement about projects instead of dictated by organizations. I’m looking forward to a fall and winter

What was the first record you owned?

Well my older sisters had music that I loved as a child but didn’t own. When I was in grade 3 I fell in love with Bell and Sebastian. That was probably a good start.