Cornwall-based singer-songwriter and folk artist Anna Anise joined Music Patron in spring 2024 with a clear vision for how she wanted to use the platform to support her creative practice for her first year.
Her goal - a brand new project contributing to the re-enlivening of the Cornish language and Cornish cultural heritage in music.
As a long-time lover of Irish and Scottish folk music and writing to traditional Celtic jigs and reels, Anna’s ambition was to create an album’s worth of 10 new songs which promote Cornish heritage, over the course of a year.
Connecting with Patrons
Patrons were invited to join Anna on this journey as she researched and explored Cornish histories, culture and language – Kernewek – as a source of inspiration for her writing.
She created a video diary sharing sneak peeks of new material, exclusive clips of works in progress, and insights into the UK’s grassroots folk scene.
Anna’s patrons joined her at every step – at festivals, residencies, Kernewek language lessons and more!
“Exciting! Love that you are weaving Cornish into your creativity and music.”
– Patron feedback
“Beautiful! What a wonderful year of music.”
– Patron feedback
We talked to Anna about her experience documenting the project on Music Patron.
What did you want to happen with this project?
When I started the project, I knew the year ahead would be both full and creatively rich – with touring, music camps, and residencies lined up.
I saw this as a unique opportunity to develop my next album of songs in real-time, shaped by all these experiences. However, I also knew that without financial support, I wouldn’t have had the freedom or headspace to document, reflect, and songwrite alongside these events in a meaningful way.
Music Patron allowed me to invite others along for the journey and make the creative development a part of my working life, not just something squeezed in between gigs.
What did you achieve?
The original goal was to finish the project with enough material (ideally 10 tracks) to bring to other musicians for arranging. I’m glad to say I achieved that, and new songs have continued to flow since completing the first phase of the project.
Having the time and support to develop demos that truly reflect my best work yet was only possible because of the financial backing. It gave me the capacity to really dig into the writing, to experiment, to record, and crucially, to not rush. That level of depth simply wouldn’t have been viable without support.
1. Performing live at The Pump, Trowbridge on tour in October 2024
2. With fellow fiddle players at Music in the Mountain music camp in Wales in August 2024
3. Facilitating a songwriting course for CHORUS Songwriting in January 2025
4. With creative Kernewek translator Elizabeth Ellis, with whom Anna works closely to develop the lyrics in her songs
What did you learn from sharing the process with Patrons along the way?
Sharing regular video updates became a grounding part of the process. It helped me mark milestones and reflect in real-time, which is something I don’t often have space for. This also gave me a sense of accountability and deepened my gratitude for the path I’m on.
Having a community of patrons not only helped sustain me practically, but gave value to this work in a way that felt affirming and vital.
Playing at The Green Note, London supporting Hands of the Heron in October 2024
What was the impact of sharing your process through Music Patron?
Being part of Music Patron brought a huge amount of clarity and momentum to my work. The support pushed me to articulate and document my creative process, which has built skills not just for this project, but for future applications and collaborations. I’ve also been discovered by other organisations and individuals through Music Patron, leading to new opportunities.
Most importantly, the financial and emotional support has contributed massively to my self-belief. It’s no exaggeration to say that this backing helped me treat my creative work not just as something I do, but something worth investing in.
Listen: Ankevi a Wrug
What's next?
This summer, I’ll be deep in a creative residency at AMATA (Falmouth University), arranging the new tracks that have grown from a year of exploration. Come autumn, I’ll be heading into the studio to record the album which will feature some incredible guest artists from Cornwall. Then in spring–summer 2026, I’ll be taking the songs on tour across the UK.
You’re welcome to join my patron community! I’ll be sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories along the way. If you’d like to support the process and come along for the ride, become a Patron today – your backing genuinely makes this all possible.
Support Anna on the next chapter of her musical journey
Anna’s Cornish music project evolves and continues with busy and exciting plans for the year ahead starting with a summer residency to arrange the works for the album, recording in the autumn and a tour next spring.
Join Anna’s patron community and be part of what happens next.