With her latest single “Man of the Match,” Ananya turns the language of football fandom into a charming, flirtatious anthem about unexpected feelings, playful obsession, and emotional vulnerability. Known for blending candid storytelling with infectious pop sensibilities, the singer-songwriter continues to carve out a space where humor, honesty, and heart coexist effortlessly. Beyond music, Ananya is also the co-founder of The Nani Wellness Project, a mental health initiative dedicated to fostering conversations around emotional well-being and community.
In this conversation with The Alternative Gig Guide, Ananya opens up about the inspiration behind “Man of the Match,” the lyric that means the most to her, the evolution of her songwriting, and how her work in mental health advocacy continues to shape her creativity. From celebrity football crushes to the power of vulnerability, she shares the stories, influences, and emotions driving this exciting new chapter of her artistic journey.
“Man of the Match” feels like a phrase borrowed from sport but reimagined emotionally. What does that title mean to you in the context of the song?
This song started as a playful idea because I loved how dramatic and celebratory the phrase already feels. It’s obviously borrowed from football culture, but in the song, it becomes about putting someone on a pedestal when you unexpectedly start catching feelings for them. It’s that moment where you’re completely thrown off balance. It’s very flirty and confident on the surface but there’s a bit of chaos creeping in because you didn’t intend feelings to become real.
What was the very first spark for this track? Was it a lyric, a feeling, a conversation, or something else entirely?
There’s sometimes a bit of a game involved when feelings start entering the picture. There’s flirting, testing the waters, acting cooler than you actually feel, and that back and forth before anyone admits the feelings are real. I really wanted to capture that energy. And then, of course, my celebrity crush is a football player, so I couldn’t resist adding a little nod to that 😉 Once that concept clicked, the rest of the song built itself naturally.
You’re known for honest storytelling paired with playful sound design—how do you balance emotional truth with sonic experimentation?
I think I naturally gravitate towards writing honestly, even when the production feels playful or upbeat. I love the contrast of pairing something emotionally real with a sound that feels light, exciting or slightly chaotic, because that’s usually what feelings are actually like in real life. You can be completely spiraling internally while still trying to act confident and carefree on the outside. I think the sonic world is almost an extension of an emotion.
If this single had a visual world attached to it, what would it look or feel like?
Hmm.. it would totally just be me watching football matches alone from my sofa, blushing and pining. It would feel a lot like a one-way crush – dreamy, playful and a little delusional.
What’s a line or moment in “Man of the Match” that feels especially personal to you, even if listeners might not immediately notice it?
One line that feels especially personal to me is ‘I’d wait on the benches, not on the fences.’ I love that lyric because, to me, it’s about choosing presence over detachment. Sitting on the fence feels passive, guarded and emotionally unavailable, whereas waiting on the benches feels much more loyal and intentional. It’s about being there for someone, watching, supporting, hoping. There’s also something quite vulnerable in the idea of not even wanting to ‘play’ if they do. The line isn’t really about competition, it’s more about closeness and devotion. Sometimes it’s not about winning someone over, it’s just about wanting to stay near them, even quietly.
How has your songwriting evolved from your earlier releases to this point in your career?
I think my songwriting has become a lot more fearless over time. In my earlier releases, I was still figuring out how much of myself I wanted to reveal, whereas now I’m much more comfortable leaning into specificity, humor, vulnerability and even slight absurdity if it helps tell the story honestly. I’ve also become more confident in letting contrasting emotions exist within the same song. I think I’ve also learned to trust my instincts more.
You often blend vulnerability with a sense of play. Do you find that contrast comes naturally, or is it something you intentionally build into your music?
Naturally! It’s rare to feel just one thing at a time. Even in moments where I’m vulnerable, there’s usually humor or irony or self-awareness sitting alongside that. I think music becomes more interesting when it allows those contradictions to exist together. I love the idea of disguising something emotional inside something playful or addictive sounding. Sometimes the brightest songs are actually hiding the messiest feelings underneath.
Who or what have been your biggest musical influences while shaping your current sound?
Bieber fever forever, that’s all!
When you’re in the studio, what tends to lead your process more: rhythm, melody, or lyrics?
Usually lyrics. I think I almost always start with a feeling or something I want to say first, and then the melody and production build around that.
Your work outside music includes co-founding The Nani Wellness Project in 2022. How has working in mental health advocacy shaped the way you think about art and expression?
I think it’s made me less afraid of vulnerability in my writing. A lot of my songs explore complicated emotions, and I’ve learned that there’s real power in expressing those feelings openly rather than trying to hide them. Music and mental health are deeply connected to me because both are really about creating spaces where people feel understood.
What does community look like for you now, both in music and in the wellness space?
It’s really about feeling safe enough to be honest, creative and imperfect around others. It’s so important to be surrounded by those who genuinely are supportive, inspiring and allow growth without judgement.
Has working with The Nani Wellness Project changed how you process your own emotions or creativity?
Definitely! I am much more reflective and intentional about the way I process my emotions. I really value slowing down, checking in and allowing space.. Some of the most meaningful conversations and connections come from honesty. That’s influenced the way I write for sure.
When listeners connect with your music, what kind of emotional space do you hope they leave in?
I hope people leave feeling understood more than anything. I think music is such a comforting reminder that other people experience the same messy emotions we do so I hope they feel a little less alone in theirs.
What does success look like for you right now? Not just as an artist, but as a person building meaningful work across different spaces?
I think I’ve realized that success feels a lot more fulfilling when it’s connected to purpose and genuine connection rather than just numbers or external validation. As a person, I think success is being able to grow while still staying connected to myself and the people around me. And as an artist, it’s making work that people truly feel something from, even if it reaches one person at a time.
What’s next for you after “Man of the Match.” Are there sonic directions or stories you’re excited to explore next?
I’m excited to keep exploring this more playful side while still keeping the emotional honesty in the writing. I’ve been experimenting a lot sonically, and I think the next chapter will feel fun and colorful.
