Anja and the Dreamers

First, there was Joni Mitchell. Then there was Sarah McLaughlin. And then there were Adele, Lorde, and Sia. Continuing along the lineage of those legendary singer-songwriters is the next big thing—Anja Conklin of Anja and the Dreamers. Born to this Earth less than 18 years ago and about to enter her senior year at Mel High, Anja Conklin has already written and recorded well over 100 original songs. Her three-piece band, Anja and the Dreamers, features Anja Conklin on lead vocals, piano, and guitar; Elissa Gilbert on bass and harmony; and Logan Ray Tyler on percussion.

Anja has been in countless photo shoots as both a musician and a model for big names in fashion such as YSL and L'Oreal. She’s been around music her entire life. Her piano-teacher mother got Anja tickling the ivories at about five-years-old, followed by guitar at nine, and bass a little later on. Back when Anja was in third grade, she’d set up a spot in downtown Melbourne and play songs with a friend just for fun. She even played original songs she wrote when she was as young as nine.

Elissa took piano lessons from Anja’s mom. One night, by chance, Elissa saw Anja performing live, and asked if she could sing harmony with her. A harmonious vocal partnership was born. Soon thereafter, Elissa picked up the bass. Although it’s only been a few months, Elissa sounds as if she’s been a bassist for years, complete with her “bass face” which is still under development. Logan was Anja’s neighbor growing up, and his extensive experience in several percussive instruments from around the globe compliments the band perfectly. Logan works for a percussion instrument manufacturer during the day and records demonstrative videos for his employer on YouTube.

As a singer/songwriter, Anja has been featured at open mics at Florida Discount Music and has won several local contests for her original music. At the age of 13, Anja performed at "80s in the Park" with her band playing a full set of classic 80s rock songs. At 15, with a little help from Sue Luley, Anja headlined at The Space Coast Music Festival in Cocoa Beach as the youngest performer playing all original music. Anja once won a national video contest for One Ocean, One World by performing a song she wrote about ocean conservation. Even being so young, the maturity of Anja, Elissa, and Logan shines through. Anja and the Dreamers have been granted special permission to be the youngest performers to grace the stage at local bars, pubs, grills, restaurants, charity events, and festivals. For such a young trio, these bandmates have quite an impressive résumé.

With meaningful lyrics, memorable harmonies, and a superbly catchy melody, “All The Things You Do” is an original composition from her upcoming release that’s thoughtful, poppy, and peppy enough to be played on any Top 40 radio station. Mom, Anna Conklin, also acts as The Dreamers’ recording engineer and producer. Based on the recordings we’ve heard, Mom is no amateur. If this is an indication of the quality of music that’s going to be on their next CD, it’s going to be breathtaking.

Anja and the Dreamers are currently performing all over Brevard County from Cocoa Beach to Sebastian. For the latest news on Anja and company, and for their schedule of performances, visit their website.