ANESU: 'Stepping Into The Studio Was Like Finding My Way Back To A Familiar, Forgotten Place'

Perth-based artist ANESU is back after a lengthy absence from the mic. They return with their latest single, Robin Hood, an anthem of rebellion and self-empowerment.

Born in Zimbabwe and now calling Boorloo/Perth home, ANESU's music interweaves cultural and queer themes, drawing from a rich blend of hip-hop, electronic, and soul influences.

ANESU walks the line between knowing their chops and just getting started, having already ticked off performances at festivals like SXSW, Groovin the Moo, and Sydney WorldPride, and carving out a unique space for their activism as well as their artistry.

Robin Hood marks ANESU's return to the studio after a year-long break. Crafted during Elefant Traks’ ONE OFF TRAKS writing camp for female, trans, and non-binary musicians, the single emerged from a creative space where ANESU could fully explore and amplify their voice alongside camp peers such as Badassmutha, Devaura, and Ruby Jackson. 

In Robin Hood, ANESU finds inspiration in the legendary outlaw, seeing him as a symbol of resistance and a call to reclaim power. This theme of self-liberation not only shapes the single but will also run throughout their upcoming debut EP, Bad Habits, set to release this December.

During our interview with ANESU, we got a glimpse into the singer’s new creative flair and plans for the future.

Robin Hood marks your first release in almost a year. How did it feel returning to the studio?

Stepping back into the studio was like finding my way back to a familiar, forgotten place—coming home, in a sense. The thrill of creation was there waiting for me, that feeling of tapping into something raw and real. After the time away, Robin Hood became this burst of energy, a reminder of why I started creating in the first place.

Robin Hood was written during the ONE OFF TRAKS female, trans & non-binary writing camp. Can you tell us more about that experience? How did this influence your creative process?

Being at ONE OFF TRAKS was like a breath of fresh air. In a space of shared stories and familiar energies, I could drop all guards and just create. That sense of belonging pushed me to go deeper, to write without censoring myself. This camp became a safe space to embrace my own voice, full force, with no hesitation.

Why is cultivating exclusive spaces for female, trans & non-binary artists so vital in the music industry?

Spaces like this give us room to stretch and be vulnerable. It’s about creating in places where you don’t have to explain yourself—where people just get it. Especially for female, trans, and non-binary artists, those spaces mean we can explore and push boundaries without looking back. It’s about lifting each other up, finding freedom, and daring to be fully seen.

What was it like to collaborate with LILPIXIE?

Working with LILPIXIE was electric. She’s a force—bold, unapologetic, and full of fire. When she drops lines like, “I be motivating crowds,” you feel that power. She’s all about lifting voices and taking up space, and that made creating Robin Hood together feel like we were both bringing something fierce to the table.

Robin Hood is a familiar character to many. What does he symbolise to you on this track?

To me, Robin Hood is a spirit, a spark of rebellion. He’s the courage to stand up and reclaim what’s yours, to break doors down if you have to. In this song, he’s a reminder to live fully and on your own terms. It’s a celebration of stepping into your power—taking back what was always meant to be yours.

Your debut EP, Bad Habits, is out in December. Can we expect a sound similar to that of Robin Hood?

Absolutely. Bad Habits echoes the spirit of Robin Hood—that same drive to uncover, break free, and be real. It’s a journey through highs, lows, and every messy piece of self-discovery in between. Each track has its own voice, but they’re all stitched together by this thread of resilience and raw honesty.