ANAY RICHARDSON IS BUILDING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC—AND SHE'S DOING IT HER WAY
- Jordyn Mayes
- May 23
- 4 min read
Building the Future of Music—One Song, One Soul, One Session at a Time.
In an industry that thrives on hype and hustle, Anay Richardson is making room for purpose, patience, and powerful storytelling.
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Anay didn’t just grow up around music—she was the music.
“When my parents started their church in downtown Louisville, I basically became the entire praise team,” she says with a laugh.
She played piano, drums, sang—whatever the moment called for. That early immersion in music, rooted in community and spirituality, was less of a phase and more of a calling.
It wasn’t until college application season that things started to click into a vision. Originally set on becoming an English teacher, Anay took a leap and applied to Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) when she discovered their songwriting program.
“I realized I didn’t want to do anything else with my life,” she says. “I wasn’t great at math and science, but when it came to songwriting, every semester I got better.”
From Songwriter to Shot-Caller
Today, Anay is a rising A&R at Prescription Songs, a publishing powerhouse behind some of the biggest hits in music. But her path wasn’t paved with industry connections or flashy co-signs—it was built on faith, hustle, and a lot of unseen work.
“Most people don’t understand what publishing A&R really is,” she explains. “Everyone thinks label A&R, which is all about working on the master recording, but I work at the beginning—where the songs are created. My job is about scouting talent, setting up sessions, and pitching songs.”
Think of her as the connective tissue between creativity and opportunity—matching writers, producers, and artists like a low-key mastermind.
“One of my favorite moments was helping Tim Gent—an incredible rapper out of Nashville—find the perfect voice for his interlude. That session ended up being the missing puzzle piece for his project.”
Repping the Underrated and Underestimated
Being a Black woman in a city like Nashville—where the music scene has traditionally been white and country-focused—has sharpened Anay’s ability to navigate, challenge, and redefine the norms.
“A lot of people don’t expect me to know country music,” she says. “But I’ve worked with country artists. I know the producers, the writers, the culture. It’s been important to learn it, not because I have to prove myself, but because I want to be excellent at what I do.”
She’s also working to reshape Nashville’s music infrastructure, one writing camp at a time. After noticing how underrepresented hip-hop was in the city, Anay helped organize a hip-hop writing camp with Tay Keith—yes, that Tay Keith.
“There are so many talented producers and writers here who just haven’t had the chance to do music at a professional level,” she says. “We wanted to change that.”
Purpose Over Pressure
For Anay, success isn’t just streams and placements. It’s about integrity, relationships, and remembering why she’s doing this in the first place.
“I’m not in a rush to sign the next Frank Ocean tomorrow,” she says. “I want to move with intention. The biggest shock was realizing how many incredible songs never get released—because of label politics, splits, or timing. But that’s why relationships matter. A lot of what I do is strategic follow-up and creative pitching. Sometimes the best way to get a song to an artist is through the producer in the studio with them. You have to be smart, but you also have to be kind.”
Kindness, it turns out, is one of her secret weapons. “I’m always looking for good people—not just good talent,” she says. “Because publishing is a partnership. It’s 50/50. I need to know that you’re going to grind as hard as I do.”
And she’s not just giving that energy to big names. Anay actively advocates for students from schools like MTSU and TSU who don’t have the same access as those from institutions like Belmont.
“A lot of the time, I’m the first industry professional to ever take a meeting with them. That matters. Everyone deserves a shot.”
Building What's Next
Anay isn’t shy about what she wants to see next: a full-blown R&B renaissance in Nashville.
“I go to so many shows here—there’s talent everywhere. I want to help give them professional-level opportunities the same way we did with hip-hop.”
She lights up talking about an artist she believes the world should know: Summer Joy, a Nashville-based powerhouse with vocals that float between Yebba and Amy Winehouse.
“She’s confident, soulful, and just gets it. I can’t wait for people to really hear her.”
Keeping the Soul Intact
In a business that often confuses burnout with dedication, Anay is firm about boundaries.
"I’m committed to doing great work, but I also value balance. I try to avoid late-night emails and weekend work—unless Beyoncé’s cutting a track tomorrow! I truly love what I do, and I also cherish time with my family and space to recharge."
She stays grounded by stepping away. Whether that means talking to her sister about her nephew’s day or spending time with friends who aren’t in the industry, it helps her keep the noise in check.
“That’s what keeps me centered. Not the networking events. Not the name-dropping. Just real life.”
One Rule She’d Rewrite
If Anay could change one thing about the music industry? “This idea that you have to ‘hustle’ non-stop to be worthy. That if you’re not constantly working, you don’t want it bad enough. That’s toxic. Hustle isn’t a personality trait. Music isn’t heart surgery—there’s no emergency. Take your time. Protect your peace.”
And if you’re a young Black creative trying to break into the business? Her advice is simple: “Take any door you can find—and when you get through it, blow it open.”
Anay Richardson is proof that you can be serious about your craft and have a soul. That you can climb the ranks and stay true to your roots. That you can be about business and still lead with your heart.
In an industry that’s always chasing the next big thing, Anay is busy building something that lasts.
Follow Anay's journey on Instagram [@anaystarr], and check out Summer Joy at [@summerthejoy].
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