INTERVIEW

AS ANNA SHOEMAKER GEARS UP FOR A NEW ALBUM AND CHAPTER — it feels only fitting to take some time to reflect in the city where it all began—Philadelphia. From playing open mics and coffee shops as a teenager to performing in front of a growing and dedicated fanbase, Anna’s connection to her hometown is undeniable.

To commemorate this special show, we teamed up with Lomography for our From The Road series to send Anna the Lomomatic 110 Camera & Flash Metal. Featuring a premium Minitar CX glass lens and a nostalgic 110 format, the camera allowed Anna to capture her day in stunning detail—from green room shenanigans to her energetic crowd ready for Anna to take the stage.

Reflecting on her hometown show as tour wraps up, Anna shared her thoughts on returning to her roots, her pre-show routines, and the Philly spots that still feel like home. With her sister and best friend by her side, the night marked a full-circle moment for the artist, blending the nostalgia of her early days with the excitement of what’s to come.

Read on to step into Anna’s world as she reflects on her journey, shares the joy of performing new tracks, and looks ahead to her upcoming album release.

LUNA: How does it feel to close out this chapter of your tour with a performance in your hometown?

SHOEMAKER: It feels good! I love getting to play in Philly I just remember doing so many open mics and playing in every coffee shop possible so it always feels very special.

LUNA: What’s your pre-show routine like, especially for such a meaningful event?

SHOEMAKER: I have my sister and my best friend with me tonight so mostly we’re just hanging out, I drink a lot of tea and water and hope for the best!

LUNA: Philly has been a big part of your journey—what’s one local spot that always inspires you?

SHOEMAKER: Being in my childhood bedroom always just feels really magical and special, that’s where I wrote all my first songs there are just piles and piles of old notebooks, and I LOVE going through them. I was such a drama queen!

LUNA: If you could take a day to explore Philly before the show, what would be on your itinerary?

SHOEMAKER: Definitely get coffee and food at High Point Cafe and then thrift with my mom all day and then have dinner with my dad at McNallys! I’m a suburb girly!

LUNA: What’s been your favorite track to play live on this tour?

SHOEMAKER: It’s really always fun to play unreleased songs so I’ve loved playing my song Back Again. It helps that it’s one of my favorites on the album so I’ve probably practiced it the most.

LUNA: How did this show compare to the first time you performed in Philly?

SHOEMAKER: This show feels full circle for me because the first time I performed in Philly I was probably 16 playing an open mic just me and my guitar. I’ve played in Philly with my band a few times but now being back playing acoustic again is really exciting!! ALSO, I'M PLAYING IN FRONT OF A LOT MORE PEOPLE!

LUNA: What’s the one thing you hope audiences take away from your shows?

SHOEMAKER: I just want everyone to have fun! Joe’s fans have all been so nice I love talking to everyone after the shows.

LUNA: What intentions do you have for these upcoming months?

SHOEMAKER: Getting really excited to put my album out in February and hopefully playing so many more shows :)