Interview by Sandra Ictech | Photographer: Sofia Ziman
Los Angeles-born vocalist and songwriter Ana Kahan has found her voice after overcoming two battles with cancer, and a surgery that left her with a paralyzed vocal cord. Kahan talked to NYOTA about her debut single “hotel,” how living in LA has influenced her music, and her advice for aspiring musicians.
Los Angeles is famously the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” It is home to major film studios, musicians, and more. Plus, it’s known for its diverse culture, sunny beaches, and iconic landmarks. What part of Los Angeles has had the most influence on your music and artistry?
I’ve lived in Los Angeles my whole life, so the city has shaped me in really personal ways. The biggest influence on my music comes from my own neighborhood and childhood memories. I think of falling in love for the first time in Malibu, late-night drives down PCH with my best friends, and walking the Venice boardwalk with my parents. Those moments—full of freedom, emotion, and connection—have stayed with me and found their way into my music. They’re a big part of who I am as an artist.
After battling cancer, how has your recovery process impacted and crafted the music you currently work on?
The impact has been profound. During treatment, I spent months isolated from friends, forced to sit with my thoughts and face everything I was feeling. I’m so grateful for the community and resources that helped me process that pain and eventually emerge stronger. Going through something so intense—especially at such a pivotal time in my life—gave me a deep sense of purpose. Now, telling my story through music isn’t just for me; it’s for anyone who might be fighting their own battles and needs to feel seen.
What artists did you listen to while you were undergoing treatment, and how have they influenced you as an artist today?
During radiation, I listened to Justin Bieber’s Justice album every single day. It became my comfort soundtrack—something that lifted my spirits and gave me a sense of joy when I needed it most. While his music might not directly influence my sound today, the emotional impact it had on me reminded me how powerful music can be. That’s something I carry with me as an artist: the goal of making people feel something, even if just a little brighter in a dark moment.
What story is your debut single “hotel” telling?
“hotel” tells the story of a time when I confused grand gestures and luxury with real love. I got swept up in the excitement—nice things, secret moments, the thrill of it all—and lost sight of myself in the process. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t right. My heart and body were telling me the truth, but I kept chasing a kind of love that wasn’t real. The song is about waking up to that, and reclaiming your sense of worth.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind “hotel” and the moment it was decided it would be your debut single.
“hotel” started as an idea I wrote alone one afternoon. The first verse you hear in the final version came out almost exactly as it is now—and by the time I got to the line “is it love or just a hotel,” I knew I had something worth exploring. I was lucky enough to bring it to two incredible collaborators, Annie Schindel and Austen Healey, who helped me shape the song into what it is today. After that very first session with them, I felt this undeniable pull toward it. It just felt like the right way to introduce myself to the world again—as a writer and a storyteller.
What was the biggest obstacle or struggle while working on “hotel?”
As an independent artist, the biggest struggle was overcoming the fear of putting something so personal out into the world. There’s so much self-doubt that creeps in—wondering if people will connect with it, if it’s good enough, if I’m ready. Those moments leading up to the release were definitely the hardest. But at the end of the day, I reminded myself why I made the song in the
first place—and that helped push me through the fear.
Many artists strive to reach specific goals in their careers. What does your “I made it moment” look like in your mind?
That’s such a tough question because I have so many dreams I’m chasing—but one “I made it” moment that would absolutely blow my mind is hosting Saturday Night Live. I grew up doing musical theater and improv, so I’ve always admired artists who can both perform and host on that stage. It’s the ultimate mix of comedy, performance, and presence. That would be a total dream come true for me.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
I’m still figuring it out myself, but the best advice I’ve received—and would pass on—is to focus on your craft and be unapologetically yourself. It’s not easy, especially in a world full of noise and comparison, but staying grounded in who you are is everything. Keep your head down, do the work, and remember: no one else has your story. That’s your power.