Anjimile grew up in Boston, where his varied musical diet (punk, soul, indie) helped to set him on a musical path that he still follows down today. In the time since he has been putting out records, which include 2020’s breakthrough Giver Taker, he’s developed an inspiring network of friends and collaborators that have only strengthened his own distinct musical voice: delicate, introspective, and imbued with a sense of care that stretches from his lyrics to his choice of musical textures. His forthcoming album, You're Free To Go, features one unlikely influence: the British rock band The Darkness, who partly inspired the anthemic “Like You Really Mean It.” We talked with Anjimile about that song, some formative musical memories, and a lot more. It’s the newest edition of Web of Influences; read it below. You're Free To Go is out March 13th on 4AD.

Can you remember the first piece of music that really resonated with you? And then can you remember the first piece of music you discovered yourself, something you sought out in one way or another?

Anjimile: I do remember. It was “Do You Love Me” by The Contours—that’s the first song that ever resonated with me. It made me dance, it made me sing. My parents can confirm this, it’s in the family lore. The first music I remember seeking out for myself was Good Charlotte when I was 11 or 12. It really spoke to me man. I bought a poster from Hot Topic, I started learning about punk and I would spend a good chunk of my teenage years DEEP into punk (my favorites are Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, Crass, Descendents). Shout out to Good Charlotte. Their first album is my personal favorite. 

Is there a song or record that defines your high school experience? What about your college experience?

For high school I’m going to go with “I Need a Life” by Born Ruffians. I LOVED that band so much in high school, and me and my buddies used to play it and ride around town on the weekends doing stuff we shouldn’t have been doing at that age. 

What is “Like You Really Mean It” about? It feels like an anthem. What kind of rock music has been inspiring you lately?

 

I guess this is the perfect time to admit that I’m a huge fan of the album Permission to Land (2003) by The Darkness, of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” fame. I recently rediscovered this album and I’ve been bumping a handful of tracks on it pretty hard. That’s just good old-fashioned rock and roll.

You seem to work with a pretty robust extended network of collaborators. Can you remember any advice or songwriting tips that have been relayed to you while working, a nugget of wisdom that has stuck with you? 

A couple of years ago I got to have some Zoom calls and meetings with a handful of incredible producers for what ended up being my 2023 album The King, produced by Shawn Everett. I got to meet over Zoom with a producer I admire HUGELY named Blake Mills, and he suggested I tune my guitar down. He suggested a lot of super helpful things, but I’ve had my acoustic tuned down a whole step since that meeting and she (Barbara Ann, my guitar) has never been happier. 

Are you still skateboarding? Have you ever put a song in a skate video? 

Unfortunately no, haven’t skated in at least a year and a half.

Do you have any dream collaborations? How about dream concert situations?

Hell yeah. Janelle Monae, Moses Sumney, Fontaines DC, Sault, Nilufer Yanya, Little Simz, Kaytranada, Khruangbin. Now I’m just naming what I’ve been listening to lately.

Any major non-musical influences at the moment?

I binge-watched the TV show Severance over Christmas break 2025 and it completely blew my mind. Cannot recommend it enough if you’ve never seen it. Sci-fi, mystery, light horror, psychological drama. 10/10 baby! 

You’ve done some time teaching at an after-school music class. What have you learned from your students?

Encouragement is everything. A smile, a thumbs up, a simple “great job.” It goes a long way towards making these kids feel supported, and I love getting to just basically be a cheerleader for them.