Blending Music and Photography Into Art That Moves
Creativity has no boundaries. Some artists express themselves through sound, others through visuals, but for Anastassia “Saywordstaz” Whitty, both are inseparable. As a music producer and photojournalist, she merges these two forms of storytelling, creating immersive experiences that resonate with emotion, rhythm, and raw authenticity.
Her beats are deeply rooted in boom bap jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and hip-hop, with an unmistakable groove that pulls listeners in. Her photography, often shot in dark, moody black and white, tells stories with depth and feeling, capturing moments that make you stop and reflect. Whether behind the camera or behind the boards, her goal is the same—to make people feel something real. “Music and photography are both storytelling,” she says. “When I make beats, I’m painting a picture with sound. When I take photos, I’m capturing the music of the moment.”
The Journey From Vision to Sound
Anastassia’s creative path wasn’t planned—it unfolded naturally, shaped by a lifelong love of music and a deep appreciation for visuals. Growing up, her father filled their home with jazz, funk, and disco, instilling in her an ear for rhythm and soul. But it wasn’t until her mid-20s that she picked up a camera and began capturing the world through her own lens. “I started photography around 25,” she recalls. “I had a mentor who taught me how to critique images, which helped me train my eye. From there, I started carrying my camera everywhere, just documenting life.” Photography became her first creative love, leading her to work as a freelance photojournalist for The New York Times. But when the pandemic hit and work slowed down, she found herself searching for something new. That’s when she turned to music production—a decision that would completely transform her artistic journey.
“I was already cool with Ski Beatz—he’s a legend in hip-hop. I kept asking him questions about sampling, about beats, and one day I just said, ‘I’m serious about this. Will you teach me?’ And he did.” With his mentorship, Anastassia found her sound. She developed “Staz Bap”, a unique blend of boom bap with jazz, Brazilian influences, and raw hip-hop energy.
“I love music that feels like movement. I want people to hear my beats and just vibe instantly,” she says.
The Creative Process: Finding the Groove in Every Medium
For Anastassia, the creative process is all about energy. Her music starts with drums—the heartbeat of every track—before layering in samples, bass, and melodies to bring the rhythm to life. “I always start with the drums. The kicks, snares, hi-hats—those set the foundation. Then I dig for a sample, chop it up, and let the beat build from there.” She finds inspiration everywhere, from record store digging to watching live sets from producers like Dibiase and Stolen Drums.
Her approach to photography follows the same principle. She looks for rhythm in movement, contrast in light and shadow, and the emotional weight of a single moment. Whether she’s capturing street photography or live music performances, her images tell a story without words. “I love black-and-white photography because it strips everything down to the feeling. No distractions—just raw emotion.”
Carving a Path as a Woman in Music Production
The world of music production has long been male-dominated, but Anastassia isn’t looking for permission—she’s claiming her space. “It’s rare to see Black women in production,” she says. “But that’s why I do it. I want to be that example, so other women can see me and know they can do this too.”
Early in her journey, she had to navigate doubt, skepticism, and being underestimated in studio spaces. But she refused to let those experiences define her. Instead, she focused on honing her craft, letting her work speak louder than words. Her presence in this space is not just about representation—it’s about setting a new standard for what’s possible.
The Vibe Out: Bringing Music and Photography Together
Anastassia’s signature creative project, “The Vibe Out”, perfectly represents her artistic fusion. It’s a live-streamed experience where she sets up her camera, plays her beats, and allows viewers to step into her world.
“It’s more than just playing music—it’s about creating a moment. I want people to feel like they’re part of the process.” It’s an extension of her artistic philosophy: whether it’s music or photography, it’s about immersion, connection, and emotion.
Overcoming Creative Blocks and Staying Inspired
Like all creatives, Anastassia has faced moments where inspiration fades. Her solution? Change the medium. “If I’m stuck in music, I go take photos. If I feel blocked with photography, I’ll sit down and make a beat. Creativity needs movement—it can’t stay in one place.”
She also finds inspiration through morning rituals—tea, movement, music—and by stepping away from the work to let ideas flow naturally. “I’ve learned that you can’t force creativity. Sometimes you just have to trust the process.”
Sonic Odyssey 3 and The Road Ahead
Anastassia is currently working on Sonic Odyssey 3, the final installment of her trilogy. This album represents everything she has learned over the past three years, capturing her evolution as a producer.
“This project is personal. It’s a full-circle moment for me.”
Beyond music, she has big goals for the future—expanding her work in photojournalism, securing major placements in music, and building a creative platform for other Black artists.
“My dream is to create something bigger than myself. I want to inspire, collaborate, and open doors for other creatives who need that extra push.”
The Legacy of a Multi-Dimensional Creative
Anastassia Whitty isn’t just a music producer. She isn’t just a photographer. She is a storyteller, a visionary, and a force in the creative space.
Her journey is proof that creativity has no limits, and that artists don’t have to choose just one path—they can create their own.
Her advice to other creatives?
“Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just create. Put your work out there. Someone is waiting for what you have to offer.”
And that is exactly what she is doing—one beat, one frame, and one moment at a time.
Where to Experience Her Work
Bandcamp & YouTube – Listen to “The Vibe Out” and her latest projects.
Instagram, TikTok, Twitter – @saywordstaz for behind-the-scenes content.
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