Anastasia Hera was born in San Antonio, Texas, but moved to Austin as a young child. From an early age, she immersed herself in music, playing piano and singing in her church and school choirs. Her passion for music deepened when she discovered KAZI 88.7, the voice of Austin, a station renowned for its diverse mix of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and gospel. It was the station’s iconic 90s shows, showcasing both East and West Coast hip-hop along with regional sounds, that truly ignited her love for rap. Influenced by pioneering acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Rakim, Anastasia quickly became enamored with the art of rap. By the time she was 12, she was writing her own rhymes and stepping into local ciphers around her neighborhood. Inspired by the storytelling mastery of artists like Scarface, she developed a deep appreciation for rap’s narrative power.
Anastasia’s life took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant, leading her to shift her focus. For the next 15 years, she put her musical ambitions on hold to prioritize motherhood and her education. However, her dream of becoming an artist never faded. In 2011, she made her return to music with the release of her first mixtape, Pretty Color Bad News, which included standout tracks like “Not a Chief Nor Beggar” and “Lift Off.” She continued to release projects such as Kale and Yoga, The Unkind Summer, and This Is Anastasia, which featured the hit “Big Tuna.” During the pandemic, she formed a band called Anastasia and the Heroes, with her as the lead vocalist. In 2024, Anastasia released Way Outside, her second full album and sixth studio project, featuring tracks like “Tied” and “Ambitions.”
Throughout her career, she has graced the stages of notable events such as Sound on Sound Fest, SXSW, Urban Music Fest, and Fun Fun Fun Festival. Anastasia has been featured in prominent publications like the Austin Chronicle and Austin American-Statesman. Recognized for her talent, she was voted “Best Female Artist” by Austin’s rap community and named KUTX’s Artist of the Month for February. Beyond her music, Anastasia founded the non-profit organization CAKE, (Creativity, Abundance, Knowledge, Elevation) dedicated to empowering and educating women pursuing careers in music. In 2021, she also launched her own award-winning rum brand, HERA. The native austinite, entrepreneur and musician continues to captivate audiences with her lyrical prowess, boundless creativity, and unique stage presence, all while breaking barriers and connecting with fans from all walks of life.
