San Jose’s own Anya Kvitka is back with a new video, “One Less,” featuring a more uptempo and pop sound than some of her more recent releases.

The track, produced by Marcus Daniels (snack|BOT) and Bobby Ozuna of Jake and the Phatman, was written and recorded in a whirlwind session last fall. Arriving at the studio, Daniels worked on the riff with one of Ozuna’s vintage keyboards while Kvitka wrote lyrics. Ozuna brought in a drummer, who knocked out the beat in one take, and the vocals were ready to record.

“I was just kind of irritated that day,” Kvitka says. “”All this is happening and I”m just writing this song, kind of pissed off at the world.”

In the end, she says the track is about more than the lovers’ squabble that the title suggests. “It’s really just about anybody doubting you or standing in the way and saying, ‘I’m going to do it and your going to be sorry in the end without me,'” Kvitka says.

The video is inspired by Kvitka’s Russian heritage—she was born there when it was still the USSR in 1987 before moving to the U.S. when she was seven year old—and Russian propaganda artwork, something that she has always been exposed to visiting family and friends.

“A big part of me is still in touch with that culture,” Kvitka says. “There is all this very poignant artwork and posters. I’ve always been drawn to that for the many things it represents—first because it’s Russian and also because it’s art.”

She says the imagery can also reflect current events and politics in the United States.

“People tend to sit back and watch what happens instead of being active in what they want to see or want to perceive,” she says. “I think propaganda is a good way to bring up a conversation about that, and I really wanted to pay homage to my roots.”

Kvitka says a new EP should be ready for release before the end of the year. Her next local performance on Sept. 29 opening for Black Milk at Pagoda Lounge as part of C2SV.

San Jose chanteuse Anya Kvitka is back with a new video for her track “Maybe.” Be the first to see it here.

Just in time for her appearance at Live 105’s BFD this weekend, the track features a sparse piano riff over a classic hip-hop beat as the visuals alternate with Kvitka floating among clouds and sepia-tone rose petals in a vintage bathroom.

Kvitka also recently dropped a cover of “Not Your Fault” from Awolnation (also, a headliner at BFD this year). Listen here:

Metro Newspaper’s Best of 2012 issue hit new stands today, highlighting a variety of local talent selected online by readers. From cutting-edge DJs, to old-school blues and cover bands, this is the best of Silicon Valley.

READER’S PICKS

Best Local Cover Band
The Peelers
Considering how long it’s been automatic for DJs, it’s remarkable how long it took cover bands to catch on to the mash-up concept. The Peelers were, in fact, the first ones we heard doing it, and according to our readers, they’re still the best. Whether it’s layering T.I. raps over Tim McGraw or sliding from ’80s pop to hip-hop, the Peelers are monster mashers.
Runners-up:
Joe Sharino
Sage

Best Local Original Band
JC Smith Band
It’s about time one of the South Bay’s most talented bluesmen got his due. What’s led to his jump in popularity all of a sudden? We’d be willing to bet it’s Smith’s profile-raising stint as leader of the all-star blues band that grew out of the Metro Fountain Blues Festival. Whether it is his fellow blues artists who sign on to play with him or the fans who vaulted him to the top of this category, the South Bay loves the group.
Runners-up:
Whiskey Avengers
Anya & the Get Down

Best Singer/Songwriter
Anya
Anya Kvitka’s rise in the South Bay scene has been a perfect storm. Her vocal gifts went fully operational at the same time she came into her own as a songwriter, brought together a killer band for Anya and the Get Down, and found the support of some of the most influential people in the hip-hop scene. The songs she has been working on for her album show her new level of confidence, projecting her voice across genre boundaries and creating a sound that’s both classic and electro-futuro.
Runners-up:
Ben Henderson
Justin Morales