Nanyana Summer is for all seasons

The music bug bit Nanyana Summer at an early age.  A really early age.

The Atlanta-based singer-songwriter has clear memories of singing standards at the age of four.  Seven years later, she was writing songs and fronting a girl group trio.

"Music and art were always my favorite classes.  I wanted to draw and sing."

By her early teens, Nanyana (pronounced NAHN-yah-nah) learned a few guitar chords from a family friend and focused on becoming a rock star.  Chris Cornell, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots were among her early influences.

"I love heavy music.  I am passionate and I loved the aggression and power in the chug-chug of heavy distortion."

Being a musician has its tough moments, but Nanyana says she knows she made the right decision all those years ago.

"I love the way it makes me feel.  When I sing, it provokes something inside.  It's a release, a lifter, a teacher and a healer.  I always said that if I can't make something in the rock world, I would just get a job singing jazz standards in a smoky piano bar downtown."

Nanyana's latest effort is called "My Rock, Your World."

Nanyana and her band are performing around the greater Atlanta area throughout much of 2010.  This Friday, they are taking the stage at Smith's Olde Bar.