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Tuning into Empathy: annkins on Fostering Community with Music on Twitch

Hey streamers!

Today's feature deviates from our regular news roundup to spotlight someone special in the streaming world. Meet annkins, a Twitch streamer and indie pop musician! Our paths crossed a few years back, leading to collaborations on events like Cheers for Fears, a thrilling 30-day Halloween extravaganza. annkins has been a pillar of support in my streaming journey, and I've always admired her ability to cultivate such a welcoming community on Twitch.

In the interview below, annkins shares invaluable insights that both budding and seasoned streamers will benefit from. She opens up about her journey into content creation, how music became the soul of her channel, and the unforgettable experiences she's had while streaming.

How You Can Support annkins

Listen to “Two Hearts” single on Spotify

Watch Live on Twitch

Subscribe on YouTube

Media Kit

1. Tell our readers about yourself and what inspired you to start streaming?

I’m currently living in the land down under but grew up & lived in Singapore until I was 21.

Outside of streaming I’m a Paid Social Advertising Specialist & Account Manager. My husband actually gave me the idea back in 2019.

He even gifted me my first Stream Deck! I didn’t know what streaming was back then but I was open to giving it a go.

2. How did you come up with your Twitch username?

“Anniekins” was a high school nickname given to me by one of my friends. It then evolved into annkins! No it’s not inspired by Anakin Skywalker. In fact, I didn’t watch Star Wars until 2016 (don’t kill me pls).

3. How did you decide that music would be your main content on the channel?

Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be playing music again, especially solo. I used to be in a band and it was so much fun, but I never thought I had the talent to make my own music.

After my first year of streaming, someone had redeemed a “Music Gig” on the channel which was a huge success. Over the years I’ve noticed that my music streams have a consistent viewership which, to me, is an important aspect for community building.

People come together, we have fun and just enjoy each other’s company.

4. If you could sum up your channel as a genre(s) of music, what would it be? and why?

This is tricky! I’m still trying to figure out my sound, but it definitely fits the vibe of indie pop. Think ethereal vibes. Sad girl music with a bit of angst (because I have to insert my emo roots somehow).

I think sometimes we can get scared about appearing sad, which is absolutely fair. Some people are on Twitch to be entertained, not to cry.

For me, sad girl music represents the channel as being raw and authentic. It doesn’t necessarily mean “I hate the world and I cry in the rain so no one can see my tears”. It’s moreso a “fuck you” to toxic positivity and embracing life as it is.

We’re all navigating it together, there’s no point dwelling in the sad, but it’s also pointless pretending to be what you’re not.

5. Can you share a memorable moment from your streaming career so far? Why does it stand out to you?

Wild. There are so many.

The one that takes the cake for me is a VIP in the community dropped a whole bunch of money on stream for my painting I was showing chat. I was joking about selling it in an auction and lo and behold I’m currently prepping the canvas to be shipped as we speak.

The amount of money made my jaw drop to the ground, sure. But why did it stand out? It never ceases to amaze me how absolutely supportive my community is. To know that a bunch of people believe in you, when you sometimes don’t even believe in yourself - that’s wild.

Every weekend I’m blown away by them. Every weekend I’m always reminded of my purpose.

6. How has your diverse cultural background influenced your streaming journey and your content?

Dim asking all the hard hitting questions! I think this question in itself needs to be a podcast episode haha.

Coming from a cultural background like mine can be a little complicated at times because some people might feel that streaming isn’t an actual job. Navigating that can be a tricky topic, but on the other hand I have so many viewers from different cultural backgrounds.

I don’t think this has really influenced my content in any particular way. The good thing about music is that it’s pretty universal!

7. How do you balance streaming with your personal and work life? Do you have tips to help others looking to maintain that balance?

Okay… another wild question Dimothy. As I’m writing this I am on my last day of my unplanned leave of absence due to burnout (as advised by my doctor).

I’m super fortunate to be able to work through this with a psychologist but even then, it’s hard. I’ve been trying to find an answer for ages, especially for neurodivergent folk like me.

The one thing I will say is that you always have to put yourself first. Sure, push yourself - but know when to take a break. Remember that rest isn’t necessarily needed only when you’re sick. Rest also comes in the form of doing the things you love doing.

It’s hard, but you can do it.

8. In your opinion, what factors do you think contributed to you reaching close to 3K followers on Twitch?

You know people always say “just be you and everything will fall into place”? I believe being genuine has been the biggest factor in my growth.

I used to think that consistency was the main factor but I don’t think consistency itself is enough.

My genuineness comes in being kind to my community, checking in on them, being kind to myself, calling trolls out in chat, banning people when they’re inappropriate. I believe my community is able to relate to me.

9. As a woman in the streaming space, what are some unique challenges you have faced and how have you overcome them?

Hooooo boy. I’ve had one too many interactions with viewers who were inappropriate and rude. When I used to stream FPS games I would also get bullied by boys when they heard my voice. I think my gurlies can relate.

The other thing that I face is feeling like I don’t belong in a space even though I know that I deserve to be there. This is an ongoing challenge but I think it’s one that is often faced by others as well.

The one thing I always try to focus on is my own goals for myself. It doesn’t matter how others are doing and how quick their growth is. What matters is if you’re happy with the content you’re creating.

There’s always going to be someone better than you, content better than yours.

Just do you, boo.

Everything else will fall into place, I promise.

10. Can you share a piece of advice that you think would benefit a fellow female streamer who is just getting started on Twitch?

Take no shit.

Someone’s making you uncomfy? Ban their ass. Do things FOR you.

You want to make sure you build a strong community from the very beginning and the only way to do that is to have people in there that respect you.

BONUS: If you have anything you’d like to plug here, please do!

Go stream Two Hearts on Spotify!!!!

Streamers feel free to use it in your starting soon screen.

I’m also working on my EP at the moment which is super exciting! It’s due to launch sometime in 2024 so keep your eyes peeled.

🥳You Made It To The End!🥳
Have A Cookie
🍪

Did you enjoy this week’s newsletter? If you did, I’d love if you would take a second to share this newsletter with at least one friend this week. By doing that once, you’d not only be supporting the newsletter, but you’d also help your friend be better informed about everything happening in the gaming / streaming space. Look at you being such a good friend!

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you next week!

-Dim

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