The lovely Adam Aggiss joined Jez and I in the studio at Skyline today to lay down some drums for the title track of the new album 'Wide Sky', and one of the singles 'Borderline'. The tracks are sounding what I can only describe as folk pop epic! I'm so proud!  

There was as usual, normal studio banter, and I was busy tormenting the boys with the video camera, in preparation for the crowd finding campaign coming very soon!

In the meantime, here's an actual photo of Jez photobombing a 'studio selfie'. 

I'm very pleased to announce that I'm gong to be working on two projects with composer James Hawkins and a special guest! James was responsible for one of the big UK Christmas hits with the London Hospice Choir and Paul Carrack, and is the director/writer/producer of the Missing People Choir who have just made it to Britain's Got Talent.

The projects are 'hush hush' at the moment, but watch this space for some exciting news coming soon!  

Rogues gallery: Brett Gordon, Duncan Lee, Rosie Robinson, me, Rich Aitken, Miles Hancock & Gemma Buckley. 

Yesterday I was invited back to my old University, Oxford Brookes, to talk to students about life in the music industry! I was joined by composer/producer/mixer Rich Aitken, composer Miles Hancock, Del Amitri guitarist Iain Harvie, MD of XYZ Music Academy Duncan Lee, music therapist Rosie Robinson, fundraiser Gemma Buckley and Victoria Larkin from Oxford Contemporary Music. It was a very successful day doing a panel, Q&A and speed networking. It's great to see so many motivated ​young musicians, and a privilege to be able to help them on their journey. It was also nice to have a nose round the old department and catch up with a few familiar faces (although there's nothing like being back at your old Uni to make you feel old!!)! Thank you to all the staff and students for making us all so welcome!

Anna ​

On the panel talking about the fine line between taking on jobs for building network and for professional pay.

I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to Security Masters Ltd of Greenwich (also known as the wonderful Radford family!) for this! I can't wait to take this out with me on the road this year! It's amazing! Also big thanks to SBS Printers in Greenwich who did a marvellous job with the design and print! 

Anna

 

2017 is getting off to a fabulous start with two great support slots so far this year.  Starting off with a support for the 'Eric Bell Band' (the original guitarist for 'Thin Lizzie') at the Long Street Blues Club in Devizes on the 28th January! (- NB: Please note that this show on the 28th Jan is now being rearranged due to illness.)

I've also been confirmed as the support act for Britpop band 'Space' at the Farncombe Music Club on the 31st march! I've really excited about this one as I was quite a fan back in the day! Tickets can be purchased from me (at a discount) or online here: 

http://www.eventim.co.uk/tickets.html?fun=evdetail&affiliate=JLM&doc=evdetailb&key=1701337$8646684&xtor=AL-6071-[Linkgenerator]-[JLM]

Ooohhh, look who made it to Number One in November on the Acoustic Charts for music site 'Number One Music' (or N1M)! 'January's' been doing pretty well on there! Still hanging on at Number Ten so not bad! 

NYE at The Baring Hall Hotel

Happy New Year everyone! Last night we welcomed the new year in at The Baring Hall Hotel. What a fabulous night! Such a great crowd, a lot of fun was had by all, and it was lovely to be able to welcome the new year in with such a lovely bunch of people.  Huge thanks to those who came down for the night!

On with 2017, a new album, a support slot for Britpop band Space, and lots of potentially very exciting projects in the pipe line!  

Anna x

Obligatory NYE headwear from 'The Commitments' days! 

NYE stage selfie!  

From left to right: Tom Watson MP, Tony Robinson, Kevin Brennan MP, Alison McGovern MP, the ENO Choir & Monica Dolan.  

 

A huge thank you to the Performers Alliance, Musicians Union, Equity and the Writers Guild for another fabulous Christmas party at the Houses of Parliament! This year was a particular highlight. I met some great people, had some interesting and informative conversations, and made some potential new business connections. Which, as well as supporting the arts and fellow artists, is what it's all about! It was also wonderful to be able to enjoy the outstanding English National Opera Choir (ENO) singing some Christmas Carols! 

A big thank you to all those I met and spent time with as well! Including: Dave Arch - BBC Strictly Come Dancing Band leader (pheonominal musicians, best band on TV atm!), Jim Hawkins, who could be responsible for this years Christmas number one with this song: https://youtu.be/XBLgZikvM3U, firecracker and all round nice guy Tony Robinson, Labour MP Tom Watson, Keith Aimes from the MU, Journalist/Musician Neil Crossley and actress and fellow 'Woking-er', Monica Dolan.  It was an absolute joy to spend time in your company. Here's to next year!

Anna x

It's been a beautiful Winter so far, highlighted by some of these amazing Wide Skies! #newalbum #widesky #Winterwonderland  

Surrey, it's not a bad place to live really...keep an eye on the Instagram @annanealemusic for more of these! God bless the iPhone camera!  

Anna x

Hi folks, 

It's been a little quiet on the update front. That's because I've been doing a lot of walking (with our lovely Greek rescue Neva bellow, aka 'Studio Dog') and writing, yes, it's definitely new album time! Jez and I have done a few sessions together moulding and shaping the songs, but due to my other compositional commitments, it's taking a little time. I have some great material that I want to get right so bare with me. Lots more walking and writing to come! 

Anna x