Ta dah! Introducing the front cover for the new album ‘Wide Sky’ created by Mark Smith (aka Mark’s Mind Disco’s). Is there no end to this mans talent? Fabulous!
Anna x
Yesterday Jez & I welcomed Claire Mitcher, Rebecca Stockland, Allan Adams and Ronald Nairne who are memebers of the English National Opera (ENO!) to Skyline Studios in Ashford (Middlesex). You'll be hearing their beautiful voices on three tracks on the new album 'Wide Sky'. What an amazing day! For more info and special behind the scenes footage:
Well this was an absolute pleasure! Who knew playing in London could be so inspiring and exciting?!
Yesterday I was one of three writers performing at the songwriters night 'The Round' at Rollingstock in Hoxton. I was lucky enough to share the stage with musical legend Phil Ryan (who's played with Johnny Cash and The Animals), and the very talented Anna Pancaldi.
We each talked about our writing process and played some of our songs. Not only was it fun (the three of us had quite a laugh on stage), it was intimate and fascinating. Such a great night. More of these please!
Anna
I've had quite a few 'pre-orders' this week while on holiday down in Kent, taking the total Pledge Music target for Wide Sky to 324%! Wow! Thanks so much everyone! You've made this one very happy bunny!
Back to the studio this week for a pretty intense run. Keep an eye out for the updates!
Anna x
As some of you may be aware from the various social feeds, I had to go in for rather a big operation on Tuesday (out of action for a couple of weeks, then I'll be fighting fit again!). With this and few other things in mind such as the long summer holidays, I've decided to move 'Tunes In The Chapel' to a more appropriate time...the day of my album release! Well, why not? Close to Christmas, nice, dark and earthy feeling... perfect for a candlelit acoustic extravagance, and a great time to celebrate the place where a lot of the new album was written, i.e.: home. Ticket links are the same, it's still the same great line up, however we'll be joined by some of the Syrian and Iraqi musicians who are performing on Wide Sky so it really will be a once in a life time celebration of music. I'd love it if you could come and join us! Anna x
Say hello to Linda! She's one of my wonderful pledgers who pledged towards the new album and opted to come and write and record with Jez and I! She flew over from Ireland this week especially! I've been in the studio with her the last couple of days, working on one of her songs 'To Be a Woman'. Today we (including 'studio dog') took our pre-production and arrangement over to Skyline with Jez and came away with a rather lovely finished song (which is currently stuck in my head, good sign Linda!). It's been a very busy, but productive two days! It's also been lovely to meet one of my brilliant fans in person!
Here’s Rami and I in the studio at Surrey Arts HQ in Guildford recording some Darbuka on three tracks for Wide Sky! This guy is such an amazing player! While chatting he told me he’s only just started playing again since his family was forced to flee the violence in Syria seven years ago! Wow…. He’s such an inspirational individual, with a real love and passion for music. It was an absolute honour to work with him, and I can’t wait for you to hear the results!
Just over 24 hours left of the Pledge Music Campaign for the new album 'Wide Sky'! We're at 289%!! Thank you all so much for your support, you've all been truly amazing! If you haven't pledged already, get your skates on! :)
I'm very pleased to announce that I'll be putting on another special candlelit acoustic music night at St. Peter's Church in Old Woking on the 23rd September!
The last one was an absolute joy, with some amazing acts in an absolutely stunning location! This year we have
Woking-based 'Sour Kix' who have been championed by Chris Evans appearing at Carfest North and South for BBC Children in Need as well as performing on TFI Friday!
Southampton 'folk bird' Lucy Kitchen who's played across Europe and at Glastonbury Festival!
Plus the newly formed Hampshire-trio featuring singer songwriter
Nick Tann, The Nick Tann Trio who have been enjoying BBC6 Music airplay recently!
As well as yours truly! I'll be premiering new songs from 'Wide Sky' so don't miss it!
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/402958
This Wednesday I headed over to the Radio Woking studios to chat to the We Love Woking show and do a couple of live performances! We talked about my roots, influences, mental health issues which are featured in some of my songs (as it's Mental Health Awareness Week) and the new album! If you missed it you can listen back here!
https://www.mixcloud.com/radiowoking/the-wlw-show-100517-anna-neale-live-in-the-studio/
