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:
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
I'm very pleased to announce that I've been nominated for an awardfor 'Best Solo Artist - Female'! It would be lovely (and really make my year), if you could spare a minute to vote for me here with the heading GSMC, Best Solo Artist - Female: Anna Neale:
http://bit.ly/2gwzTOT
Or you can vote FB message here: https://www.facebook.com/gsmcmusicawards with (with the same heading) by December 31st. There's 1 vote for each category per email address or FB address, so if you'd also like to vote for another hard working solo artist (but male, obviously) in Nick Tann, I'm sure he's appreciate it. The winner will be announced in the new year. You are all wonderful!
Anna
Some of you have been asking what #widesky is about. It's the title of what will be my new album. Yes, new album! I have six new songs I'm currently working on with Jez Larder, and plan to pull together a collection of eight to ten tracks to release some time later next year. The album will be a progression from River Man, with a mixture of Indie, Pop, Folk, Alternative and some 'World' influences in there (including a possible guest appearance from one of my 90's heroes).
I'll be launching a Pledge Music/Kickstarter campaign towards the end of February when I have a few of the tracks in a more finalised format. In the mean time I need your help in creating a 'wide sky'. I'd love it if you could send me photos of what constitutes a 'wide sky' to you. This could be anything, from a sunset, to a city skyline to anything that inspires you when you're out walking etc. These will be collected and form part of the album artwork and photo book!
On Wednesday I headed over to the West Country to perform in Swindon!
While I was there I popped in to see Dan Chisholm who runs the 'Late Show' on BBC Wiltshire, BBC Bristol, BBC Glouscester and BBC Somerset. We did a little interview about my role as a composer and session musician, and played a couple of tracks from 'River Man'. The interview is hilarious (we've known each other for a long time!) so if you missed it you can listen on the iPlayer here about 40 minutes in: http://bbc.in/2eIFa7P
After that it was off to The Rolleston Arms to headline! Great night, great gig, and good to be back in the West Country!
Anna x