Anna Neale

Senegal Radio

2012-01-16T08:56:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

While back at home Fily (see below) has been plugging some extracts of the new album on radio in Senegal, and apparently, it's been going down very well! Could 2012 see my first gigs in Senegal/ West Africa (I will need to work on my French, *alot*)? It's a possibility! Keep an eye on this blog! :)

Walf Fadjri Radio
http://www.walf.sn

Anna x

Goodbye 2011......

2011-12-31T13:57:00.000-08:00

.....and good riddance? From talking to the majority of my friends and indeed family, 2011 has been an incredibly challenging year which most of us are glad to see the back of! It always saddens me to hear and/or say things like this myself. I try to view every year as a gift with new horizons and opportunities. By the time I'd reached July in a state of absolute mental and physical exhaustion, I'd had enough, and that was before the enforced incarceration due to various pregnancy complications! However saying all that, there have been some rather brilliant musical highlights which I thought I'd share with you.

One of my favourite highlights was the photo shoot John (Milton - long suffering friend and photographer/designer) and I completed at the Roman Baths, in Bath, earlier in the year. We came out with some stunning images for the new album and felt truly honoured to be able to photograph in such a beautiful location. I'd spent the previous months researching Roman fashion and finding the props to re create an image from the Villa d'Arianna in Stabia, near Pompeii and I'm so pleased with the results. The album won't be out until later in 2012 (gives me a chance to have a baby, get it mixed, mastered, oh and write a book!!!) but I thought I'd post one of the images up here so you can get a taste of what's to come in 2012. It's all change, in a by good way!

I was also lucky enough to go back and play the first ever unplugged modern day singer/songwriter gig at the Baths in April and to be able to film it. That footage is now up on You Tube if you haven't seen it already and features a couple of tracks from the forthcoming album, all be it acoustically. The acoustics at the Bath, despite the pouring rain, were amazing, I've never had such good sound!

From late May to July the band and I start work on the songs for the album, running through ideas and initial arrangements. We also had a chance to run through our set for Guilfest which was an incredibly fun gig. It was so nice to be back after a long break and the crowd was great.

Then it was 14 days straight in the studio for the new album with some of the most talented musicians I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Luckily they were also good at helping me retain my sanity, especially when I discovered I was expecting baby #2!! It was an exhausting, but very productive time, and I got to work with Patch Hannan, the drummer from one of my all time favourite bands 'The Sundays'!

Pregnancy complications meant that from the end of July I've been on enforced rest, but in retrospect, it's actually been good to have a bit of a break and to go back over what we recorded in July. In December I was able, with a little help, to make a few days back in the studio to review and do some more recording which has been fantastic. Jez and I have revamped quite a few songs and it's sounding better than ever. We also welcomed the wonderful Jali Fily Cissokho in to the studio to put some Kora on a few tracks. All very good stuff.

So with a pretty eventual year over, what's next? Baby #2 should be making an appearance in March so they'll be a little settling down time, but 2012 will see the new album finished, mixed and mastered, ready to unleash on the world late September, early October. The artwork is ready and I'm in the middle of writing the book to accompany it while trying to rest. There will of course also be a tour, but a very different kind of tour....I shall leave you with that thought....Here's to 2012!

Anna x

An inspirational meeting......

2011-12-19T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I thought I'd share this with you about the recording session with Jali Fily Cissokho last week. It was a wonderful and inspirational experience and I can't wait for you to hear the tracks we've worked on together! A huge thank you to Fily and his manager Chris for taking the time to be part of these recordings. There should, fingers crossed, be some live shows coming up together mid 2012. :)

Anna x

www.kaira-arts.co.uk

Thanks to Anna and Jezz skyline studios. An inspirational meeting. I listened to Fily working on Anna's tracks in Oxford. He had changed to the traditional tuning Tomora and Silaba.. Afterwards he played and sang a beautiful track FILY SUSSO YA DE YA DE KA that he had composed as a small boy age 6 whilst jamming with his family. "I haven't played this track for years. Anna has taken me back to when I was a small boy in Senegal" Fily said. "I was surprised to hear it being played on the local radio one day in Casamance. Apparently my Uncle had had seen me singing and dancing to my new composition and loved it so much that he had gone to record it at our local radio station. The track was very popular. Uncle playing it on the kora at localceremonies. On one occasion he called me to come and dance and sing the track with him. I was very happy at this young age as the local people gave me money for my performance! I'm working on a new traditional CD and it's as if this track is saying don't leave me. I think I will now claim the track back and work on it again.." The recording session also inspired me to play Kelefaba . My first traditional melody and song that my father the late Jali Kemo Cissokho taught me to play. It seemed to fuse perfectly with Anna's western compostion." We are looking forward to 2012 with great thanks to Anna and her beautiful compositions~ More cultural exchange to come! Chris Lord

Jali Fily Cissokho

2011-12-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

This week we had the wonderful Fily in session down at Skyline studios. What an amazing session and what a lovely guy! I felt very blessed at having such a talented musician being part of this project. It was also lovely to hear how some of the songs reminded him on the songs he first played on the Kora with his father. Be prepared to see him on stage with us at some point in the future, in the mean time here he is getting ready to 'do his thing.
A huge thank you to Fily and his manager Chris for taking the time to come down and play for us!

Is very pleased to announce......

2011-12-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

Jali Fily Cissokho, The world renowned virtuoso Kora player and singer from Ziguinchor, Southern Senegal, will be heading to Skyline Studios this week to play on the new album! I'm so excited about this, he's a phenomenal musician and I can't wait to hear some of his beautiful playing and singing on the tracks we have lined up. It's all shaping up so well, this is one very proud lady! :)

Check out this video of him on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG9gfE9XAUg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Anna x

Album update

2011-12-05T03:07:00.000-08:00

Morning all,

After a five month break, this week sees a return to recording and finally finishing the new album! Jez and I hope to get all the recording side of things completed by the end of January, before I get incarcerated in a certain Guildford hospital for the rest of this pregnancy from hell!

As you know things have been very difficult, and I won't bore you with all the many and varied complications, but I've managed to get some of the sickess under control. Sadly though I'm still not well enough to get back on stage yet. On a postive note I'm very pleased to announce that as well as Patch from The Sundays, we have a couple more special guests 'guesting' on the album. I'm very excited and will reveal all once everything is confirmed. Fingers crossed I can get through this last bit!

After the recording is finished Jez will be locking himself away and mixing everything while I have this baby! Plans are then to go to mastering, once we've lived with the mixes for a bit, and then, a video for the title track 'River Man', providing all is well! :)

It's been a long journey so far but one that will be well worth it in the end, the recordings are my best to date, as is the concept and artwork. I'm truly proud of everything we've achieved so far and couldn't have done it without yours, the musicians, family and friends support. Roll on September 2012!

Anna x

Bandcamp

2011-11-25T02:23:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

My album 'Touch' and EP 'Handle With Care' are now on Bandcamp as 'pay what you like'. All cd copies of 'Handle With Care' have now sold out so go and grab a bargain!

Touch:
http://annaneale.bandcamp.com/album/touch

Handle With Care:
http://annaneale.bandcamp.com/album/handle-with-care

Anna x

The Modern Day Cost of Music

2011-10-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

Back in 2005/2006, I was pretty up with all the MySpaces and the-then new Facebooks, now I struggle to get around to updating 140 characters on Twitter! I do, however, try to make the time to read what is going on in the world of Twitter. It's a stream of international consciousness, which once you get your head around it, is pretty fascinating for a songwriter. It's also, in my opinion, one of the most important sources of information for an independent/DIY artist.

During my morning 'pilgrimage' to Twitterland I've discovered quite a few blogs by other artists and even national newspapers about the real cost of being a DIY artist. Of course any record company knows the real cost of nurturing an artist and releasing an album, it's why they often don't anymore! The thing that I found most interesting is that these artists are now willing to disclose what it truly costs us to make music.

I've found it really refreshing to read that others are in the same boat and that they're willing to be so honest. There was a time when you wouldn't dare reveal what your sales figures were, unless they were amazing (a feat only usually achieved with a PR company on board). In this day and age when the humble CD and even MP3s are slipping further away from being an essential part of daily life for the masses, recorded music is making less and less impact. The biggest selling artist of 2011 is currently Adele, and she hasn't sold anywhere near the same amount as Leona Lewis' second single did in 2007.

In a way that's sad, but it's always been difficult to make money from music (look at Mozart). Becoming rich and famous is only a recent phenomenon and is something I think we should all remember. I love creating music and playing with new ideas. The recording studio will always be my second home. It costs me a fortune but it's been a sacrifice I'm always been willing to make. If one person out there is willing to listen to my next mad idea and like it, well then it's worth all the hard work. Even if music now is "more like a scented candle"
(Jarvis Cocker - Guardian http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/oct/16/jarvis-cocker-interview?CMP=twt_gu),
there are still those out there who value music and the art of songwriting. I personally am still fascinated by the art of songwriting.

If you'd like to follow in my footsteps these last couple of days this blog by 'DIY' artist 'She Makes War' is one that I've found particularly enlightening and informative.

http://shemakeswar.com/blog/2011/10/15/diy-music-how-much/

Update on Gigs - Sep 2011

2011-09-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Regrettably I've had to postpone all remaining gigs for the foreseeable future due to continuing HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum). I've been having good and bad days and have been hoping for it to pass but at the moment it shows no signs of letting up. I don't want to risk having to cancel another show at the last minute like last nights Lightbox gig.
It's an incredibly hard thing for me to do and at the moment I can't say when or if things are going to improve. Worst comes to the worst I shall be back on stage about June 2012, but lets hope it doesn't come to that!
Anna x

If you've been wondering why things have seemed a little quiet lately......

2011-08-25T07:52:00.001-07:00

Hi guys,
I just thought I'd give you a little personal update to let you know why things may have seemed a little quite this end! August has been a really difficult month and has meant quite a few gig cancellations. I thought it might be time to let you know that this is because I'm expecting baby #2! Usually very exciting news but unfortunaley I've been struck down with the same Hyperemesis I suffered with while expecting my son back in 2008. Needless to say it's been a very challenging time but fingers crossed, I'm nearly 10 weeks now and should be facing the end soon.
The baby will be due in March, all being well, and so we're looking at a September release date for the new album. This should give us plenty of time to get some new videos done (before I turn into a whale) and promotion. It should also give me time to get some kind of figure back! I'll keep you posted!
Anna x

Pledging towards the new album

2011-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

For those who are continuing with their pledges towards the new album, you can send any pledging payments through to Pay Pal at this address: me@annaneale.net
If you'd still like to Pledge towards the album and get exclusive e-mails updating you on the progress, there's plenty of time, below is a list of options you can pledge towards.
Signed CD
Signed CD & Your Name in the Credits
Signed CD & 4 A4 Prints
Signed CD & Videos
Signed CD & Making Of Book & Name in the Credits
Signed CD, Handmade Scrapbook & Name in Credits
Signed CD, Original Acoustic Demos & Name in Credits
Signed CD, Making Of Book, Scrapbook & Name in Credits
Signed CD, Book, Name in Credits & Exclusive House Gig
Signed CD, Book, Videos, Credits & Skype Gig
Signed CD, Name in Credits & Studio Time.
Signed CD, Book, Scrapbook, Videos, Acoustic CD, House Gig
Signed CD, Book, Name in Credits & Gig at Your Home.

Anna x

In the st st studio!

2011-07-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Well folks,
I'm about 3/4's of the way through putting down the main elements of the new album 'Eunomia'. It's been pretty hard work but it's all starting to sound fab now. We had a real break through moment yesterday, and I'm really pleased to announce that we have a couple of special guests who are going to come and play for us (I am ridiculously excited!). I am loving the sound we are creating, and I'm especially enjoying harking back to the 90's! It's like being 13 again! So start digging out your Sundays/Cranberries albums!
Anna x

Guilfest thanks

2011-07-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
We had a great show on Friday at Guilfest. Three of us played in the back of a black cab just before our set for eFestivals so look out for that footage online very soon. A huge thank you to Adam Aggiss, Harrison Peck, Katherine Clarke and Ed Clarke for playing so fabulously despite the odd sound issue! Also a big thank you to you if you came down to watch us (and shelter from the rain). The crowd were absolutely fab and easily joined in with us, I even saw the odd Brooklands graduate in the audience! I still hold that the acoustic stage is the best stage for live music at Guifest with some of the best local talent. Trevor and James, well done on a good job.
Anna x

Guilfest

2011-07-12T04:02:00.001-07:00

Don't forget, the band and I will be playing on the Acoustic Stage at Guilfest this coming Friday, 15th July, at 8.15pm.
We've been working on new songs and arragments, and have a special surprise cover for you, so if you're there, don't forget to come along and see us. It's going to be one hell of a show.
Anna x

Anna Neale is.......

2011-07-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

In the studio! Yes, we're on day 2 at Skyline Studios, recording the songs for the new album 'Eunomia'!
The last week we've been in rehearsals working out arrangements and bouncing idea around under a bridge at Waterloo station. So far we've come up with some great stuff which I'm really excited about!
It's feel a bit like we're climbing a mountain at the moment studio wise but it's all positive so far. Adam's in today laying down more drum tracks for us. Pete was in yesterday doing one or two drums tracks, and I'm drinking lots of green tea and eating far too much sugar to keep my brain going (and corrupting Jez into helping me with the sweets!). Tomorrow will be more of the same, and I might even sneak in a moment to visit the new, super guitar warehouse in Epsom........ ;)
Anna x

Lazy Bishop - Cancelled Set

2011-06-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Lazy Bishop festival is a lovely local music festival and the team have put a lot of work into expanding this into something more far reaching. I appreciate that the weather took an awful turn for the worse and had a devastating effect on the numbers of attendees, and the main stage, resulting in it being closed down. What I don’t appreciate is having already completed two shows this weekend and getting my percussionist, who travelled down from Cambridge, to play, only to find we’d being bumped from the line up an hour before we were due to go on.

I apologise if this sounds like a rant/moan, I’m not usually one to do this, but having invested time in helping promote the festival I find it embarrassing and insulting to not even be allowed to play 2/3 songs in the half hour spaces left between each act. I’m used to festivals changing line ups, cutting set times, moving things around, and that’s fine. However I’m pretty sure that having advertised an act it would have been better to find a way of accommodating the last 3 to 4 acts, even if it was only for half of the original set.

If you went to the Lazy Bishop Festival only to find we were not on I can only apologise.

Lazy Bishop Festival

2011-06-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

This Sunday Pete (Cajon) and I will be playing at the new and improved Lazy Bishop Festival! If you're looking for a great priced, fun filled family festival this weekend then this it is! The festival starts tomorrow at the Bishop's Meadow, Farnham with weekend tickets at £30. Line up includes Mungo Jerry, Two Fingers of Firewater and Charley Farley Sunday Four.
We're on the Acoustic Stage at 7pm on Sunday 12th, previewing new tracks and a few old favourites.
Hope to see you there!

Recharged Radio @ The Alt Escape Podcast Online

2011-06-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I've just come back from a great show in Edinburgh, I can't believe it's been so long since I've played in Scotland, and I'll definitely be back very soon! I have the bug again!

One another note, if you missed the wonderful Recharged Radio show at the Great Escape in Brighton a few weeks ago, you can now listen to the show online for free, and if you like it, download it! There are pod casts of all the sets and there are also reviews and links to all of the acts who played!

The link to the page is: http://www.rechargedradio.com/altescape/index.html

Head over, have a listen, spread the word!

A 'Best of the Alt Escape' podcast will also be available very soon.

Anna x

Whistlebinkies, Edinburgh, this Tuesday!

2011-05-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I'll be heading back up to Edinburgh to do a very special show at Whistlebinkies this coming Tuesday, 31st May at 11pm! This will be my first show in Scotland for 5 years, so of course I'm very excited and can't wait to get back up there and play (ash cloud permitting!)! Entry is free with special drinks offers and it looks like a fab night of live music, featuring the Lesley Young Duo from Canada.

More details can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/annanealemusic#!/event.php?eid=106539722769153

....and here: www.whistlebinkies.com

I'll be previweing new materail from the forthcoming album, and from the last album 'Touch' and the 'Handle With Care' ep, can't wait!

Anna x

Videos from the gig at the Roman Baths are now live!

2011-05-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
A couple of the videos Tom and I of Tomodo Photography shot of my live gig at the Roman Baths are now up on You Tube and one the video page of the website! They look wonderful in HD. They're a nice preview of what's to come on the new album 'Eunomia'. Have a look and let me know your thoughts!

Fire Fire: http://youtu.be/1y1Gm0wcoUU?hd=1">

All of This (Gone):http://youtu.be/eGDQsRjLjXo?hd=1">

www.youtube.com/annaneale

Anna x

Recharged Radio at The Alternative Escape

2011-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

This coming Thursday (12th May) I'll be heading down to The Great Escape in Brighton to play as part of Recharged Radio's showcase at the Latest Bar! There are 19 great acts lined up and it's FREE ENTRY!

I'm on at 1.35pm complete with band. The whole event will be aired live on www.rechargedradio.com!

More info is below, if you're in Brighton, make sure you come along!

The line-up is:

Tom Moriarty, 1.00pm - 1.25pm
Anna Neale, 1.35pm - 2.00pm
Jake Morley, 2.10pm - 2.35pm
Brother & Bones, 2.45pm - 3.10pm
Black Circles, 3.20pm - 3.45pm
Model Society, 3.55pm - 4.20pm
The Awe Kids, 4.30pm - 4.55pm
missdavinalee, 5.05pm - 5.30pm
The Dash, 5.40pm - 6.05pm
Three Minute Tease w/ Anton Barbeau, 6.15pm - 6.40pm
The Little Philistines, 6.50pm - 7.15pm
Look, Stranger!, 7.25pm - 7.50pm
The Corner Laughers, 8.00pm - 8.25pm
Tom Copson, 8.35pm - 9.00pm
The Last Dinosaur, 9.10pm - 9.35pm
The Furbelows, 9.55pm - 10.20pm
50Ft Woman, 10.30pm - 10.55pm
Beau & The Arrows, 11.05pm - 11.30pm
The Scratch, 11.40pm - 12.05pm

See you there!

The Latest Music Bar, 14 – 17 Manchester Street, Brighton

Pledge Music is Live!

2011-04-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

The Pledge Music Campaign is now officially live! Please do have a look at what's on offer, I'm currently working on a book to compliment the release which will be available exclusively to Pledge Music, as well as videos, studio days and house gigs being up for grabs!
To view the campaign: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/annaneale

Anna x

STEViE - Anna Neale - Kamla - Lazy Bishops Music Night Triple Bill 27/4/11

2011-04-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'll be playing at the wonderful Lazy Bishop music night in Farnham tomorrow at Cafe Piccolo with Stevie and Kamla from 7.30pm (complete with cough mixture of some sort!!). The gig is featured in this weeks Surrey Advertiser (if you're Surrey/Hampshire based!) and looks like a good one! Entrance is £6 either on the door or you can buy in advance from:

www.lazybishopsfestival.ticketsource.co.uk

Full address is: Caffe Piccolo, 84 West Street, Farnham GU9 7EN

See you there!

x

Another rainy night in Bath.....

2011-04-14T02:38:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
Last night Tom (Tomodo) and I completed a set of live music videos at the Great Bath in Bath for the new album. We got some beautiful footage in HD and the acoustics were spectacular. It was wonderful to be able to play as such a lovely (but unusual!) venue, even though it was freezing cold and chucking it down with rain (this was one very cold goddess....)!!
The videos will be appearing on You Tube at some point, some of them will be kept exclusively for the Pledge Music campaign. Again I'd like to thank the staff at the Baths again for being great, and for being very patient at listening to the same song over and over again!
Anna x

Info on the Pledge Music Campaign

2011-04-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The Pledge Music Campaign is almost live for the new album 'Eunomia'. You should be able to start having a look at some of the goddies on offer before we recieve permission to go live. 10% of the proceeds will go towards the 'Soprintendenza archeologica di Pompei' who maintain the site for future generations. http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/3192

Anna x

BBC Introducing thanks

2011-04-04T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Last night went pretty well on the BBC Introducing: The South demo panel. It was nice to have some of the artists/musicians and producers I grew up listening to review our song, they mainly seemed to like 'Control'. I just wanted to thank them and Phil Jackson for their contructive comments, I think we'll 'hit it on the head' with the new album. ;)

If you missed it you can catch the show again here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7kh

Anna x

BBC Introducing demo panel, Sunday April 3rd

2011-04-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Tonight "Control" is being featured as part of the BBC Introducing: The South Demo Panel at approximately 8:10pm.

The panel are made up of industry professionals who review each of the tracks from across Surrey, Sussesx, Hampshire and Dorest. During the panel the track will be featured along with two tracks of a similar sort. All will then be evaluated by the panel.

You can contribute by text and e-mail so listen in and tell me what you think, it's ever so slightly nerve wracking......I shall be listening with a large glass of wine in hand!!

Details of how to listen in are below, Anna x

BBC Introducing: The South
7-9pm Sunday evenings
BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey & BBC Radio Solent
Listen in Brighton on 95.3 FM
Listen in Sussex & Surrey 104-104.8 FM
Listen in Solent & Hampshire on 96.1 FM
Listen in Dorset on 103.8 FM
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/sussex
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/surrey
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire
Listen on-line www.bbc.co.uk/dorset

Eunomia, Proud & Guilfest

2011-03-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

March 2011

Hi everyone, update below!

Proud, Camden Town:

This Monday, 21st March, I'll be showcasing at Proud Stables in Camden, London. Entrance is free if you mention my name and promises to be an excellent night of new music. The night is being run by a company called 'Hot Vox' who showcase up and coming singer/songwriters and band. For more details:

http://www.facebook.com/annanealemusic#!/event.php?eid=169376146440667

Or you can access Hot Vox's website here: http://www.hotvox.co.uk/index.php?option=com_jevents&task=icalrepeat.detail&evid=207&Itemid=8&year=2011&month=03&day=21&uid=daa52ede895b4364a10ed327c35bcc2e

Eunomia:

In February we completed the photoshoot for the new album at the Roman Baths in Bath. We got some stunning shots which we're really proud off, and shall be previewing to the mailing list very soon! Dates for recording have been booked for July and I'll have lots of special exclusive goodies for the Pledge Music Campaign which I'll be launching in April. It's al sounding fantastic so far (and that's just in it's basic acoustic form!) so I'm really excited about this new album! There's a little blog up below about John and mines adventures in Bath!

Guilfest:

I'm very pleased to announce that the band and I will be playing at Guilfest this year on the Friday, 15th July at 8.15pm! We'll be in the middle of recording so it will be the first chance to hear some of the new finished material! We have a set of discounted tickets available for anyone who would like to go and save some money!

www.guilfest.co.uk

That's all for now, I'll be setting up a Flickr page just for the mailing list and Pledge Music so you can view our travels and progress through our photos, I have some great behind the scenes photos from the Bath photoshoot,

Anna x

Discounted Guilfest Tickets

2011-03-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

As we're playing at Guilfest this year on the Friday 15th July, we've been offered a limited number of discounted tickets for the festival. Every little helps in these testing times, and as an added bonus you also avoid paying the extra £4.50 booking fee by buying them stright from us!

Here's a list of ticket prices, including your discounted price:

Adult Weekend with Camping Full-£120 Discount-£110

Adult Weekend Full-£110 Discount-£100

Adult Friday Full-£44 Discount-£39

Adult Saturday Full-£49 Discount-£44

Adult Sunday Full-£49 Discount-£44

Under 16 Weekend with camping Full-£70 Discount-£65

Under 16 Weekend Full-£60 Discount-£55

Under 16 Friday Full-£34 Discount-£30

Under 16 Saturday Full-£34 Discount-£30

Under 16 Sunday Full-£34 Discount-£30

Campervan Full-£60 No discount

Let me know if any of you would like tickets. The festival is on between the 15th - 17th July. So far the headline acts are confirmed as Razorlight and James Blunt.

Should be a good, especially if the sun is shinning on us again this year! :)

Anna x

Guilfest 2011

2011-03-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone
The band and I have been confirmed for Guilfest 2011! We will be playing on the Acoustic Stage, Friday 15th July at 8.15pm. I will have some amazing discounted day and weekend tickets in the next couple of weeks for anyone who would like to go! Drop me a line! x

Splashing about - Photoshoot in Bath

2011-02-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous shoot at the Roman Baths yesterday in Bath. The staff who supervised us (Vicky & Barbra, I should also say a special thank you the lady who looked after us after the shoot and lent me her coat!!) were fantastic and let us stretch our artistic wings to the limit! All being well we should have some stunning photos for you all! I have to say it was very surreal and quite humbling walking around the Roman complex in full Roman dress by myself, in the dark, with steam swirling all around! There was a video being played on one of the walls of actors in Roman 'towels' splashing around which did slightly unnerve me at one point before I realised what it was!! Anyhow, I've included a couple of pictures of the Bath that I took while we were packing up so you can get an idea of what it was like, it was very ethereal!!
Anna x

Photoshoot tomorrow at the Roman Baths

2011-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we'll be doing the photo shoot for the new album at the Roman Baths! It's all very exciting and, providing the rain can hold off, promises to be a stunning shoot. If any of you are about, you might just catch Flora (or Primavera, the goddess of Spring) roaming the streets of Woking, Bath or the M4 corridor!
Anna x

New photos from Tomodo & Live Night of the Artisans Podcast

2011-02-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I've had a fabulous couple of shows in Cambridge for Night of the Artisans and at the lovely Fahrenheit 55 in Guildford.

The Cambridge NOTA show was broadcast on Recharged Radio live for the first time! If you missed it you will be able to download the podcast soon and listen to some wonderful music featuring myself, Tom Copson, Jespa and Josh Bray. It was a great night of live music and one of the best gigs I've been to for a while! You can subscribe to the Night of the Artisans podcasts for free here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/night-the-artisans-radio-hour/id355166274

Last night I headlined at Fahrenheit 55 in Guildford previewing some new material from the forthcoming album. Tomodo was there taking some photos which you can see here:http://tomodo.net/livemusic/f55-anna/

Thanks to everyone who came down, the next show will be in Andover supporting Dave Mcphearson from InMe on the 26th February.

Anna x

New album update

2011-01-19T23:52:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd let you know what's happening this year in terms of the new album!Despite being a little quiet online I've been very busy behind the scenes co-ordinating things. I have a great batch of new songs and am still writing. It's turning out to be a very interesting collection of songs and quite an ambitious project!

As you know the album is based on 'Roman antiquity for the modern world', and is inspired and set in and around the Pompeii area. That's not to say this will be an historical album as such, more that I'm taking the lives and examples from 2000 years ago and comparing them to us now (with a bit of artistic license!). In 2000 years not much has changed! We all still have the same hopes and fears, the same questions, and experience love in similar ways. Of course there will be songs on other themes such as experiences and the usual 'boy meets girl' just to break things up (or as one friend put it " "boy meets girl...volcano erupts over them...found 2000 years later in a final embrace"). ;) I'll be previewing new songs at various shows I have coming up and on my Justin TV channel.

In February I have a photo shoot at the wonderful Roman Baths in Bath (the budget wouldn't quite stretch to southern Italy!), Bath & Somerset council have been wonderful in allowing us to use this location. I'm currently having the dress made for me to re-create an image found at Stabia. So far it's all looking really good and as you know I love dressing up in period costume (Bad Romance......what have I started??!!)!!

I'll also be launching a Pledge Music campaign in February to help with recording costs. As you know recording an album can be pretty expensive and I'd really like to have you all involved and to be part of it. They'll be exclusive footage, blogs, scrapbooks, photos, gig opportunities, and various other goodies on offer. It will also be a chance for you to 'own' part of the album and see your name in print!

More details to follow, time for a cup of tea now!

Anna x

Proud, Camden 21/3/11

2011-01-13T08:25:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of big shows coming up in 2011, one of which is a gig at the wonderful Proud Galleries in London.

Proud is a fab and very unusual venue (it used to be a hospital of some description, can't escape them!!), with three stages showcasing various different acts. I'll be performing at 'The Stables' (which really is a stable) acoustically with some other brilliant names and my new toy, the stomp box. The best bit is it's free entrance if you mention my name!

If you'd like some more info you can add yourself here for updates:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169376146440667&num_event_invites=0

Anna x

Myro - The Smallest Plane in the World!

2011-01-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

Back in August, just after the big op, I recorded some vocals for a brand new children's series called 'Myro', a new series of picture books for children aged 3+.

I've just recieved the books and the CD and I have to say it's absolutely stunning and something I'm very proud of being involved with! If any of you have children (or are just a big kid yourselves) I urge you to have a look at the web site here:

www.myro.com

Happy New Year!
Anna x

Last Gig of 2010!

2010-12-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

To finish off a rather fab year I'll be playing at a brand new music night in conjunction with Brooklands fm, this Thursday 23rd December at The Ship in Weybridge. The evening will be called 'Live Lounge at The Ship', and will consist of 5 acts, each lasting 30 minutes and best of all it's free! Come on down for some great music, some new songs (from me) and one or two 'dodgy covers' including something new I've been working on! Oh and there may be a sneak preview of the 'new look' aswell......

More details can be found here: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167064586659567

Anna x

December lurgy & a new album

2010-12-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

December's been a bit of a nightmare recently with gig cancellations due to an on going bout of severe tonsillitis which has been 'keeping me company' since the end of November. Apologies to any of you who have made it to any of the last two London shows. I am now resting (as much as you can with a two year old!) in the hope of clearing it up for the excellent new music night starting in Weybridge on the 23rd December.

I do however have some good news in the shape of a new album! Ever since I've come back from the south of Italy I've felt re-inspired to write and have collected what I think is some of my best material to date. The album will have an ancient world/Roman theme seeing as the source of my inspiration lay in visiting such amazing sites as Pompeii, Stabia and Herculaneum. We have already confirmed the photo shoot in a very special location and I'm currently arranging the new songs while of course writing new ones when the spirit moves me! I'll have a Pledge Music campaign up and running in the new year which will help with the recording costs and have ideas of how you can all be a part of this new project. If you're as excited as am and can't wait for any more details then please feel free to join the mailing list where they'll be more news to follow and some exclusive behind the scenes footage.

Anna x

Tonight @ the Thames Sessions, Nirvana Lounge

2010-11-26T09:35:00.000-08:00

I've had to cancel tonights show folks for the Thames Sessions at the Nirvana Lounge Apologies but this is one not very well bunny at the moment. :(
We'll be re-arranging the date very soon, next show is 5th December in Chiswick.
x

Live internet broadcsat from exclusive, sold out house gig!

2010-11-12T23:57:00.000-08:00

Toight I'll be doing a special live internet broadcast from an exclusive house gig! The gig is sold out so the only way you can watch it will be here from 9pm:
http://justin.tv/annaneale
Anna x

Lightbox Tonight

2010-10-30T01:02:00.001-07:00

Tonight I'll be playing at the Lightbox Gallery in Woking complete with special Halloween songs and props, you know me and my love of dressing up! ;)
It's always a lovely warm, intimate evening with great food. Music starts at 7.30pm and entrance is free.
Anna x

Live broadcast on Justin TV

2010-10-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I've started doing a live session from home on my new Justin TV channel! I'm aiming to do one every two weeks, circumstances permitting, showcasing new songs for a possible second album and a few favourites! I'm also taking request so the more weird and wonderful they are the better ;). If you missed the first one you can catch it again here:http://justin.tv/annaneale/b/272718725
Anna x

Oxjam today, the Guildford takeover

2010-10-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'll be on the fahrenheit world stage at roughly 4 pm and at the royal oak folk stage about 7pm. See you all there! X

The new video is here!

2010-10-21T09:50:00.001-07:00

Here you go everyone, the new video, hope you all enjoy! x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn1hvuASM0I

Oxjam Guildford

2010-10-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm currently beavering away writing some new songs that I have to say I'm really pleased with! I look forward to playing them all to you over the next couple of weeks but first of all I'm just blogging to let you know that I'll be playing as part of this years Guildford Oxjam takeover!

Oxjam is a fantastic event that helps raise money and awareness for various causes at home and around the world.

The Guildford Oxjam will be happening at various venues around the town on Saturday 23rd October. I'll be onstage at Fahrenheit 55 at 3pm and The Royal Oak at 7pm.

For more info and to help spread the word check out the Facebook event page here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154804581226717

Anna x

R2 Rock 'n' Reel Magazine Review

2010-10-03T01:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Here's a rather fab review from R" Rock 'n' Reel Magazine, in stores now! Thanks to Trevor for this:

ANNA NEALE
Touch

Hailing from deepest Surrey, Anna Neale’s songs reflect the suburban/rural contradiction of her surroundings. The music treads the fine line between a rootsy palette and sophisticated acoustic pop. Driven forward by Neale’s equally powerful voice and acoustic guitar rhythms the title track sounds direct and stripped back yet still luxuriates in a rich bed of electric guitar and vocal harmonies. On ‘Keep Coming Again’ the acoustic opening - restricted to vocals, guitar and djembe - perfectly reflects the confessional nature of the lyrics. However, imperceptibly the arrangements broaden out to provide richer, darker textures. Lovely.

Honing her craft over the years at acoustic clubs, singing lead female vocals in “The Commitments” touring band and playing summer festivals, the quality of the singing, songwriting and arrangement is assured. The sound itself is warmly summery too. Instantly likeable, it subtly wheedles its way into your subconscious - a reflection of Neale’s concentration on strong melody and attractive harmonies. ‘Waterloo Bridge’ may not reach the heady heights of The Kinks’ paean to the station but it still tugs a heartstring as the singer strolls the South Bank musing on lost love. A great collection of tunes with an open and honest heart.

Trevor Raggatt

Sim Singhl

2010-09-18T01:16:00.000-07:00

Photos are now up from the photo shoot on Wednesday with Tomodo Photography for Sim Singhl. I'll be doing lots more work with this new fashion brand in the future. If you'd like more info and to have a look at some of their other clothes you can here: www.simsinghl.com

Maia Fall Fashion Show

2010-09-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It's been a really busy week for me this week with photo shoots, fashion shows and startng my new role as a lecturer at Brooklands College!

Below is a photo taken from the Maia fashion show I modelled for this Monday at the Ambasadors Theatre in Woking. Maia is a fab little botique specialising in unique ethnic clothing and evening wear. I often go there to find jewllery as everything is hand made and a one off!

If you're ever in Woking do go and have a look round the shop, it's very cose to the station and well worth a visit.

More photos to follow soon!

http://www.maiaenterpriseltd.com

Weyfest, Recharged Radio, New Videos & Some Modelling!

2010-09-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

September update is below:

Weyfest:

This Sunday (5th) the band and I will be headlining on the Rustic Stage at Weyfest! It was a fantastic show for us last year so we'll be paying a longer set with new songs! Look forward to seeing you there! www.weyfest.co.uk
If you missed out on Weyfest tickets I'll be doing a special show at The Barn in Farnham on the 11th September.

Music Video:

If any of you are about this coming Monday (6th) morning between 9am and 10am, the band and I will be filming a new surprise video in the High Street. It promises to be quite spectacular.............

Recharged Radio Live Session

We’ve also just come from recording a 'live lounge' session at the 'Church of Steve Honest' for the Night of the Artisans show on Recharged Radio! The three songs we recorded will be showcased this coming Thursday between 7pm and 9pm on: www.rechargedradio.com

Sim Singhl Clothing:

On a last note I've started working with a new up and coming fashion label based in the UK called Sim Singhl. There'll be some new pictures of me modelling (yes, me!!) some clothes for them coming soon as well as some other exciting opportunities!

Anna x

Recharged Radio - The Church of Steve Honest

2010-09-02T03:51:00.001-07:00

Today the band and I are doing a 'live lounge' session at the 'Church of Steve Honest' for the Night of the Artisans show on Recharged Radio! We'll be showcasing the new tune 'Fire Fire' ahead of our Weyfest appearance this Sunday, as well as a couple of favourites which will be broadcast sometime next week (details to follow). It also means we'll have a couple of new songs 'in the bag' for your listening pleasure very soon!

There's lots more coming up ahead, September is looking like a very exciting month for us! All will be revealed soon,

www.rechargedradio.com

Anna x

Pepsi Max It Legends

2010-08-07T03:34:00.000-07:00

The video for 'Control' has made it to the Pepsi Max site and is currently battling it out in the third round! Thanks to 'Slice the Pie' for entering it.

You can have a little look here and if the mood takes you vote (again, more voting!)

http://www.maxitlegends.com/#/gallery/?vid=H9ZSMtHfzP8

Post Op

2010-07-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

It's been just over a week since I went in for surgery, and considering what I've had done I feel pretty amazing already (minus a few aches and pains here and there but that could just be a sign of getting old!!)! It seems to be ground breaking surgery as I'm told I'm only the second woman in the country to have this procedure done! I'd really like to thank Peter and his team at the Royal Surrey for all their care and commitment, they did a fantastic job. If you'd like to find out more about this wonderful 'Da Vinci' robot and what they're up to, there's an article here about the difference it's making to people's lives locally:

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2062109_da_vinci_robot_arrives_at_royal_surrey_county_hospital

Anna x

Anywhere

2010-07-20T00:34:00.000-07:00

Anywhere is now out and available to download (although you have to search for it!!)!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/anywhere/id383138025

:)

Pre-Op

2010-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I'm sure not all of you are aware but I've been suffering from alot of shall we say female stomach trouble the last 6 months or so for which I'm due to go into surgery next week (yikes!!). It's set to be a fairly inivassive procedure but it does mean that I'll be out of action for a little bit and so this week will be my last set of shows for the next 4-6 weeks! I'll update with how it all went (I'm sure they'll be a catolougue or moans and groans about various pains.......that or I'll be so drugged up I won't notice, could be an interesting blog either way!!),
Anna x

Anywhere, Anyhow?

2010-07-05T03:12:00.000-07:00

The new single 'Anywhere' will be available for download from all the usual download stores (iTunes, Amazon, Napster, Spotify, Nokia, emusic etc) from the 20th July 2010.

Bookmark it and go get that bad boy! :)

x

Samsung Thanks

2010-06-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to thank you for spending a few minutes voting for us in the Samsung Monte Battle of the Bands. I understand alot of you had problems casting your vote which was a real shame :( .
Anyhow, lots of exciting things in the pipeline coming up, will be in touch soon!
x

Samsung Live

2010-06-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Today is your last chance to vote for us in the Samsung Live event, if you haven't already!

http://www.samsung.com/uk/mobilelive/monte/judge-for-yourself.html#miltonkeynesanchor

This is part of a show we recently did for Samsung at the MK centre in Milton Keynes and we need your help to help us collect enough cash to start working on a new video and a new album!

Thank you, you are all wonderful! x

Anna Neale - Monte Battle of the Bands

2010-06-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here we go! The live footage from our Samsung show! Don't forget to vote!

http://www.samsung.com/uk/mobilelive/monte/judge-for-yourself.html#miltonkeynesanchor

Lovely Samsung, new shows and a new single!

2010-06-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

We had a completely mad month in May which saw us playing in Oxford, at the Great Escape in Brighton, auditioning for Sky 1 and playing as guests of Samsung in the MK centre as well as various festivals and shows! We also managed to finish off a brand new single for you, details of which are below!

Samsung Monte:

Last month we were honoured to play as guests of Samsung mobile in Milton Keynes as part of their Battle of the Bands roadshow. As I dragged a couple of the band down with me (after a very long promo for Sky!!) we thought we'd have a go in the actual competition as it would fund our next album! There's live footage and an interview with Russ and I up on their site now, and of course you can vote for us there:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/mobilelive/monte/judge-for-yourself.html#miltonkeynesanchor

There will be more Samsung related shows coming up over the next few months so I'll keep you all up to date! Including some shows in Europe!

Upcoming shows:

There are only two shows this month, one as part of Discovery Talent in London at the Troy Bar in Shoreditch, London on the 17th June, and the other at Peter Parkers Hall of Rock 'n' Roll on Denmark Street, Tottenham Court Road, London on the 22nd June. We'll be returning to GI on July 12th as well as a few last minute festival dates here and there.

Anywhere:

We've now finished and received the final master for the brand new single / bonus track for 'Touch' called 'Anywhere'. It's a fantastic song which we're all very proud of! For those of you who have already bought the CD you can send an e-mail to info@annaneale.net

with the barcode number on the back to receive a very high quality mp3 version. Date of the official online release will be announced soon, you can have a listen on the My Space and Facebook site.

That's all for now, I'm off to find some chocolate...........

x

www.annaneale.net

www.facebook.com/annanealemusic

www.twitter.com/annanealemusic

www.myspace.com/annanealeacousticrock

Sat 29th May: Sky TV, Samsung Gig & the Lazy Bishop Festival!

2010-05-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hi all!
First thing tomorrow we've been asked to audition for Sky 1's 'Must be the Music' in London, from where we'll be rushing off to play at the:

Samsung Monte Battle of the Bands Roadshow at thecentre:mk, Central Milton Keynes, Bucks MK9 3ES at 11.30am!

It's free so if you're in the area come down and say hi!

If you're South based I'll be heading back down to Surrey to play at the wonderful Lazy Bishop Festival in Farnham (Library Gardens) at 5pm. Tickets are selling fast so do try and purchase one online, it's set to be a fantastic day of live music!

If you're about on Sunday you can catch me at the Good Intentions Beer Festival in Puttenham at 3pm, followed by a show at The Goat in Clapham at 9pm!

After that I think I'll be having a rest! ;)

x

Great Escape & a Free Download!

2010-05-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

May 2010

Hi everyone,

Firstly a big hello to anyone who's new to this mail out, and a big thank you for joining! We'll be sending you news and goodies once a month with special exclusives just for you! Please feel free to get in touch with any feedback/ideas, if you wish to unsubcribe at anytime you can from the above link. Quite a few things happening this merry May, including some work for Sky at the end of the month, more of which will be in the next mail out.

The Great Escape:

Russ, Pete and I will be showcasing as part of the 'Night of the Artisans' showcase at the Great Escape in Brighton this Thursday (13th) at Northern Lights (just behind Queens Hotel) in Brighton! We'll be sharing the stage with the wonderful Tom Copson and Nathan Watson between 2 - 4pm. Entrance is free so if you're in the area it would be lovely to see you!

Free Track!

We've been busy working away in the studio, and as a thank you to all of you we've recorded a special secret cover that you can download for free! Feel free to e-mail it to anyone and everyone, we're hoping to create a viral campaign to help raise our profile, and hopefully attract more listeners so we can keep entertaining you! You can also have a listen on the My Space and Last FM site. I hope you enjoy it:

https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/promoproducts.aspx?productid=51b5a939-3eeb-4347-bfce-b2516e7512ed

Facebook Group

The Facebook group is now officially up and running, if you've not found us already you can now at:

http://www.facebook.com/annanealemusic

Lazy Bishop Festival:

We have lots of shows coming up, one will be on the 29th May at the Lazy Bishop Festival in Farnham. This is a great festival supporting local talent and a good cause! Tickets are selling very fast, if you'd like one you can purchase them from here:

http://www.lazybishopsfestival.ticketsource.co.uk/

That's all for now folks!

Anna x

Facebook Page

2010-05-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Facebook music page is now up and running properly, go and find us at: http://www.facebook.com/annanealemusic

Oxford Mail

2010-05-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
There's a lovely article in 'The Guide' from this weeks Oxford Mail, huge thank you to the lovely Tim Hughes (who remembered me from many moons ago!):

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/leisure/musics/music/8127637.Anna_Neale_pays_tribute_to_Oxford_crowds/

We will of course be heading to Oxford this May bank holiday Sunday for a special show at the 15 Minute Club, The Living Room, Oxford Castle at 9pm. It will be great to catch up with some of the old Brookes alumni and lecturers (as well as current students!). Entrance is free, hope to see you down there,
Anna x

Free Download!

2010-04-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The band and I have just come from the lovely Skyline Studios where we've recorded another two brand new tracks for you, one of which you can download for free here!

https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/promoproducts.aspx?productid=51b5a939-3eeb-4347-bfce-b2516e7512ed

It's a special cover version, so I hope you enjoy it! Do let me know what you think. If you'd like to just have a listen to can do so here on the My Space page:

http://www.myspace.com/annanealeacousticrock

and on the Last FM page here:

http://www.last.fm/music/Anna+Neale

Anna x
www.musicglue.com/annaneale

Storm the Charts Campaign, Oxford & The Great Escape 2010

2010-04-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

April 2010

Storm the Charts Campaign, Oxford & The Great Escape 2010

Hi everyone,

A huge month coming up for all of us, details of what's coming up below!

Storm the Charts:

Voting has opened for Storm the Charts: storm vote now

http://bit.ly/stormvote
This is a great campaign to help get 40 unsigned artists/bands into the UK charts. We are Poll #140 so please, if you have 5 seconds the spare (it's really quick) go and vote for us and check out some other great artists while you're there,

Oxford Castle:

The band are I will be heading back to Oxford for a special one off show to tie in with Oxford Brookes' 30 years of music celebration! This will be an exclusive chance to hear some new tracks that we're busy working on in the studio and is obviously a great chance to catch up before our other big dates this summer! We'll be playing at the Living Room in Oxford Castle on Sunday 2nd May from 8.30pm. Entrance is free. Keep an eye out in the Oxford Mail and on the Brookes Alumni site for some exclusive interviews ahead of the show!

The Great Escape:

I'm very proud to announce that I've been asked to play as part of the 'Night of the Artisans' show for The Great Escape in Brighton this year. Great Escape is fast becoming the biggest UK music conference and is a great chance to showcase the new album. I'll be playing at Northern Lights on Thursday 13th May between 2-4pm.

Other news:

The band are I are working on a couple of new, and surprise tracks for your listening pleasure, one of which we'll be offering as an exclusive download for the mailing list. Spread the word!

Anna x

Storm the Charts: Voting Open!

2010-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Voting has opened for Storm the Charts: storm vote now http://bit.ly/stormvote
http://bit.ly/stormvote
This is a great campaign to help get 40 unsigned artists/bands into the UK charts. We are Poll #140 so please go and vote and check out some other great artists while you're there,
Anna x

Zoxsy

2010-04-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm a member of 'Zoxsy' which is a website that helps songwriters like me get our music placed on TV shows (such as Greys Anatomy, Hollyoaks etc) and I need your help, or rather votes and comments, on the songs placed on my area of the site from the new album 'Touch'. If you get five minutes and can vote it would be very much appreciated and possibly help fund the next album/project I have in mind!

Voting and comments can be placed here:
http://www.zoxsy.com/annaneale

Anna x

Radio Gets Wild

2010-04-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday (7th April) we'll be broadcast at 8pm UK time on the wonderful Dee Chapmans show on 'Radio Gets Wild'! Memembership is free and there are various listening and chat room links so sign up for some more great unsigned music!

Radio Gets Wild
www.radiogetswild.com

Storm the Charts

2010-03-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the news lately there's a new campaign (from the guys that brought you Rage Against the Machine for #1) to help get unsigned artists in the charts called 'Storm the Charts'. It's a great campaign with some fantastic artists, including us! If you're a member of Facebook please help us by joining the group and voting for us here, it would be a fantastic opportunity for us! We're entry 179:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=231943888357

You can also listen to us and all the other entries at:

http://stormthecharts.livejournal.com/

Anna x

Josaka Review

2010-03-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Another review form Berkshire's Josaka:

"Touch" the triumphant new album from captivating singer/songwriter Anna Neale.
Often when an artist revisits material that's been gathering dust for many a long year it's a futile attempt to bottle the lightening of past successes once more. Many a burning of the reputation and ego has resulted.

Fortunately for Anna Neale and the music-appreciating public the revisitation of unfinished home-recorded material from the last 6 years has proved to be the genesis for her triumphant new album "Touch". Each of the twelve tracks is a highly-polished production resplendently layered at various points with multiple and varied backing instrumentation, including cajón, guitar, violin and double bass.

Anna's strong and captivating voice entrances you with the more ballad-like tales of St Peter's tomb in Rome in "St Peter", strolling along London's South Bank near "Waterloo Bridge", and the dawning of a new year of promise with "January". Faster tunes to get the blood, feet and fingers moving aren't neglected, with "Control" (the first single from the album) and the title track "Touch" leading the way in this respect.

Granted not all the tracks are up to the grade of their fellows on the album with "Keep Coming Again" and "Emotional Baggage" failing to entice me into their aural realm in the same manner as the rest of the album. But what I perceive as misses are likely to be classed as the opposite by other reviewers and the buying public. It's all about perception and the best way to decide is to check out the album yourself.

Overall we should be extremely grateful that Anna Neale decided to review what being an artist in this day and age means and went into the past to extract the 12 songs that now comprise "Touch". If you enjoy material of varying paces with quality production values and performances to match investing in this album will not be a disappointment.

We gave this album 8/10.

© Ian Sadler 2010

http://www.josaka.com/news/252/52/Touch-from-Anna-Neale/

The Musician Review

2010-03-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest review from 'The Musician', the national magazine of the Musicians Union in the UK.
Many Thanks to Keith Aimes for this:

The Musician - Spring 2010

Anna Neale - Touch

"Words of wisdom from the impassioned singer-songwriter.

Anna enjoys a deservedly high reputation for her strong vocals and vibrant material. Her latest release, 'Touch', features 12 tracks of moving folk/pop that builds upon this standing by featuring her best recordings to date. The stand out track, 'Emotional Baggage', shows why it won't be long before she steps into the mainstream."

Keith Aimes

Album Thanks

2010-03-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to thank all those who came down to and were involved with the launch! A great night was had by all and when we premiered the video for 'Touch', you could (under the music) hear a pin drop!
There are press clippings from some of the recent coverage for 'Touch' available online on the My Space and Facebook Music pages.
For all those who digitally downloaded the album, below is a list of those who were involved with the making of the album. I'll soon be writing a little note on each song so keep an eye on the blog for more:

The Musicians:

Anna Neale - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Djemebe & Bass
Pete Robbins - Cajon & Percussion
Russell Carr - Double Bass & Bass
Katherine Clarke - Viola
Ed Clarke - Violin (& string arrangements)
Phil 'the beard' Lockeheart - Morcoon Bongos & Tribal drum.
Jason Marshall - Ebow

Jez Larder @ Skyline Studios - Co-Producer and Keys

Neil Reed @ Shameless Talent - Mastering

John Milton - Photography & Design (and co-label)

Henry Coleman @ Flickerhead Films - Music video for 'Control'.

More great stuff.....it's all going on!

2010-03-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

We've all had a very busy month including our fabulous launch at the BED Bar, thank you to all who came down, here's the latest!

'Touch':

If didn't know already, the new album 'Touch' is now availible from various digital music stores for the around the bargin price of £5! You can download it from iTunes here:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/touch/id352484166

or Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Touch/dp/B0036AI0NK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1267697408&sr=8-1

You can also find it on Spotify, Nokia for Music and eMusic. It'll also soon be up on 7Digital and Music Glue.

For anyone who would like one of the special edition CD's available at £8 including p/p or one of the limited edition CD/DVD's at £10 including p/p then drop me a line. I've only got a few left now!

Recharged Radio:

If you missed the interview and live performance I did for the wonderful Recharged Radio.com you can now download it here for free!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/night-the-artisans-radio-hour/id355166274

There's lots of radio promo coming up, we've been playlisted on a few student stations so keep your eyes/ears open, you never know!

Shows Coming up!:

Only a couple this month. One solo show tomorrow, 5th March, for Bed Springs at the Zenith Bar in Islington at 9pm and one local show with Russ at the lovely Fahrenheit 55 in Guildford on the 10th March. See the website for more details: www.annaneale.net

Touch is out today!

2010-02-22T00:14:00.001-08:00

And it's on all good music stores for just £5.49!

Find it here on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/touch/id352484166

Or on Amazon for £3.99!!:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0036AI0NK/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1266826513&sr=8-3

New album, 'Touch', is out tomorrow!

2010-02-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

The new album 'Touch' is finally out.....tomorrow!!

It's been six years in the making, and finally, tomorrow, 22nd February, 'Touch' will unleashed to the world! You'll be able to find it on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Nokia, Napster and all good digital music stores around the world! It's a completely organic project and one I have to say I'm incredibly proud of! I hope you all enjoy it too.

For those who prefer listening to CD's we have very limited edition copies of the album which include the DVD of the video for 'Control' plus outtakes not available anywhere else, for £10.50 or if you'd just like the music there are copies of the album available for £8.50, both including postage and packaging, please get in contact with your information for one: info@annaneale.net

Music Video for 'Control' is up!

Speaking of Videos you can now view the music video for the new single 'Control', filmed by Flickerhead Films at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga8qZ-4zaeQ

Annaneale.net

I'm also excited to reveal the new web site at: www.annaneale.net

It's constantly being updated so keep an eye out for news, thoughts and new gigs, also behind the scenes and info on the album!

I'll leave you all with that barrage of information for now, as always let me know your thoughts and feelings on the new album/video

Anna x

Party time tonight!

2010-02-19T02:04:00.000-08:00

Yes it's finally time to kick off our heels (OK, maybe not heels for the boys......although judging by tonight's attire you never know!) and let loose as it's party time at the BED bar in Woking tonight! The album launch and video premier is finally here and I have to say I'm looking forward to catching up and winding down, after our storming set that is!
Entrance is free with music starting at around 8pm with the lovely Anthea Neads, who's filling in for New Rising (get well soon Adam), Tom Copson and of course the full band!
Limited edition copies of the new album featuring a DVD of the music video for 'Control' are available ahead of the release on Monday to buy at just £10, £8 for the standard version. They'll also be a few other little bits just to celebrate our hard work!
Hope to see you down there,
Anna x

Album Launch & Video Premier

2010-02-01T01:02:00.000-08:00

Album Launch & Video Premier Party!
Friday 19th February 2010, 8pm
BED Bar, Church Path, Woking
Free Entry
www.annaneale.net

The official album launch and video premier party! The band and I will be hosting and playing a special show to celebrate the release of 'Touch' and the premier of the video for 'Control' with the lovely Tom Copson and New Rising!
There will be new tunes, old tunes, and a few covers just to get the party going. Come along for a 'glam fest' and celebration of new music!
Music runs 8pm to 10.30pm with a DJ afterwards. Entrance is free!

The noughties, a closing of a decade......

2010-01-04T06:10:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I'm normally rubbish at 'blogging' anything that isn't an update, but as we're at the closing of a decade (and I'm stranded in bed with Tonsillitis) I'd thought I'd share a few insights and thoughts about the last year and more! Feel free to post your thoughts and forgive me if my grammar and or spelling is out, my concentration has 'gone sideways' today!
The last year couple of years have been pretty eventful and by the end of the decade everything had changed. On the good side, I married my long term friend and soul mate in Italy after years of searching, I had my little boy, I achieved countless accolades and exposure in my music career, and grew as a writer and a person.
On the not so good side, I found the pregnancy difficult and challenging and it's taking me a long time to level with that. I also lost two close members of my family to Alzheimer's (my dear nan) and stomach cancer (my granddad), as we'll as a former friend and colleague under mysterious circumstances.
At the moment I'm having a little time out before the album is released, by the end of 09 I felt like the world was spinning so fast that I couldn't keep up and I crashed. I'm obviously not the only one, I've read countless tales of people 'dropping out' of society, and in one newspaper I read that anyone over 21 now feels old before their time and out of touch, at 'the grand old age' of 28 I find this incredibly worrying.
I'm also find that I'm starting to become sick of society's obsession with youth. When you're in your teens/early 20's you have no experience of anything, the world is new and open. How can an artist at 18 be better than one at say 33? There is no character or expression, there can't be (unless of course that person has had trauma growing up). I always remember what Phil Jupitus said about some of my old stuff back in 2003, at the time I took offense, now of course I understand.
I think as an artist I've discovered that we need time to just enjoy the simple small things, or there becomes no point. It's probably one of the reasons that I've gone back to basics with this new album, to allow the songs (and the listener) the space they need to breath. Commuting in and out of London brings this home more than anything else. London is a fantastic and vibrant city but to work in and travel in during the rush hour it's pure hell, all the jubilee line is missing is the visual flames.
So, hopefully this year will bring success, space, time to process, a personal settling down, and a taking off, there are probably some contradictions there but I think that's all part of being a musician.
Red x

Live mp3 on My Space

2009-12-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
In case you missed the wonderful Live Lounge @ Brooklands FM yesterday I've posted one of the live tracks, St. Peter, online on the My Space site (www.myspace.com/annanealeacousticrock) and on the Reverb Nation page (www.reverbnation.com/annaneale). This will be up for a limted time, we have quite a few tracks that came out really well so I'll be alternating them from now to the album release just to keep you all excited! ;)
Anna x

Brooklands FM

2009-12-28T11:40:00.001-08:00

Live Sessions 28/12/09:

A good (and sweaty!!) time was had by all this afternoon at the live sessions for Brooklands FM! The band made it down for a half hour set and interview in aid of Woking Hospice. Keep your eyes out for the podcast which we'll be posting online soon with some sneak previews of the new album! Also keep an ear on Brooklands FM for an exclusive preview of the new album coming soon in Feb where we'll be taking over the airways!.

www.brooklandsfm.co.uk

2009-12-16T01:46:00.001-08:00

New photos from the video shoot for 'Control' on Sunday at BED in Woking are now up on the My Space and Facebook pages:
www.myspace.com/annanealeacousticrock
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Anna-Neale/6189448418?ref=sgm

First review of the new album from 'The Mag'!

2009-12-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

Touch LP
Half Full Glass Records
Monday 7th of December 2009
Record Review
By Steve

Set for release in February 2010, Touch is the first full length album from Anna Neale. Since we first heard from Anna, back in 2006, she has developed her sound into a more smooth pop style.
The songs on this record are predominantly acoustic, with the voice taking centre stage. The lyrics are observational and the polished performances come across very well.
Raked harmonics introduce the title track, which is a smouldering introduction to the album.
'Waterloo Bridge' and 'January' are highlights on this record. The first for the rolling rhythm and great chorus and the second for a fantastic melody.
A late surprise on the album is 'Tired of Holding On', with some great flickers of electric guitar and powerful chorus.
All of the songs mix that smooth pop with plenty of soul and that makes this album very accessible.
If one thing could be added to this record, it would be some "full band" backing to some of these tracks. They really would sound great with the complete sound and it would add another dimension to the record.
On this record, Anna's voice is so good that it's easy to overlook the fact that Anna Neale is actually a very talented guitarist too.

We rated this record 4 out of 5.

http://www.the-mag.me.uk/Music/Articles/Item/Anna-Neale-Touch-LP/

Video shoot, calling all those with dancing shoes!

2009-12-16T01:34:00.002-08:00

Dec 2009

Hi everyone,
A last quick update for the end of the year!

Video Shoot:

We're due to shoot a video for the new single 'Conrol' (which you can hear on My Space) on 13th December at BED bar in Woking. If anyone would like to take part and be an 'extra' please e-mail back and let us know, it would be great to have some of you guys in there and should be a fun day for all!

Acoustic Band:

The last gig of the year for the full acoustic band will be Monday 14th December at Good Intentions in Puttenham (Nr Guildford). Entrance is free and it promises to be a good night for all!

'Touch' Release info:

The web site is about to undergo a revamp with the new photos and extracts from the new album. You'll also be able to pre-buy a CD copy of 'Touch', due to be released 22/02/10 both digitally and on CD. The CD will include an exclusive DVD with the new video, a video diary, interviews with the musicians and some live performances. I've had some fantastic reviews of the album so far, which I'll post on the various social networking sites.

Have a good Christmas!

Anna

www.annaneale.net
www.myspace.com/annanealeacousticrock
www.twitter.com/annanealemusic
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Anna-Neale/6189448418

Video shoot for 'Control'

2009-12-16T01:34:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,
You may have seen my twitterings/facebook updates recently about a video shoot! The rumors are true! I'm doing a video shoot for the new single 'Control' at BED bar in Woking on 13th December and would love some of you guys to come down and be extras! This'll be your chance for 3 and a half minutes of fame!If you would like to join just send me a message and we'll e-mail you the details!
Anna x

Recharge Radio

2009-12-16T01:33:00.000-08:00

The new single 'Control' will be getting a spin on the brand new 'Night of the Artisans' show on Recharge Radio this Thursday from 7pm! http://rechargedradio.com/Anna x

November update, minus the Latin!

2009-12-16T01:31:00.000-08:00

November 2009

Hi everyone,
I've been busy behind the scenes so here's the latest!

- Exposure Music Awards Showcase:
My new acoutsic band (if you have't seen them already details are on the My Space) are playing at the Bar Music Hall in Shoreditch on November 12th at 9pm as part of the Expousre Music Awards! After the fantastic turn out for our 'debut' gig we thought we'd get ourselves up to London to show you all the new sound! The gig is being filmed so keep you eyes on the You Tube channel for this and the footage from Weyfest.

- New Album:
Yes we're finally there! The album, 'Touch' is finished and has been mastered beautifully by the guys at Shameless. The release date is set for 22/02/10. The album is a return to my more acoustic roots. The web site, My Space etc will all be changing over by the end of December where there will be preview tracks avalible on line. More details to follow soon!

- Guildford Brit Awards & Thanks:
In case you haven't heard already, I was honored to recently win 2009's Best Female Solo Artist award at the Guildford Brits! Many thanks to all of you who have been coming to the shows and buying the music. Also a huge thanks to everyone who came (and tried to come!) to our slot at Weyfest, it was one of the top three attended shows of the weekend!
More news to come soon including a new Video (no roundabouts in this one!!!),

Anna x