Annie Fitzgerald
This Blog is the fourth installment of four amazing ladies from Minnesota. Annie Fitzgerald is a Singer/songwriter, who writes songs that have to do with feelings & emotions more then anything else. I know that all songs have feelings and emotions in them, but for me Annie’s just seem to put more emphasis on emotions than actual subject matters in her songs. Which is a real pleasure to listen to, sometimes you just need to be reminded that feels and emotions are good for you. Now to Annie’s vocals, which are so hypnotic. Annie’s voice has such a rich tone to that just puts your mind at ease and fills your heart with joy. The control she has is amazing. Annie’s also has a delicate sound to her vocal style which really lends to her songs, it gives such a beautiful feel to them. Annie is one of those singers that is usually not in my wheelhouse, but when I hear someone like Annie sing, and it gives me goosebumps then I know that there is something really special here. So, I highly recommend all music lovers check out Annie Fitzgerald. Here are a couple of sites you can find out more. Also, some questions I was able to ask Annie. https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnieFitzgeraldmusic https://open.spotify.com/album/0oOTRfpISyGMUGqWwOYuxd?si=XM1Bn8wiQ_636MLWgVXawA 1. How long have you been playing music? I’ve been singing since 3rd grade, when a friend in choir leaned over and whispered to a timid me “you have a really nice voice…..you should sing out.” (still grateful for her) I started singing and performing in plays around that time and was active in dance lessons from age2. I took piano lessons at a young age. Musical theatre grabbed me when I was in high school, and this is also when I started playing guitar and dabbling into writing my own songs. I got my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of MN and started working professionally in musical theatre at the Ordway Center for the Arts and Chanhassen Dinner Theater. In 2004 I decided I wanted to focus my attention on writing, and I put out my first EP in 2005. 2. How many bands have you been in? I lived in NYC for about 10 years, and when I lived there I sang harmonies in numerous bands. I still love to sing harmonies and play with friends in and around Minneapolis, especially when we get together for songwriters’ rounds. It’s like we’ve got our own mini collaborative band for a night. 3. Where were you born? I was born in Crookston, MN 4. Are you self-taught? I took piano and some sparse guitar lessons and studied music & vocal performance in college. Lugging a piano to gigs on the subway wasn’t as easy as strapping a guitar on my back, so I kind of forced my comfort zone and began teaching myself more guitar. As far as songwriting goes, I’d say that I’ve taught myself to write songs by listening to others, and by paying attention to mentors in my life and their process. Music theory probably helped, but I’ve always relied more upon my ear than anything when I’m writing or playing. 5. Who are your biggest influences? When I was young I grew up to my parents listening to CCR, the Blues, Ella Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot Jeff Healey, Kathy Mattea & Fleetwood Mac. Hearing Sarah McLachlan’s Fumbling Towards Ecstasy was a big one for me. All of the Lilith Fair artists were inspiring and influential. Patty Griffin, Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, and Jonatha Brooke are some others that come to mind. And really, anything new that comes out that is new and inspiring. I’m currently obsessed with Bonny Light Horseman. 6. What style of music do you consider yours? I feel like I am very much in the singer-songwriter genre. I don’t worry too much about fitting into a genre. I think about production quality and through lines with sound when putting together a project. Apple music has said Americana, Alternative Folk, and even Pop in the past. 7. What was your first gig? How old were you? I’ve been expressing myself in some way, shape or form for lots of my life, so I’ve got a few first gigs. My fist paid singing gig was probably at a wedding when I was 16 years old. My first professional theatre gig was “Anything Goes” at the Ordway Center when I was 19. My first gig as a singer-songwriter in NYC was at Rockwood Music Hall, within the first few months they opened Stage One. I think I was 24 then. 8. What advice do you have for someone starting out in the music business? I think it comes down to staying authentically you, holding clear boundaries for yourself & others, being open to new opportunities, building community, taking calculated chances. Say yes to things that light you up. 9. Do you write your own songs? Yes. 10. What would people be surprised to hear that you have in your personal record collection? Claude Debussy Song Cycles 11. What would you be doing if playing music was not an option? I would do sound therapy work, lead workshops and retreats, be a Reiki Practitioner; all of which I currently do and love. 12. Besides your own songs, what is your favorite song to perform? “Case of You” by Joni Mitchell 13. If you were strictly a songwriter, who would you like to see sing your songs? This is a fun question that I haven’t put much thought into as of now. I would be really excited to see what Jill Andrews did with one of my songs. Kathleen Edwards would be a fun one, too. I’d really be excited to hear anyone’s take on a song that I wrote.
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AuthorHello, My name is Michael. I am into music, have been for over 48yrs. Big fan of all kinds of music, right now it has been the Blues for the last 10yrs. I do not play any instruments, But I very interested in the recording aspect of the industry. Have messed around with it a little and always learning new things about it. I have met many wonderful people because of Music.. Hope you enjoy my Blogs... In the last two years I have been producing House Concerts. I also in the past 2 years got to produce and engineer an album for a very good friend of mine from Sweden "Magpie". Archives
February 2024
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