Annie B. at The Coach House Grill
Alternative-folk singer/songwriter, Annie B. has been heard on numerous radio stations from New York to L.A. with her solo project and her former alternative band. With over 300 original songs in her catalog, her material takes a journey from funky-bluesy ditties to party songs & gritty stuff, faster punk-influenced songs to pretty, melodic ballads for the softies. Heartfelt lyrics juxtaposed with great storytelling, a unique percussive style, and mesmerizing stage presence provide an unforgettable experience for everyone, from serious music connoisseurs to people just looking for good entertainment. Recommended if you like Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Ani DiFranco, Jewel, Liz Phair, and Alanis Morisette.
Annie B. moved to L.A. in 1999 and headlined LA's best clubs with her band "Shut Up Marie" for 7 years. S.U.M. garnered specialty radio airplay all over the U.S. & appeared in national airplay chart magazines with their 2001 release DEMO and with their last release "Gimmie" (2005).
The call to revisit her solo/acoustic roots tugged at Annie in 2006; she became quite frustrated with the L.A. scene and decided to go at it alone & hit the road. She lived in her car, traveling the U.S. for over a year. Her solo material resembles that of her band, with more acoustic-pop sensibilities. "Doing this solo thing could be the best move I have ever made for my career... I am in control of everything I do and I don't have to answer to anyone about anything artistically anymore. It's possible that I have been scared about doing it alone - I have always relied on others for approval to move forward, but ever since my first big L.A. show going solo, I have found more success doing it on my own. Sometimes you have to do something just for yourself."
In her original songs, Annie relates to us the things that she has learned throughout her journey; that life is short, so enjoy every moment, that the journey is really more important than the destination, and she gives hope to each listener that they will find their own inner peace. She writes about her travels, painting pictures of the people she has met & places she has been; she shares stories of friendships and relationships that have come and gone, and those yet to come. She gives hope to folks who listen, and she is steadfast about the notion that the purest love conquers all.
The first solo effort of Annie's musical career is available at her live shows, and at CDBaby.com. It features tried-and-true works from her early years as a burgeoning acoustic artist back in the early 90s, such as the heartwarming alterna-folk "Kiwi Cafe".
Annie relocated to her hometown of Milwaukee in 2008, and has been working with local area musicians to form her new band. She currently performs all over Southern WI and Northern IL, while still traveling the US on occasion. In fact, Shut Up Marie is working on a few reunion shows for this April in Los Angeles. Annie is excited to hit the road again for a month-long solo tour surrounding her L.A. dates with Shut Up Marie: " I love the road, it gives a sense of freedom that you just can't get anywhere else. Everyone should live on the road for at least a few months. It's magical, it can be a little scary, and it's positively beautiful! "