“In 1999, this starry-eyed singer-songwriter from the Midwest moved to Los Angeles and founded a band called ‘Shut Up Marie’, and immediately started learning all there was to learn about the business to make it happen with my band in the infamous ‘Rock City’. I began my legwork by working for an independent radio promoter (and charting Shut Up Marie on national airplay charts in the process!), headlining the best clubs in L.A., going to workshops and seminars making connections in the music industry, and so on. For 7 years, I worked and played in LA to make things happen, but just could not seem to get that six- or seven-figure record deal. Then, in the summer of 2006, I heard that the catering company for a big, national music tour needed servers, so I jumped at the chance, hoping to make more connections and get that big break in the industry as I’d be meeting the tour producers, promoters and bands. I had heard that people who worked for this catering company had opportunities like that follow them after working there. I was totally excited when I got the 2-month gig! I quit my job, moved out of my apartment, and put all my stuff into storage. But then, I got fired on day 4 (along with a bunch more people in catering shortly after me)! I found myself back in the Midwest, not ready to go back to L.A. with my tail between my legs, and decided that what I really needed to be doing was touring the U.S. as a singer/songwriter, not as a server for catering! It did not take long before I had shows across the country, sometimes in tiny clubs in the middle of nowhere, and less often as the up-and-coming Hollywood star! But, my goal to make a living as a touring artist is now a dream come true… and I never would have taken the steps to get out on the road if I had never been fired from catering, even though I could have picked up and left LA at anytime in the 7 years I was there. You never know when losing something that you thought could change your life is really a blessing in disguise that will change your life!”
Band-girl-went-solo artist, television host, & rebel Annie B. is now on a US tour. Described as the modern-day Joni Mitchell meets Janis Joplin, Annie has been heard on radio stations from New York to L.A. as lead singer/songwriter of Los-Angeles-based alternative band Shut Up Marie. With over 300 original songs in her catalog, her original material takes a journey from funky-bluesy ditties to dark, gritty stuff, fast 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.
Annie B. moved to L.A. in 1999 and headlined L.A.’s best clubs with her punk-metal band "Shut Up Marie" for 7 years. S.U.M. appeared at #6 (with 4 weeks in the Top 25) in Friday Morning Quarterback (national radio airplay chart magazine) with their latest release "Gimmie", and also charted on CMJ & Album Network with their 2001 release “DEMO”. MTV’s wacky “Rob and Big” show featured Annie last December, and she garnered quite a bit of publicity from that appearance. Annie is also host of “Live on Sunset”, a new TV show from the GoMusic Network to be aired in the U.S., Europe, and Japan later this year.
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 after getting fired from a gig for a big, national music tour which she thought would be the lucky break for her band. Her solo material resembles that of her band, with more acoustic-pop sensibilities -- somewhere between Cheryl Crow, Ani DiFranco, Jewel, and Alanis Morisette. "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 last year, I have found more success doing it on my own. Sometimes you have to do something just for yourself."
The first solo effort of Annie’s musical career is now available here at CDBaby. It features tried-and-true works from her early years as a burgeoning acoustic artist back in the early 90’s, such as the heartwarming alterna-folk “Kiwi Café”. It also features some of her favorite Shut Up Marie songs which can also be found on the band's "Gimmie" CD.
Please visit www.myspace.com/annetmarie for a complete list of her upcoming showdates, photos, and more. Her online press kit designed for industry folks can be found at www.sonicbids.com/annieb.
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