“One of the best singers in Seattle and beyond.” - Seattle Music Insider
“Through a forest of heavenly harmonies and psychedelic undertones, Annie J delivers a breath of fresh air... The way [she] manipulates modern soul and injects her expansive touch into it creates an infectious and welcoming atmosphere in the same way it is risky and rewarding. Annie J seems relentlessly dedicated to carving out a soulful lane of her own.” - Glide Magazine
“Light-as-a-feather in lyrics and composition, inducing goosebumps with each new, impactful line.” - Imperfect Fifth
(New York, NY) As the second-eldest daughter in a large Mormon family, Seattle-based retro soul and modern pop artist Annie J has always relied on music to find a sense of belonging. With a childhood spent shuffling around small towns throughout the US, she found a constant companion in what was flowing through the speakers of a “dream machine” radio alarm clock her grandfather gifted her. The R&B and jazz stylings of Whitney Houston and Nina Simone that Annie gravitated toward swirled with country-soaked powerhouse voices of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, The Chicks, and The Judds that her mother had on repeat. The messages these women sent via their music sparked her desire not only for singing but also for crafting stories and emotions into melodies that resonate, as well as modeling the significance of what it means to be uniquely you.
Annie’s sound has evolved into a singular blend of pop sensibility, soulful expression, and jazz-infused rhythms—she mentions contemporary voices like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, and Billie Eilish are current influences. She blends her skillful songwriting and brilliant vocals seamlessly on her second EP, Been Loving You(releasing October 18, 2024), for a sound that is truly her own.
The new single, “Gotta Give It Up,” showcases Annie’s affinity for disco-infused rhythms and collaborative energy. It features a vibrant ensemble of musicians who elevate the track to celebratory heights, including Brad Gibson on drums and David Dawda (Fruit Bats) on bass, as well as the icing-on-the-cake string arrangement by Emily Westman, guitar by RL Heyer, and a full live horn section featuring Brennan Carter (The Dip), Peter Daniel (Father John Misty), and Jason Cressey (The Monophonics).
After being formally trained in classical music and studying theater in college, Annie is now an in-demand vocalist working with an impressive array of musicians, including Seattle Rock Orchestra, The True Loves, Odesza, The Dip, Allen Stone, the legendary Cedell Davis, and more. With a wealth of experience, she has learned to weave authenticity and connection into her work, creating an EP that empowers listeners to find strength in vulnerability by sharing her stories of hard-won realization. Written in collaboration with her husband, songwriter Nick Foster, Been Loving You is a letter of sorts to earlier versions of herself, an exhumation of her past, and an embrace of gratitude for her experiences.
