Anna Neale

Education

About me

Singer/songwriter, composer, session vocalist, voice over artist and part time Roman goddess. Anna has worked professionally in the music industry for over ten years. In that time she's toured the world, released two albums and an EP to critical acclaim, written songs for other artists and for radio and TV advertising, and provided vocals for many TV animations, songs and adverts.

Anna Neale’s latest album ‘River Man’, produced by Jez Larder (Amy MacDonald, Estelle, David Bowie), took the listener on an epic musical odyssey through Roman history and heralded a change of musical direction for the sensual, playful and feisty singer songwriter. Voted one of R2 (RocknReel) Magazine’s albums of 2012, River Man features guest performances from Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Patch Hannan (The Sundays, The Audience), and world-renowned Senegal virtuoso Jali Fily Cissokho. Influenced by the life, times, loves and legacy of Pompeii, Anna Neale’s ‘River Man’ enthralled listeners with songs that chronicled universal themes of love and knowledge, as well as the eternal question of the human spirit and human identity.

Part of the 'River Man' tour in 2013 saw Anna and her band performing at The British Museum as part of their 'Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum' exhibition, and at the University of Cambridge with Classics Professor, Mary Beard.

Winner of 2009's Guildford Music Award for Best Female Solo Artist, Anna Neale started her professional life touring as a vocalist with Dublin soul band, the stars from 'The Commitments'. Since then she has become a performer and songwriter in her own right, playing to an increasing number of fans through her live, TV and Radio performances. Anna has played around the world, across US, Canada, Europe and Asia, both as a solo artist and as a member of various bands. She has also supported many well known artists including Martin Carthy and Edwin Starr.

In 2008 Anna reached the finals of the London Metro's 'On-line, On-tour' competition', and the finals of MTV’s 2008 ‘Get Seen, Get Heard’ competition. Her interview and song (filmed live at 'Bed' in her home town of Woking) ‘Soul Momma’ received regular play on various MTV channels across the UK over the spring and summer. Later on in the year she played at the O2 in Greenwich as part of O2 undiscovered.

Anna’s past credits include playing at the sell out BPI showcase as part of Canada’s NXNE festival in 2006, where she was the highest rated solo artist. Part of her Canadian tour saw her writing and recording with Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Emma Bunton) and John Wozniak (Marcy Playground).
As well as showcasing at Brighton's 'Great Escape' Festival in 2010 with Recharged Radio, Anna has previously showcased at Manchester’s renowned ‘In The City’ music conference and performed regularly on the main stage at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Internationally Anna headlined at the world renowned Canadian Music Week festival (CMW) in Toronto in 2009, performed as part of SXSW in Austin, Texas and at the NEMO Music Festival in Boston USA in 2005. Anna’s Boston appearances resulted in her track ‘All For Nothing’ topping the NEMO Starbucks download charts across New England.

Anna’s previous album ‘Touch’, released in 2010 in conjunction with independent label 'Somebody's Music', received rave reviews for its organic stance and lyrical content.

Her new EP 'Colour Me In' is due for release later this year.

“With River Man Neale has delivered a tour de force recording. It’s a sumptuous musical statement. Inspired by a visit to Pompeii it explores historical and metaphysical issues in a beautifully accessible way.”R2 Magazine, UK

"Unlike the typical fare of thin, airy-voiced female folksters, Neale surprises by breaking away from the pack with a gutsy vocal style that’s both sensual and soulful." Metro, Toronto, CA

“At certain points Neale looked like what Christina Aguilera would look like if she could write songs and play the guitar.” Chart Attack, Canada

“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, The Musician, UK

www.annaneale.net
Additional skills:
Professional songwriter, composer, session vocalist, voice over artist, I also lecture in popular music studies, popular vocals, song writing, guitar, music industry and music theory.
Additional information:
I have done countless session vocals and compositions for companies such as the Capital Radio Group, EMI Canada, BMG, MTV and for TV ads. I have also played around the world and have extensive touring experience. More information can be found at:

www.annaneale.net

License & Passport

Skills

Languages Spoken	Italian, Spanish
Vocal Types	Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano
Singing Styles	Adult Contemporary, Folk, Funk, Indie, Jazz/Blues, Pop, Pop, RnB, Soul
Musical Skills	Bass, Guitar, Ukulele