w/ Country Next Breakout Artist ANNIKA
Hosted by Kim Cyr
Presented by NOW and THEN Magazine
https://www.nowandthenmagazine.com
Latest Single
''The Death Of Me''
ANNIKA is a storyteller. She is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and songwriter known for her soulful vocals. Her voice transports audiences through a musical journey, filling spaces in our hearts and souls with a rich, nuanced emotion.
ANNIKA’s ability to capture audiences comes not just from her musical charisma, but from a refreshingly authentic and often comedic personality, which has powerfully engaged and entertained audiences around the world as part of the CCMA-nominated ‘Leaving Thomas’ duo, and now, as a highly anticipated solo artist.
ANNIKA is taking a new musical direction since moving on from the country-pop duo by releasing her first full-length solo album, Stand Still. The project is a departure from her previous work and showcases a more mature, introspective ANNIKA, highlighting her talents as a musician, specifically as a piano player. The project will be broken down into two EPs and one deluxe album, delivering a total of 14 tracks.
“After reviewing all the songs I'd written over the past two years, it just became clear that I needed to record a full album based in the singer/songwriter genre. It's where my heart is right now and I feel it is what is most authentically me as an artist and as a woman.” Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and inspired by artists such as Elton John, Carole King, and Alicia Keys, ANNIKA’s new sound combines her love of country songwriting with heartfelt piano playing and melodic vocals. With her upcoming single, “The Death Of Me,” ANNIKA is taking a page out of Shania Twain’s book and kicking things up a notch by combining classic country with a twist of pop.
"I love this song because it shows a sassier side of me. It’s bluesy, playful, soulful, and energetic. Although the title is “The Death Of Me,” there’s a lot of life in the song!" The most powerful music comes from a songwriter who can take listeners on a stirring journey, and this is where ANNIKA delivers, revealing raw emotion in her lyrical content and vocal performances. She co-wrote all 14 songs on the project, most of them with her JUNO award-winning husband, Spencer Cheyne who also produced the project. This dynamic musical duo who share a love and passion for music also just welcomed their first child, Levi, in July 2021.
“It is very special that my producer and co-writer is also my husband and life partner. We have a unique connection because we share a life together, and the final result of the album is truly a combined effort. Not only did Spencer bring his production chops to the table, as he does with every project, but he brought his heart. He was able to really bring my vision to life as an artist.”
Taking a page out of Shania Twain’s book, ANNIKA is kicking things up a notch by combining classic country with a twist of pop. “The Death Of Me” is energetic, bluesy, and showcases a lighter, sassier side to ANNIKA.
"I love this song because it shows a sassier side of me. It’s bluesy, playful, soulful, and energetic. Although the title is “The Death Of Me,” there’s a lot of life in the song!"
ANNIKA - The Death Of Me (Official Music Video)
As a classically trained pianist, violinist, and vocalist, ANNIKA has performed around the world, from bustling cruise ship piano bars, to national television as a Top 11 Canadian Idol finalist, and even hosting the Calgary Stampede Grandstand show with a combined audience of over 200,000 people. Her performance highlights include playing “In The Round” at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee (2017), the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, New York (2017), and headlining MTV’s anti-trafficking event, “Freedom For Others” in Bangkok, Thailand (2014). Apart from creating music and performing, ANNIKA’s passion is travel – she has visited over 80 countries to date.
ANNIKA is poised to be Canada’s next breakout female artist as her fans wait in anticipation to hear her new music, and to see her fun and refreshingly quirky personality back on stage.
ANNIKA is hosting an EP release show at the King Eddy in Calgary on May 6 – tickets are currently only available to her mailing list subscribers (on sale to the general public this Friday, April 1)…in only 3 days the show is already over 50% sold.
Brayden Lowe will be opening for ANNIKA and she will also be featuring her friend and co-writer Aaron Pollock in the show.
ANNIKA - I Really Don't Want To (Official Music Video)
ANNIKA, Brett Kissel - Encore (Official Music Video)
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