It could be said that Mary J Blige and Westlife occupy fairly different positions on the music spectrum, but surprisingly they do have one thing in common; both have employed the vocal talents of singer-songwriter Anna Omak.
Since she went professional at age 17, Anna has worked as a session artist for several high-profile performers, while all the time carving out her own musical identity at gigs all over London. It is testament to a talent that she has spent the larger part of her life developing, and in to which she now channels her heart and soul.
The origins of Anna’s burgeoning life of song are firmly rooted in a childhood spent belting out gospel hymns fused with Hi-life rhythms and African folk songs at church in London. Although not from a particularly musical family the nature of church life meant she was immersed in music from the age of six. It was the perfect environment to explore what would ultimately become her passion. Anna was also opened up to different styles and as she grew older, her musical sensibilities expanded as she discovered Jazz, Blues, Folk, and soul all sounds that influence her evolving but unique sound now.
A year spent at the Berklee College of Music in Boston solidified her resolve to become a professional musician. Her time there had a significant influence on her development as an artist, as well as offering vital insight into the cut-throat music business “It was kind of like a microcosm of the industry” says Anna.
While business acumen is important, it is the reaction of an audience at her live gigs that inspires Anna most. Music, she feels, “is a powerful force that can change the atmosphere of a room” The honesty she infuses her songs with means inevitably life’s ups and downs are a regular source of material, but Anna insists she will always ends on a hopeful note. Hope will no doubt be a theme on her first EP, which she is currently recording.
And she’s already had some surreal experiences; the kind one assumes goes hand in hand with the world of show business. One stop on the tour through Europe with Mary J Blige was a concert at the Coliseum in Rome. It was here, back stage after Blige’s set, that she was propositioned by none other than… Sting! Anna reluctantly reveals “He said ‘if I wasn’t married, I’d marry you’” Now that’s surely an endorsement if ever there was one!
Hey very talented lady. I hear you are something to behold live although unfortunately I have not yet caught a show. It's an aim of mine before the year is out. Thanks for the add. Much love to a fellow Sade fan.
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After huge successful night on September, b i p o l a r is BACK to Plan B!!
One of the founders of Bugz In The Attic, Afronaut will drop his brad new tracks and believe me....they are all dope bouncing house beats!!! Alongside side with the strict groove master producer/DJ Magic a.k. a Ceramic and the mighty Mikey Futuristic from DejaVu FM!
send us for the concession list!!
b i p o l a r FILM [ @ Plan B / 20th Sept 2008 ]
b i p o l a r WAVES [ podcast / streeming radio ]
NEW episode is up now... the tracklist is on www. bipolar-hq. com
Beautiful lady - need sum of ur heart in my life ...where's the music maay-n?!? lol. I've got ur melodies all up in the brain ...yep! Fan I am. Hope your cool babe, hope to catch you soon. Luv. xx
it was good to see you yesterday! I wish I could come to the gig, I mean you, Maria and Mercy singing TOGETHER will be something because you are all seasoned vocalists!
Hey Queen!! I miss you :-(
Funny how I'm contacting you via myspace... I should pick up the phone innit!? Well you know I'm undercover right now, getting my exams and stuff out of the way, but it's all good. Soon I will re-emerge like some iridescent butterfly... making my way to the sky... with a newfound strength and purpose... and a pretty pair of wings too... LOL!! Keep praying for me Ha Ha!! you KNOW I need it :-)
Love you!
