Performs solo, or in North America as duo with upright bassist, and in Australia as duo with drummer
Full band (drums, bass, guitar, piano organ/synth, BGs vocals) available upon request. Tour/show formation depends on venue offers, budgets, and tour routing.
Influences
Reviewers and audiences have compared me to a hellova lot of people: Katie Melua, Kate Bush, Regina Spektor, Carole King, Sarah Slean, Damien Rice, Fiona Apple, Sufjan Stevens, Ricki Lee Jones, Norah Jones, the list goes on, and quite obviously has a lot of variety in it! It's possible I am psychophrenic (and a bad speller). My childhood influences were '70s songwriters such as Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, and Gordon Lightfoot, because I wasn't allowed to listen to commercial radio, or watch TV, and only had my parents' record collections to listen to. My current favorites are (in no particular order): Jeff Buckley, Beck, Sigur Ros, Patrick Watson, Goldfrapp, Royal Wood, Alternate Routes, Coldplay, Radiohead, Sarah Slean, Nina Simone, Ida Maria, Martin Sexton, Wilco, Leonard Cohen, Athlete, Scissor Sisters, Tom Waits, Sufjan Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Arcade Fire, Kris Kristofferson, Josh Ritter, Bob Dylan, Bill Evans, Jakob Dylan, Morcheeba, Amos Tobin, Queen, and lots and lots and lots of other people. My favorite singers are: Aretha Frankin, Martin Sexton, Michael Jackson pre nineties and esp in Jackson 5 era, Miriam Mekeba, Otis Redding, Eva Cassidy, Freddie Mercury, Dolly Parton, George Michael, and Billie Holiday. Don't even get me started about my favorite lyricists. I keep meeting more all the time. In fact I would love to have my own radio show one day... ok, gotta run.
Press quotes:
"Edmonton's own piano pop laureate of emotional conflict, [Ann Vriend delivers] a lean, literate black and blue Tapestry for a new generation."
--Ottawa Express
"Ann Vriend sings with the heart-stopping intensity of Aretha Franklin, plays piano with the ease of Norah Jones and writes songs as powerful in their simplicity as those of Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen."
--Elle Magazine
Grime Studios video for (If We Are Not) Spies (released May 22, 2008):
TV video for "Backseat Driver", filmed in Sydney, AU on the "Mornings With Keri Anne" show:
Ann performing "St. Paul" .. TV, promoting "Homefest" (fundraiser for Edmonton's homeless crisis):
....
Bio:
Ann Vriend: Exquisite Folk/Pop Songstress
“With her soaring vocals, impressive songwriting ability, and multi-instrumental prowess, Vriend is truly an all-in-one package.” --Obscure Sound
Whether at the International Leonard Cohen Festival in Berlin, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, or at her hometown Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Ann Vriend mesmerizes audiences around the world. Her vulnerable yet exquisite voice is often the first thing which turns heads, while her songs maintain a natural knack for melody. Her lyrics reveal a literary depth which stand as poetry on their own, and Ann’s stage presence, balanced perfectly between breathtaking, heartbreaking songs and charming, witty humor, make for a completely engaging show. Ann’s albums have sold over 10,000 copies to date, independently.
Ann was born in Vancouver, BC, but moved to Edmonton, Alberta at age 5. Early on her parents discovered their 3-yr-old could pick out nursery songs on a Fisher Price xylophone. Ann’s musical talent developed from there to the violin, but eventually she settled on the piano at age 9, which she chose in order to accompany herself singing. In her teens Ann was persuaded by her school principal to perform her original songs at a high school talent show. Encouraged by the success of this performance, she began singing in public more often, performing and co-writing in local bands. Ann then completed a 2-year music program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton.
Within 7 months of graduating, Ann was recording at Sony Studios in NYC, with complimentary tickets to a concert of Paul Simon, her favorite of her parents’ vinyl collection. That same year she released an astonishingly popular demo, which garnered her immediate radio play on local stations across Alberta. Her debut full-length album, "Soul Unravelling", was released in 2003, and is now in its 5th pressing. “Waterfront,” a romantic piano ballad from this album, was placed on the DVD release of the hit US TV series “Party of Five”.
Ann’s writing reveals melodic and lyrical influences of ‘70s singer/songwriters such as Simon, Leonard Cohen, and Cat Stevens, combined in some songs with piano styles of contemporary pop artists such as Sufjan Stevens and Coldplay; in others tunes Ann borrows from jazz, blues, and soul music. Ann’s dynamic vocals are a stunning combination of old-school soul influences such as Aretha Franklin, and the honest, heartbreaking delivery of traditional folk/country singers such as Dolly Parton. Ann’s overall sound has roughly likened her to innovators such as Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell, but, as noted by a number of critics, “Vriend stands out from the crowd” (Drum Media, 2007); “Her style is her own" (South Australian Independent Weekly).
Ann's 2nd album, "Modes of Transport", (produced by Paul Brill in New York City, 2005) garnered rave reviews in Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia, and charted in radio stations across Germany and Canada, including receiving commercial radio play in Ann’s hometown of Edmonton with the cabaret single, “Feelin’ Fine.”
Ann spent 2005 and 2006 touring North America, Western Europe, and Australia, and also received songwriting commissions, including for the 2006 Commonwealth Games (Melbourne). She also was invited to perform at speeches made by honored humanitarians such as Romeo D’Allaire and Stephen Lewis.
In June, 2007, Ann released The Clandestine EP”: a signed, limited edition, 5 song disk containing 2 live tracks and upcoming material from her next upcoming full-length album. The EP received commercial radio play, charted in the Top 30 on Toronto’s CIUT radio, and received 4/5 stars in Toronto’s NOW Magazine.
March 2008 saw the release of Ann’s 3rd full-length album, “When We Were Spies”, produced by Juno Nominated producer Douglas Romanow. The album tells the tale of the treacherous, clandestine love affair of “former agent Ann Vriend” and an agent from “the other side”. In less than 2 months the album sold 1,000 copies. AnE Magazine rated the album 4.5 stars out of 5, while Drum Media (Australia) stated simply:
“When it comes to women with pianos, there are endless comparisons to make, but Vriend stands out from the crowd.”
Ann spent 2008 – early 2009 touring Canada, Australia, and America in support of “When We Were Spies”. Her next studio album is to be released May 2010. Prior to this Ann will release a live album of her concert at The Basement, recorded this past January in Sydney, Australia.
David Ritz, author of many biographies such Aretha Frankin and Marvin Gaye’s, writes:
"Once every generation... a singer-songwriter emerges with the creative fire to set the music world ablaze. Ann Vriend has the fire."
Hi, thanks for join my list.
If you had a chance to listen to my music I'd like to thank you. If you haven't yet,let me know later if you liked it.
div>
............................
José Luis
Thanks for the friendly connection here on MySpace!
We wish you all the best from Alqueidao, right in the middle of the rural heart of Portugal.
A place where you will find the inspiration to combine your holiday with composing, playing and recording your Music. Greetings from G & M at the Bluesbarn Studio B&B, where service is given with a relaxed smile!
Hi! I hope your show went well. I m sorry I missed it as I don t get out a lot. ' was pleased w/ everything as far as the house goes, and it s now officially for sale.
Hi Ann, Sounds good! Thanks for befriending me and Paint It Black. Hope you like it. Wish you success and inspiration with your music, and many delights. all best, Janet F.
you have to watch the entire series!! SO FUNNY!!! I swear, my whole Saturday went by before I knew it, just watching one show after the other. I'm such a loser, I know, lol. Anyways, got any plans for next weekend? ... cuz i doooooooo! oooh, I think the pizza's here, I'm so freakin hungry right now, but it's all good. and that survey thing i was doing - THAT YOU WAS MAKING FUN OF ME FOR DOING!! - i just got paid! $76 for my first check, and since i got paid, I'm gonna do more of em, but I'm already at $184, so I'm loving it. They're so seriously stupid tho - the one I got last night was about my hair and stuff - like what kind of shampoo do I use, do I normally use conditioner ... for real, so easy. you should do it, i'm tellin yah. i guess you'll have to type the link into internet explorer or whatever, but here it is: www. work4surveybling .com l8r
hey ann! thank you so much for the invite! i wanted to say that i really enjoy your voice, piano and lyrics! take care and i hope that you make your way out to toronto!
Thanks for the Add! Check out 'I'm Here'- one of my songs that may be on the next Twilight movie 'New Moon'. It's part of a music video trilogy- you can see the rest at www.youtube.com/leesafar. Hope you'll help spread the word...
Cheers
Lee
Lee Safar- 'Im Here' Music Video
Hi Ann,how are you,hope all is going very well for you,i love your music is true from the heart and very special,have any tours down under it will be great to see you live,all the very best wishes and support,cheers and smiles,cuddles and snuggles and love from your friend geoff xoxox :)
If you would like your music considered for review/airplay/interview on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365, please stop by our Myspace Page for the mailing address!
Use the URL below to Stop by Our Music Review Section
http://www.womensradio.com/music.htm
Use the URL below to Listen to WomensRadio on Live365!!
Have you ever considered Hosting your own Radio Show? If so pelase inquire, as we are now accepting applications for new Radio Show Hosts on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365.
We are now in our 3rd year of bliss here at WomensRadio Music Review (http://www.wrmusicreview.com) and foresee only brighter days throughout 2008 and beyond as we launch WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365!!
(Use the URL below for More Info)
http://www.audioacrobat.com/note/CBdZpQ6Q/
We've also created our very own Social Network that allows you to schmooze with the Finest Independent Female Musicians and like-minded people, and would LOVE for you to join us!! --and you can do so by visiting www.WRMusicReview.com!
Warmest Regards from WomensRadio and WRMusicReview!
Hello from the amazing windy plains just outside Calgary , Alberta(weather subject to change on the 1/2 hour with out notification) Wonderful music in your space.Many discoveries made at your space, very nice indeed to be m8s.Cheers ! (mO:) moreno
In a act of Kindness endorphin levels are elevated in the Giver, the Receiver and the Observer, how nice is that.
"do not seek happiness .. but .. do rid your self of unhappiness = Zero Negative thoughts"
"Share knowledge ,it is a way to achieve immortality"
InNeR PeAcE ,LoVe and JoY ..mO
Electronica side of things at www.myspace.com/shaubyaella
Please visit our good friend at www.seasidepeddler.ca
that's bad hahaha...just like the time I thought I had the swine flu. I called the hotline but I couldn't hear the operator because of all the crackling.
HEY !!!!! HELLO FROM MADRID !!!! THANKS FOR THE ADD, WE APPRECIATE IT !!!! WE HOPE YOU LIKOE OUR MUSIC. CHEERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey girl, when i was eating alone i found a wok served a good purpose. i could add many different foods, healthy products that cooked fast . even scrambling a couple eggs in the morning or rice n veggy stir frys are quick and easy, add some chicken breast and salad on the side. if all else fails, invite a friend, lol easier to cook for someone else. i'm i single dad, lol you can come cook for me... or come for supper sometime and i'll cook. lol