Annie Calder/John Munnelly - Things Change
Annie Calder, or “Annie C,” as she is known by her close friends and fans, is a refreshing new addition to the singer-songwriter scene. Born Jersey girl but blissfully raised on the beaches of Southern California, Annie combines delicate, almost “naïve” vocals, retro-influenced, quirky musical hooks and honest, soul-baring lyrics to create her unique, contemporary sound.
Annie’s music reflects her early background in classical piano and dance with years of being a major fan of classic and alternative rock. She lists music by the Beatles, Beach Boys, Paul Simon, Bryan Adams and Coldplay as major influences in her writing. Once described as an “more mello” Regina Spektor, Annie’s versatility also evokes comparison to Feist, Joni Mitchell, Carol King and Suzanne Vega.
Annie Calder received a 2009 ASCAP Plus Award for her writing and performing, and was recently chosen as one of “2009 Best New Songwriters” by Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her song “Chances at Love (The Carrot Song)” is featured in the March/April 2010 issue of American Songwriter.
Annie performs occasionally in various venues and songwriter circles, including the world-famous Bitter End(NYC)’s Songwriter Sessions and WCS monthly showcases at Genghis Cohen(LA). Her songs are currently being considered for film/TV placements (MTV, Disney, Matador Records) as well as by several newly-signed pop/rock artists. When not doing her monthly bi-coastal commute, Annie is busy working in the studio to record her first solo acoustic album, scheduled for release in Fall 2010.
Annie Calder is a member of ASCAP, SGA, SongHall, NARAS, NARIP, NSAI, West Coast Songwriters, and NY Songwriters Circle. She networks with other music professionals on facebook.com/annie.calder, and her music can be found on myspace.com/anniecalder.
John Munnelly is an award-winning songwriter and musician specializing in up-tempo, honest, often raw, uncensored image songs. His writing offers a unique perspective on the human condition, never shying away from unpleasant or awkward themes, while having a great natural melodic and rhythmic feel. The lyrical content often encompasses the depth and complexity of life and issues such as spirituality, relationships and mortality.
John grew up in Ireland in a musical family where playing instruments, especially piano, was encouraged. His mother and father played and sang and both his brothers are professional musicians. John studied pop music theory and performance in Manchester, England, won numerous talent competitions, and also sang with “The Would Be’s,” best known for their UK hit single, “I’m Hardly Ever Wrong.” John came to the US to pursue his music career, becoming a US citizen in 2009.
Some of John’s songwriting awards include:
• ASCAP Jay Gorney Award for a song with social conscience/significance.
• The Grolsch/Hot Press magazine award for “Treasure”
• Finalist, Williamsburg Song Contest NYC with song called “Survival”
• His song “Hammer” included on a Punk CD compilation called “Vs The World”
• Included on an Acoustic Album collection with his song “I may be able to speak”, promoted in the UK by RawFish Records
John plays acoustic & electric guitar, piano and also sings lead and backing vocals. John also has an interest in music production, taking classes on berkleemusic.com. John studied traditional Irish music, piano and is taking African style guitar lessons—“I’ve always had an interest in African music”
John is an active member of the songwriting scene in NYC, performing regularly at gigs and open mic’s in Brooklyn (Ceol), Queens and Manhattan (Duplex/Red Lion) and was chosen to perform in the SHOF “Best of 2009 Showcase” at The Bitter End in November. John is a member of SongHall, SGA and NSAI’s NYC chapter.
John’s music has been described as unique, creative, folk-tinged and quirky. He has been regarded as one to watch and “quite unique and distinctive” with comparisons to Squeeze/Sting. John currently writes and co-writes for the Pop/Rock/Country markets as well as for TV/Film. His blog and music can be found on laughjohnlaugh.com, myspace.com/Laughjohnlaugh, Facebook and his EPK on sonicbids.com/JohnMunnelly -- “As a child I was requested to “laugh, John, laugh” by family and neighbors… so I would!”
John hopes one day to become a published songwriter, and to release a CD collection of his songs in 2010. “I would love to have a career as a professional song writer – that would be really cool”
