Mary Had a Little Lamb - Anni Piper

Australian performer Anni Piper’s sultry vocals have attracted significant overseas interest and saw her sign with USA label Blues Leaf Records in 2008. The ‘Blues Leaf’ catalogue includes releases by many successful American performers including the award-winning Janiva Magness. Anni’s USA debut, titled ‘Two’s Company’ was released in January 2009 and hit #1 on the Australian Roots music charts and # 21 on the USA ‘Living Blues’ chart.

Anni’s latest CD ‘Chasin’ Tail’ was launched in February 2010 at the Australian Blues Music Festival, NSW. ‘Chasin’ Tail’ has recently been released by Blues Leaf Records throughout the rest of the world to rave reviews. For this album, Anni has a new line-up and a tougher sound, influenced by the blues / rock idols she enjoyed in her youth.

Anni Piper began playing electric guitar at 12 years old, but became a devoted musician when she was given her first bass at age 14. She quickly discovered an affinity with the instrument, preferring to lay down a groove rather than scream out a solo. Anni’s musical ability and strong focus led her to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Contemporary Music) at Southern Cross University, Lismore NSW, at only 19 years of age.

Anni remembers with clarity the first time she heard the blues back in her school days. “It was Paul Butterfield Blues Band playing ‘Born in Chicago’ - I knew straight away this was the direction I was heading.” she says.

In early 2004 Anni made the decision to record ‘Jailbait’ (BMM287.2), her debut CD. The album was an immediate success, winning the category of ‘Best New Talent’ at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards, plus a nomination for ‘Best Female Vocal’. Anni also achieved first place in the 2004 ABC Radio ‘Fresh Air’ competition.
These weren’t the only accolades for ‘Jailbait’ and Anni went on to become a top 5 finalist in the blues category of the 2004 MusicOz competition, and achieved 2nd place in the blues category of the 2005 Australian National Songwriting Contest.

Anni’s second album ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ (BMM324.2) was recorded in early 2007. It was a much ‘rawer’ recording, and represented Anni’s live sound at the time more effectively than her first album. Already acknowledged as being an accomplished bass player and singer, this album showed that Anni had blossomed into a songwriter of distinction; her songs having a blues sensibility whilst still addressing the issues of today.

Recent achievements include nominations as a top five finalist in the 2010 Musicoz Awards in the Blues / Roots category, and a finalist in the 2009 APRA Professional Development Awards.
Anni was a finalist for ‘Best Female Vocal’ at the 2008 Australian Blues Music (Chain) Awards and received a nomination for the ‘Rudy Brandsma’ award at the 2007 Australian National Songwriting Contest.

To promote her music Anni tours Australia extensively, visiting NSW, VIC, SA, WA, TAS and QLD. Festival appearances include the Woodford Folk Festival (QLD), Optus National Music Muster (Gympie, QLD), Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival, Bruthen Blues and Arts Festival (VIC), Queenscliff Music Festival (VIC), and the Australian Blues Music Festival (Goulburn, NSW).

Anni's music video for "Dreamcatcher" has appeared on popular Australian television programs “Rage” (ABC TV) & “Landed Music” (SC10) and she has performed on “The Susie Show” (WIN TV) to promote her music. Her recordings have received extensive airplay in Australia, Europe, the USA and the rest of the world.
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