By Rachel Story for Festively Local
Growing up in Morristown, TN, Annie Sims began singing at age 3 during a family reunion, and she hasn’t looked back. She has toured extensively across Europe, from London, to Austria, to Sweden, and will be bringing her show to Festively Local next weekend (set time to be announced). I had the chance to speak with her about her past experiences as a performer, and the new direction of her music:
Annie Sims
You did an extensive tour all across Europe and ended it at the famous London Palladium. How did you feel having the opportunity to play where “Beatlemania” started?
I felt extremely honored. When you’re looking out at the auditorium from the stage, it’s very beautiful. You can see where the queen would sit, however she was not in attendance at our show. The musical Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang was in town at the time. They did not have a performance the same night as us, but all their stuff was on the stage behind where we were playing, so it was fun to look at and climb around their props. That was the grand finale for that tour so it was a lot of fun.
What inspired the second single “Dear Heartache” off of your album “Half the Moon” and the subsequent video directed by Scott Mumford?
It was pitched to me and I just got goose bumps. I loved it the second I heard it. The demo was amazing. I don’t know who the singer was, but she sold me on it and I knew I had to cut it. It was written by Bob GiPiero and Tom Shapiro.
You recently received the “Discovery Award” from Music Row Magazine, gaining you very great publicity in the Sates. Will this inspire an American tour?
I’ve actually changed directions to Positive Music. It’s a new genre that’s only been around for about 5 years. Some call it New Thought or Possy. It is songs that are uplifting and inspiring, but not religious. It’s uniting. I have done a lot of work with the author Neale Donald Walsch on his book “Conversations with God” which holds the longest time on the NY Best Sellers List. Touring with him has lead me down this path; maybe in a bigger way than country music. There are some performances coming up. I have a CD coming out later this fall. I founded the first Positive Music Association Nashville chapter and I am leading the Sunday morning spiritual service on the Peter Pan Stage from 10-10:30 then MCing the first PMA showcase later that afternoon featuring: Lance Hoppen (founding member of Orleans) and Rand Bishop (co-wrote Toby Keith’s #1 single).
Since this festival is also promoting locally grown food, do you have a favorite local place to shop for delicious local food?
For the past two years we participated with CSA, aka “Share” with Delvin Farms. At the beginning of the harvest season, everyone pitches in and gives money to local farm. Everyone pays the farmer and you pick up your organic, local produce from the farm. We always have fresh produce and we plan our meals around what is available. We love it!
To read more on Annie Sims, preview some of her music, or join her fan club, visit her website.
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