Annie J (@anniej.official) is a Seattle-based retro soul and modern pop artist. Not too long ago, she released a lovely disco-soul and funk-infused single, “Gotta Give It Up.”
Annie J – “Gotta Give It Up” Single
“Gotta Give It Up” showcases Annie J’s affinity for disco rhythms and collaborative energy. The song features a vibrant ensemble of musicians who elevate the track to celebratory heights, including Brad Gibson on drums and David Dawda (Fruit Bats) on bass, as well as the icing-on-the-cake string arrangement by Emily Westman, guitar by RL Heyer, and a full live horn section featuring Brennan Carter (The Dip), Peter Daniel (Father John Misty), and Jason Cressey (The Monophonics).
“This straight-ahead disco dance jam is a moment,” Annie J says. “My deepest desire for this song is for it to eventually be featured on RuPaul’s Drag Race—a girl can dream! I feel the excitement of a young girl singing into the mirror with a hairbrush mic, and high heels six sizes too big. It’s a reminder to move your body, sing along, and feel yourself in the here and now.”
“Gotta Give It Up” brings that self-love and self-acceptance energy with a cool disco-funk vibe. The song is a taste of what listeners can expect to hear on Annie J’s upcoming second EP, “Been Loving You,” set to be released on October 18th, 2024. The project empowers listeners to find strength in vulnerability by sharing Annie’s stories of hard-won realization. Written in collaboration with her husband, songwriter Nick Foster, “Been Loving You” is a letter to earlier versions of herself, an exhumation of her past, and an embrace of gratitude for her experiences.
Annie J
As the second-eldest daughter in a large Mormon family, Annie J has always relied on music to find a sense of belonging. With a childhood spent shuffling around small towns throughout the US, she found a constant companion in what was flowing through the speakers of a “dream machine” radio alarm clock her grandfather gifted her.
The R&B and jazz stylings of Whitney Houston and Nina Simone that Annie gravitated toward swirled with country-soaked powerhouse voices of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, The Chicks, and The Judds that her mother had on repeat. The messages these women sent via their music sparked Annie’s desire not only for singing but also for crafting stories and emotions into melodies that resonate, as well as modeling the significance of what it means to be uniquely you.
“Gotta Give It Up”
Annie’s sound has evolved into a singular blend of pop sensibility, soulful expression, and jazz-infused rhythms—she mentions contemporary voices like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, and Billie Eilish as current influences.
After being formally trained in classical music and studying theater in college, Annie is now an in-demand vocalist working with an impressive array of musicians, including Seattle Rock Orchestra, The True Loves, Odesza, The Dip, Allen Stone, the legendary Cedell Davis, and more. With a wealth of experience, she has learned to weave authenticity and connection into her work.
Annie J – “Gotta Give It Up” Single
We recommend adding Annie J’s “Gotta Give It Up” single to your favorite disco soul playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment below and let us know how this song makes you feel. Remember, your feedback helps us bring you more of the music you love. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment. We’re your go-to source for new music and positive entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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