Jul
Meet ANNIE, a Brazilian alternative metal artist. Although her music draws references from bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Ic3peak, she never confines herself to a single subgenre. She often says, “I just make what I feel like making, and if someone wants to classify my music, they can.”
From a young age, Annie pursued her dream without support, always finding ways to be involved with music despite limited resources. She began studying singing at the age of seven. She participated in various collaborations and always found a way to be in a studio, whether through features or random projects, even if they didn’t make sense. Annie wanted to be there, to gain experience.
In 2019, Annie released her first single, “Vampire,” based on some abusive relationships from her childhood. In early 2024, she released her first EP, “Chaos,” where she delved deeper into her traumatic experiences to express them to the world. “CHAOS” is about how her mind was after going through a somewhat troubled childhood and adolescence.
Annie also uses her voice in other ways, such as dubbing and audiobooks. She ventures into acting but considers herself more of a singer than an actress. She has a YouTube channel where she creates versions of various songs in partnership with her producer, Dave Deville, who also produces her original music, and her husband, Johnny Brando, a cinematographer who helps make the channel’s videos.
“I am immensely grateful to have found people in my path after becoming an adult who supports and helps me build this dream. I live for this, I breathe this, without music, I am nothing,” she says.
Her biggest dream is to one day sing with a crowd of people, with memorable choruses helping those who don’t write songs to express themselves through her music.
Annie has always been passionate about cinema. Since childhood, she has been fascinated by gothic aesthetics, with one of her favorite directors being Tim Burton. She was captivated by the soundtracks developed by Danny Elfman, which undoubtedly influenced much of her current aesthetic.
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Annie INTERVIEW
IRIE. What inspired you to take an interest in singing at the young age of seven?
ANNIE. I don’t know exactly when it started. I think it’s been forever because I’ve loved to sing for as long as I can remember! I started learning at seven years old in a church group class. My first performance was around that age when a volunteer at the church called some kids to form a little band, and I was there singing. I remember loving it. Before that, I used to imitate some gospel singers at the church. There was a woman who did vibratos, and I thought it was so much fun to imitate her. I would do it for hours; it was my favorite pastime.
IRIE. When did you know that you wanted to be a singer?
ANNIE. Since forever, since I started singing. Of course, when I was a child, I didn’t really have a clear understanding of it, but I would fantasize that I was performing and imitating famous singers. It was just child’s play for my parents, so they didn’t take it seriously. I think I began wanting to pursue this in my early teens. I sang in church and dedicated a lot to it. I struggled because I wanted to live off music, but in reality, it seemed impossible. So, when I left home at 19, I started to pursue it truly.
IRIE. Who were some of your musical influences that helped you refine your voice as a singer?
ANNIE. I don’t know exactly because it had many different phases and styles, so I think I’m just a mix of all the things I’ve listened to and liked so much. But I studied music from many different genres, from soul, pop, alternative rock, metalcore… so I think that in each style I took some influence.
IRIE. You work alongside your producer, Dave Deville. How did you two meet?
ANNIE. One of Johnny’s first clients was a guitarist and a friend of Dave. We were recording his music video, and he kept saying, ‘You have to know Dave, he’s the best.’ All the time, lol. He always spoke very highly of Dave and his work. So, one day, I went there to record a cover. I didn’t know anything about recording songs and was super insecure, but I loved it. Dave is a very nice person and definitely ‘the best,’ lol, so I felt comfortable producing with him. We became friends and have been working together since that day.
IRIE. What is your creative process when deciding on a particular song to work on?
ANNIE. For the covers, I listen to the song, and if I really like it, I make a version. I’ve done this with trending songs, but I don’t feel good doing it just for the trend; I prefer to do what I’m feeling. For the original songs, the process is almost the same; we create what we want. You know? When you have something in your heart, you have to express it, just because you want to.
IRIE. Your song selections cross multiple genres, and the music you create is produced in a unique style that is your own! What is your secret to making that song your sound?
ANNIE. I’m really happy about that. We never focus on one specific genre or reference; we just do what we like. I don’t know what the secret is, lol. Maybe it’s about trying new things and doing what you feel; the most important thing is to be true. I just love to do it with all my heart. And Dave is an excellent composer too. I love working with him because he is a genius. So we put our ideas together, and it sounds like that, and I’m really excited about the result.
IRIE. When composing a new track in your style, how do you know when a song is complete, where nothing needs to be added or taken away?
ANNIE. We always work in parts, focusing on the verses, and usually, the chorus or bridge comes last. We test ideas, and when we get good results, we move on to the next part. Then, we put everything together and see if it sounds good and gives us the feeling we expect from a song. If we listen to that song, it’s ready, haha.
IRIE. The songs you sing include fantastic cinematography, shot by your husband, Johnny Brando. Is the vision behind these amazing videos a joint process?
ANNIE. Definitely! Usually, I explain the initial idea or concept, and Johnny creates all the scenes in his head. I find it incredible how he can be so creative and genius! Due to time and budget constraints, he usually has much more incredible ideas than we can actually convey. I love his perspective as a director. I’m a big fan, and I might be biased, haha.
IRIE. Is there a song that you’ve released that resonates with you most? If so, why?
ANNIE. Yes, definitely, it’s ‘Anesthetize Me’ from my debut EP Chaos. I really needed to write about never feeling fit in. It wasn’t something natural for me. So, in this song, I ask to be anesthetized so I don’t think so much, so I can act like everyone else, because it seems much easier to go along with things, doing what everyone does, having a normal job, those things.
IRIE. What’s the next exciting project you’re currently working on? Will we get to hear an album featuring songs you wrote with original music?
ANNIE. I really want to make an album, but we’re currently working on the music videos for the songs from my debut EP. I’m really excited about this. These are the biggest productions we’ve done so far, and for real, I can’t wait to release them. They will feature VFX and a dark aesthetic, just the way I like it. I really want people to know about it.
IRIE. What do you hope first-time listeners take with them from listening to your amazing voice?
ANNIE. Thank you for the ‘amazing voice’ 🙂 I want that to connect in some way with their feelings. I’m happy when that resonates with someone.
IRIE. Is there anything you would like to share with our audience?
ANNIE. Thank you for listening. All the support I receive on my channel and social media makes all the difference to me. Be whatever you want to be, do what you want to do, and everything passes. Listen to my music on Spotify and subscribe to my channel because it really helps me continue building this with you. Thank you all, and thanks, IRIE, for the interview! <3
IRIE. De nada, ANNIE!
Website:
ReelTV.com/Annie
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