Anneka Thwaites News

"Her backing band on the album, (who also play live sets on occasion) is a regular who’s who of Christchurch talent, including Nick Gaffaney, Richie Pickard, Darren Pickering, Harry Harrison and Ian Costello. Recorded by Dave Cooper at the Christchurch Jazz School, ‘In The Pink’ is a blend of pop and folk, with a soothing edge. Anneka weaves stories with guitar and vocals, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and other folk songstresses, chronicling her life up until now."
NZ Musician October/November, 2008. Interview by Annie Kean.

"Avonhead singer-songwriter Anneka Thwaites’ debut album In The Pink is the kind of CD you can put on and imagine a still day at the beach surrounded by a natural palette of hazy pales, with no one else in the picture."

"It’s a collection of melodic and intimate songs with a strong acoustic/folk bent. The standout feature is Anneka’s pure and sweet voice, which glides as smooth as velvet up and down the stave without a hitch on the accented rhythms. It sounds effortless, but any singer worth their zinc tablets knows it’s not."

"For a debut album this is a brilliant achievement."
The Norwest News, Oct. 8th 2008. Review by Vanessa O’Brien.

"The album begins with the first single “Hold On Heart” which portrays Anneka’s songwriting ability well. It sets up the album, which is full of easy-listening songs that you could sing along to if you were in that singing mood, like “Catch Me” and “Safety In Numbers”. Folk, country and rock serve as influences, and you can hear them throughout. Particularly evident in “Catch Me” and “The Secret Life Of Janey” is the rock influence, but overall the folk and country dominate. The album finishes with the purely acoustic guitar song of “Sevana” which truly showcases Anneka’s talent as a musician. Overall the album is very relaxing and easy-going."

"If you’re a fan of Anika Moa or Brooke Fraser then you will like Anneka Thwaites. If you’re not, by just listening to this album a few times, you will find it grows on you and soon you’ll be singing the songs in your head."
Canta, (University of Caterbury Students Association Magazine review), Issue 25, 15th Oct. 2008

"Anneka Thwaites’ first offering, In The Pink is a clear example of the calibre of the musicianship and compositional abilities of graduates of CPIT’s Jazz School.

Thwaites’ voice is very impressive and easily the equal or better than the likes of Norah Jones or Natalie Merchant. The production values are of the highest quality, and while this is an independent release, sonically it is the equal of anything from a major label."

"Thwaites is capable of writing and playing a variety of styles,"...The upbeat Get Away is reminiscent of the Dixie Chicks. You has a very intriguing quality and compels one to listen."

"This album is nice for an intimate dinner with a significant other, or a summer Sunday late afternoon."

"Compositionally complex and mature. Definitely not formulaic pop-crap."
"Very impressive vocals. She has a fantastic voice, that’s all there is to it."
"The musicians are all top-notch. Sevana is a testament to Thwaites’ phenomenal ability on the guitar."

"4 out of 5 stars."
Capsule Magazine, Review Oct. 2008.

“Since her involvement in Marlborough’s Fresh Frequencies Project, Blenheim born singer and songwriter Anneka Thwaites has continued to rise in the New Zealand music industry.”

“Anneka is a hit on the Christchurch music scene, impressing critics with her intensely personal and reflective style of music, inspired by personal experience and real people.”
The Marlborough Express, Wednesday. 16th July 2007. By Laura Tinnelly.

“Anneka’s own compositions are quite beautiful.”

“Anneka shows a real flair for composition/lyrics and harmony, and this 20-something talented musician has a promising future�”
The Marlborough Express. Review by Christabel Tomes.

“Highlights include ��.Anneka Thwaites ’s folky introspection �.”
NZ Musician Magazine December/January 2006. Review of the Fresh Frequencies album (incl. 3 of Anneka’s songs). By Tony Parker.

“Some tracks are stripped-back acoustic, while others wheel out the full band sound. The standout to me is a very tasty acoustic guitar instrumental called Sevana by Thwaites.”
NZ Musician Magazine 2007. Review of Fresh Frequencies: Vol. 2. By Tim Page.

Full articles

NZ Musician October/November, 2008. Interview by Annie Kean.

It’s all about sharing her music for Christchurch singer songwriter Anneka Thwaites. After spending her earlier years travelling around the world, learning wood carving in Sweden and then running her own business as a cabinet maker in Blenheim, Anneka realised what many aspiring musicians do before ditching their day job to follow their hearts. “It would have bugged me if I didn’t give it a go. I didn’t want to grow old and regret never having tried,” Anneka says of her decision to head down a musical pathway. She left her native Blenheim and successful business to study for a diploma in rock music at the Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School.

Of her time at Jazz School, she notes that she was surrounded by lots of supportive people, crediting them with getting her to the point of releasing her debut album ‘In The Pink’. Currently working as a nanny two days a week to help pay the bills, Anneka spends the rest of her time working on all facets of her music; playing, writing, managing and promoting herself.

In the two years since leaving Jazz School, Anneka has become a regular performer around Christchurch, and is planning a South Island tour with fellow musician Pete Costello to mark the release of ‘In The Pink’. You might also catch her performing with her guitar at Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn or at the Arts Centre on weekends. She is the only solo female artist performing at Southern Amp in Christchurch this year.

Her backing band on the album, (who also play live sets on occasion) is a regular who’s who of Christchurch talent, including Nick Gaffaney, Richie Pickard, Darren Pickering, Harry Harrison and Ian Costello. Recorded by Dave Cooper at the Christchurch Jazz School, ‘In The Pink’ is a blend of pop and folk, with a soothing edge. Anneka weaves stories with guitar and vocals, reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and other folk songstresses, chronicling her life up until now. “It is a journal of my life from the last ten years”, she says, including one song by way of an apology to a friend, the odd love songs, and personal journeys of faith and dreams.

When asked what she would like from her career in music, this sweet voiced singer sums herself up succinctly. “I really wanted to share my music, the more that can hear it the better. It is a gift, something to be passed on to other people and not kept to yourself”.

The Norwest News, Oct. 8th 2008. Review by Vanessa O’Brien.

Avonhead singer-songwriter Anneka Thwaites’ debut album In The Pink is the kind of CD you can put on and imagine a still day at the beach surrounded by a natural palette of hazy pales, with no one else in the picture.

It’s a collection of melodic and intimate songs with a strong acoustic/folk bent. The standout feature is Anneka’s pure and sweet voice, which glides as smooth as velvet up and down the stave without a hitch on the accented rhythms. It sounds effortless, but any singer worth their zinc tablets knows it’s not.

The brilliant addition of Dave Dobbyns’ session guitarist Harry Harrison keeps the album somewhat upbeat, balances the melancholy melodies and harmonies and demonstrates what an intuitive and talented musician he is.

The addition of Goldenhorse drummer Nick Gaffaney, Darren Pickering on keys and Solaa bass guitarist Richie Pickard complete a complementary team.

I’m not a fan of folk, but as I listened to this album on a grey Saturday it grew on me, and it will definitely have a place in my collection. For a debut album this is a brilliant achievement.

Canta, (University of Caterbury Students Association Magazine review), Issue 25, 15th Oct. 2008.

Anneka Thwaites, having gained a Diploma in Rock Music from CPIT, has just released her debut album, In The Pink, and has been selected as the only singer/songwriter to play on the CHART/RDU stage at Southern Amp this year.

The album begins with the first single “Hold On Heart” which portrays Anneka’s songwriting ability well. It sets up the album, which is full of easy-listening songs that you could sing along to if you were in that singing mood, like “Catch Me” and “Safety In Numbers”. Folk, country and rock serve as influences, and you can hear them throughout. Particularly evident in “Catch Me” and “The Secret Life Of Janey” is the rock influence, but overall the folk and country dominate. The album finishes with the purely acoustic guitar song of “Sevana” which truly showcases Anneka’s talent as a musician. Overall the album is very relaxing and easy-going.

If you’re a fan of Anika Moa or Brooke Fraser then you will like Anneka Thwaites. If you’re not, by just listening to this album a few times, you will find it grows on you and soon you’ll be singing the songs in your head.

The Press, interview by Vicki Anderson, 26th September, 2008

Furnishing a career
Anneka Thwaites talks to Vicki Anderson.

Hi Anneka. Are you all set for your CD launch?
I think so. It’s me and the full band. We’ll be playing all the songs off the album.

Tell me about making In The Pink.
I started it after the Christchurch Arts Festival last year. Some of the tutors from the Christchurch Jazz School arranged my songs and then they encouraged me to do a CD.

Where did you record?
It was all done at the Jazz School. It was all a bit crazy as I was making the album and doing exams.

You’ve got some great musicians on there with you including Harry Harrison (session guitarist to Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga), Richie Pickard (Solaa, Paul McLaney) on bass, and Nick Gaffaney, (Cairo Knife Fight, Goldenhorse, Anika Moa) on drums.
They were fantastic and so good to work with – I wouldn’t even have started without their help.

When did you get into music?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was about 13 but I didn’t start singing until I was 21 – better late than never!

I understand you’re also a qualified furniture maker?
Yes, I did that for about 10 years or so in Blenheim then moved down here. It is handy, still – I can fix things around the flat. It’s a change of direction but it’s all creative.

Do you like pink as much as I think you do?
Yes, I’m nuts about pink.

Describe the songs on In The Pink.
It’s like trying to pick between children. I like them all, but Secret Life Of Janey get me because of the drumming and bass playing. I used to play it acoustically but once the band got hold of it they made it a different beast. It’s about the paparazzi, the tabloids, some of the things they say about people are just ridiculous – like what toothbrush Oprah uses. Does anyone care?

Sadly, I think some people do. Anyway, you’re playing at Southern Amp, aren’t you?
I just found that out recently, so that’s exciting. And then I’ve got a South Island tour after that. I’ll be touring with Pete Costello; he’s also from Blenheim, like me.

Nice. Thanks for talking to me and all the best for a rosy future.
Anneka Thwaites in the Pink CD release at Fat Eddies, tomorrow night. She will appear at Southern Amp on November the 9th.