Her music is an eclectic mix that draws on elements of singer songwriter, folk, country and rock, paired with intimate vocals and reflective lyrics. 

Backed by a small band of New Zealand’s leading musicians, In the Pink announces the arrival of a fresh new artist. Her unique outlook on life is mirrored in her songs, with an honesty and simplicity that is compelling.  In The Pink features the excellent musicianship of Harry Harrison (session guitarist to Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga),  Richie Pickard on bass (Solaa, Paul McLaney) and the talented Nick Gaffaney on drums (Goldenhorse, Anika Moa). 

Since beginning to write in her early teens, she has gone on to write over 30 songs and gained wide performance experience, playing with bands, trios, duos, and solo, with four of her songs being featured on the Fresh Frequencies compilation CDs.  In 2007 she featured in the Christchurch Arts Festival, backed by the musicians on her album, reached the finals of last year's KFC Sounds Of Your Hometwon competition and in November featured in Southern Amp, the South Island's biggest music festival. 
Born and bred in Blenheim, now based in Christchurch, Anneka recently completed a Diploma in Rock music studying at the Christchurch Jazz School. 

Her life is reflected in her music - travels, experiences, values and people encountered along the way have all found a place in her music, giving her songs a sincerity and authenticity that rings true. 

Anneka's philosophy is simple, "Music has this amazing ability to touch people, inspire them and make them happy - I see it as a gift to pass on to others." 

For all media/PR enquiries please contact:
Andrea Heffernan
Tall Poppy Communication
Christchurch
Ph. 03 376 4243 
Mob. 021 227 6779
Email:  tallpoppy@ihug.co.nz

Website:  www.annekamusic.com
Email:  anneka@annekamusic.com
Myspace:  www.myspace.com/annekathwaites 
Mob:  021 14 11132

"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.
 

“Anneka is an extremely talented, positive and hardworking Marlborough musician who has the potential to go far with her musical career.”
Pete Costello, organiser of Fresh Frequencies 2, songwriter. 

For full articles, see www.annekamusic.com/news.html
 

Hold On My Heart

Catch Me

Safety In Numbers

Closer To You