Annelise

Annelise Walley, a 16-year-old singer/songwriter from Auburn, Alabama, is drawing fans from across the nation with her bright, country-pop sound that she delivers with an emotional honesty that grabs the listener’s ear and heart. Her music is a crossover style that is rooted in country, but appeals to a much broader audience.

Annelise’s debut album, Wild Heart, reveals her bold and open spirit, and her relentless pursuit of her dreams. Fans of Annelise and her music range from preteen girls to college kids to mature adults, as was evidenced by the standing-room-only turnout for her CD release party in August 2010. Annelise’s broad appeal is due not only to outstanding vocals and heart-grabbing lyrics; she connects with her audience with her confidence, sense of humor and warmth that instantly forms a bond with others.

Annelise wrote her first recorded song, Oh, Rachel, at the age of 13 as a way to cope with the violent death of her best friend’s father and to give her friend hope. Annelise quickly realized that her song ministered to a community beyond her intended targets. It was not long before Annelise again was able to use her gift for lyrics and music to lift up others. Stronger, from her Wild Heart CD (Kim Copeland Productions), was inspired after Annelise got to know several teenage foster children; one of these girls stated that she wished everyone knew that “foster kids are the strongest kids there are.” Her story is told in the lyrics of Stronger. Standing in stark contrast with the multitude of young female artists who sing of their heartbreaks and bitterness, Annelise’s positive outlook on life offers listeners a sense of hope.

Vocally, Annelise has been described as a prodigy and has been compared to the mature sounds of early Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes. While Annelise’s voice exudes sweet innocence at one moment, it flows into a powerful, blues-y smooth sound that defies her young age the next, leaving audience members astounded that she is only 16 years old. Annelise studies in Nashville with vocal coach Kim Wood Sandusky and “Guitar Guru” Dave Isaacs in order to develop her talent. She has been invited to perform in Nashville at The Commodore Grille, Hotel Indigo, and The Bluebird Café. She has also sung in various festivals, coffeehouses, and fundraisers in West Tennessee and Alabama. Although Annelise is currently in high school (11th grade), she sings regularly at local restaurants, churches, and private functions. Annelise has also been invited to provide the entertainment for the 2011 annual meeting of Children’s Trust Fund for adoptive and foster parents.

Annelise’s desire and passion is to continue performing and recording songs that lift the spirit and offer hope. “I want to lift others up with my music…not remind them of the heartache in the world,” she says.