Allow ourselves to introduce...ourselves.
Biography
Performing since ‘94, Annagail has a passion to take their music abroad. Criss-crossing the U.S, Europe and South Africa is evidence of that.
They’ve always defied and stretched genres, but their last EP, produced by Nashville hit-maker Keith Follese’ (Emerson Drive, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Katy Perry) is a glimpse into the influences of their songs. It perfectly captures the dynamics they’re known for. Electronic flourishes meet undeniable organic hooks. 7 albums deep and featured on compilations and even a feature film (Decision’ starring CCM star Natalie Grant and country singer, Billy Dean) they’ve become an established act opening for Plumb, Pillar, Bleach, Superhero, Jason Ingram, Satellite Soul, The Appleseed Cast, Christopher Williams and many others. Fronted by duo Jared and Jennifer Adams, Annagail is equal parts singer/songwriter and rock band that can comfortably hold their own with heavy hitters or in an intimate setting. Somehow, they make sense in all extremes. A blend of courage and frailty are embraced and they’re proud of both. As Jared has said of their fluid style, “Its not uncommon for me to listen to The Cure and Steve Earl back to back…before breakfast.”
Playing colleges, bars, coffeehouses, festivals and theaters, they’ve honed their craft. Waterdeep’s Don Chaffer produced ‘Linger In Bloom’ and also the previous ‘Slightly Certain,’ which featured Lori Chaffer on ‘The Enemy and the Avenger.’
“To any radio, play it, promoter, book them, and record label, sign them. This is the real deal,” raved Levi Perkins of ‘Crossroads Radio.’
Annagail are no strangers to the business of ‘show.’ Performing with Jennifer Knapp, Big Tent Revival, Audio Adrenaline and many others. It’s in the blood apparently as their oldest daughter lent her voice over talents to a fantastic video series for friends Audio Adrenaline’s Hand and Feet Project in Haiti. With a true and honest passion for people and music their goal reaches far beyond just playing the next gig.
An intense season of life a few years ago, led them, career artists mind you, to lay music down and pack the gear away. It’s hard to fathom with over a decade career behind them. Prolific writers and performers, they painfully eased into potentially never playing another note. Sometimes you have more questions than answers and it takes a lot of space to work through them and see what your made of on the other side. Music came back indeed. The signs were too miraculous not to follow. It’s a story worth asking them to tell… Much of it revealed in the quintessential song ‘If All I Had.’
It’s lyrics framing the journey of brokenness and renewal. One only understood after coming face to face with surrendering the very passion of your heart. “I would never recommend it,” Adams says. “It leads to a fairly immediate identity crisis.” Ironic that a song birthed from that grieving and longing got Nashville calling. “Apparently there was something endearing about reaching that artistic breaking point and choosing silence over making more noise and pretending we were fine,” Jennifer states. “Yes, it’s been a wild season but we’re surviving somehow,” agrees Jared. “…a mix of holy ghost and whiskey.”
Brad Allen, owner of ALL Entertainment and COO of Midas Music along with Follese’ was quick to connect with Annagail. Over the last 20 years, Allen has been involved with many artists including Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Rush Of Fools, Plumb, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride and a slew of others. For him, the typical “industry” avenues were unnecessary as soon as he heard Annagail. “I heard their music and initially felt they had a hit on their hands with their song ‘If All I Had.’ This led to a meeting in which I felt a strong personal connection with their story and hearts. So it was a very natural progression to invite them to be a part of the newly formed ALL Entertainment to help them deliver their music to the masses,’’ said Allen. “I have devoted my career to helping artists and songwriters turn their ideas into hits.” Working with Keith was an especially meaningful time for the band, Jared says. “I’ll never forget when Keith, a renowned songwriter that we’ve admired for years and on half of every human’s record collection, said we were great writers and had some hits on our hands. A profound, surreal and humbling moment.”
Annagail desires to create an evening full of engaging moments through the simple interaction of voices and ears. Music, can’t be touched, but can touch. Whether acoustic or full band, any venue any time – this group is worth the trip. Big stage or dirt floor, you’re guaranteed an experience that’s authentic. “Our rehearsals are as fun as our shows.” Jared states. We start around a table, often sharing a meal and we connect as longtime friends who happen to make music together. The gig doesn’t validate us. Sharing what we’re compelled to do and what makes us feel alive is the motivation. That fact that folks come along and step into that with us is a glorious perk.”
“We love playing live, but there is so much more below the surface,” says bassist, Dan Foreman. “It builds a foundation for a whole crowd of people to be, at least for a few moments, unified and connected…and that’s a good start.” Drummer, TJ Willink, shares the sentiment. “We put our heart and soul into every song.”
-Derek Emerson Hope College Arts Coordinator // Holland MI
JENNIFER ADAMS
Jennifer's Bio
Jennifer has a way of bringing balance to the collective that is Annagail. She makes others feel at home, at ease, good about themselves and a lot of other positive adjectives. She not only wears the sensible hats of wife, mother, friend, rock-star, Dragons Milk aficionado and player of Del Langejans guitars, but does so in a mystic way that appears effortless. Her prolific song-writing leaves you tapping your foot, reflecting, crying, whistling or singing along. It is with great strength and determination that she has continued to “show up” despite the physical and mental struggles that come with advanced Lyme disease. She manages to inspire and carry on with a smile and laugh. Have you heard her laugh? Oh man, its great. The one where Ross walks into the dryer gets her every time.
5 Questions
Q: Who would win in a fight: you or someone else?
A: Let’s see… Someone else.
Q: What famous person do you look like?
A: Reese Witherspoon
Q: What is your ideal day?
A: Flying to Europe
Q: What is your most uncomfortable childhood memory?
A: Oh that’s easy. Having to go to Sunday School.
Q: How would you spend your last week on earth?
A: With all the people I love at a dance party with good whiskey.
Dan Foreman
Bass, Vocals, Guitar
Dan's Bio
5 Questions
Q: Which Muppet do you most identify with?
A: Rowlf the Dog.
Q: Whats your favorite food?
A:You mean I only get to pick ONE kind of food? Pizza is in the top 5 for sure.
Q:You’re on a deserted island and you can move one person alive or dead there to be with you. Who do you chose?
A:Tom Hanks, I’ve seen Castaway.
Q: If you had a million dollars, where would you bury it?
A: In a hayfield up near Buxton, under a big oak tree; under a piece of black volcanic glass.
Q: What are the top five things on your bucket list?
- Purchase the house my grandfather built.
- Travel to all the continents.
- Become fluent in Spanish.
- Write and record a full-length album of my own songs.
- To leave a legacy of loving kindness and tenderness to my friends, family and community.
Jared Adams
Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica, Banjo, Cabasa Cameos
Jared's Bio
5 Questions
Q: What is a major pet peeve?
A: Gah. So many quickly come to mind that i’m judging myself and hesitant to respond. When the shoe laces on mine or anyone else’s Chuck Taylors aren’t laced flat and are all twisted, when people use more than 3 dots for “…” when my keys are always in the pocket opposite the hand not carrying the grocery bag, the guilt I feel when checking ‘yes, I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of the yadda, yadda…,’ single ply toilet paper, wrinkles in the arch of my socks that I can feel when I’m driving.
Q: What is your favorite style of music to play?
A: Playing music in any form is a gift, folk to metal, but there is something deeply satisfying about losing yourself in a 30 minute blues number that’s just relentlessly building far too long like a good SNL sketch.
Q: If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life what would it be??
A: Marie Catribs in East Hills, Grand Rapids. A culinary miracle.
Q:If you could kill one celebrity, who would it be?
A: What? What kind of creepy question is this? It’s a tie for generalized celebrity types. Those that are famous for being famous and famous for reality shows built on their famous for being famous fame for having a show about being famous for being famous. A close second is the emotionally detached CEO type in the Hallmark movies who never deserved her anyway and she’s clearly happier with the gruff, but charming small town barista bachelor.
Q: What’s your blood type?
A: Founders.
TJ Willink
Drums, Guitar, Keys
TJ's Bio
5 Questions
Q: How often do you think about soup?
A: After the “incident” last year, I’ve vowed to never think about soup again.
Q: How long have you been in the band?
A: 3 glorious, soul-enriching years
Q: What’s your favorite fact about bald eagles
A: Bald eagles are basically crazy sociopaths. As soon as bald eagle chicks are hatched, they immediately start trying to kill each other, and the parents usually just sit and watch.
Q: Million Dollars but… All of your socks get a hole in them half way through the day. (y/n)
A: All my socks are already like that, so yea.
Q: What’s on your calendar today?
A: Aside from all the boring work stuff, the same thing I try to do everyday: Self-improvement, with the ultimate goal being to embody Horace the poet’s Dulce et utile (“Sweet and Useful”) concept. I want to become the type of person that is useful to the people around me, while at the same time entertaining and listening.
Justin Dreyer
B3, Keys, FOH, Technical Guru, Road Manager and Roadie
Justin's Bio
When Justin isn’t flying, crashing, rebuilding, flying, crashing his custom built racing drone at Plaid speeds you can find him reading a good book by an open fire smoking a good pipe from George’s local smoke shop. He is as social as he is reflective and enjoys a good cup of coffee with friends any day of the week. He is a warm hearted, quick witted and reliable guy. He gives his heart and soul to whatever project or task in front of him and is an elite energy aboard the Annagail train. #choochoo
You can count on every show….living room, auditorium, bar, conference or other to be top notch in sound and quality with Justin’s passion, skillz and keen ear.
5 Questions
Q: Favorite craft beer?
A: New Holland Poet. If you’re feeling adventurous ask for a ‘Dead Poet’ for a taste combination that will blow your mind.
Q: Whats your favorite campfire song?
A: There’s only one way to find out. I’ll make the fire you bring the guitar.
Q: If you could delete one month out of the year which one would it be?
A: Tricky, but I think it would be February. Its the most awkward month because of its odd and ever changing length. If it wasn’t so indecisive about that maybe it would stand a chance.
Q: What’s your favorite extreme sport?
A: Drone Racing. Ain’t nothing quite like 4 flying blenders taped together zipping through the air at 80MPH.
Q: What is your stance on Torrefaction?
A: I would never stand on something that has been torrified. That would be impolite.