…the meaning of music

“Annagail has found the meaning of music: The ability to tell you what only your mind can visualize and then taking it a step further, they say what many of us want to about life but fear the rejection of saying it.”

-Levi Perkins
‘Crossroads’ 107.9fm KZLS

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:43:59+00:00

-Levi Perkins
‘Crossroads’ 107.9fm KZLS

“Annagail has found the meaning of music: The ability to tell you what only your mind can visualize and then taking it a step further, they say what many of us want to about life but fear the rejection of saying it.”

A sense of calm, peace and hope

"...buttery bliss...the tantalizing voice serenades you beside crooning, soul-entrenched guitar. The songwriting is intricate, the recording is polished and the performances are emotive.  Feeling warmly personal, their latest genre-warping adventure comes to a close with bright beams of choral rays, saccharine harmonies and an upbeat swing instilling a sense of calm, peace and hope."

- Jennifer Bartlett
LocalSpins.com

Annagail
2022-04-09T17:43:28+00:00

- Jennifer Bartlett
LocalSpins.com

A sense of calm, peace and hope

A Deep Understanding of Life

Their songs celebrate faith, the overcoming of trials and love in a way that displays a deep understanding of life and living through it.  That, along with solid musicianship and a commitment to sincere songwriting, is what will move them ahead of their peers.


-Matthew Scott
lemonjellos.com

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:25:29+00:00

-Matthew Scott
lemonjellos.com

Their songs celebrate faith, the overcoming of trials and love in a way that displays a deep understanding of life and living through it.  That, along with solid musicianship and a commitment to sincere songwriting, is what will move them ahead of their peers.

…true Americana fashion

In true Americana fashion, the album (Home) closes out with “Whiskey and Wine,” which feels like having a nice drink after a long, hard day, and looking forward to a new journey. The album does a great job of rounding out the band’s personal stories in a way that others can relate to.

- Liv Conaty
LocalSpins.com

Annagail
2022-01-10T00:59:54+00:00

- Liv Conaty
LocalSpins.com

In true Americana fashion, the album (Home) closes out with “Whiskey and Wine,” which feels like having a nice drink after a long, hard day, and looking forward to a new journey. The album does a great job of rounding out the band’s personal stories in a way that others can relate to.

A great band!

A great band with an amazing story behind them. We couldn't be happier to have them back and on our stage!

SpeakEZ Lounge // Grand Rapids MI

Annagail
2019-05-21T19:34:48+00:00

SpeakEZ Lounge // Grand Rapids MI

A great band with an amazing story behind them. We couldn't be happier to have them back and on our stage!

A Great Sense of Melody

“Annagail are great singers with a great sense of melody and a desire to touch the souls of those they play for. I respect them as musicians and writers and I am blessed to call them my friends.”

-Mitch McVicker
mitchmcvicker.com

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:37:16+00:00

-Mitch McVicker
mitchmcvicker.com

“Annagail are great singers with a great sense of melody and a desire to touch the souls of those they play for. I respect them as musicians and writers and I am blessed to call them my friends.”

A Refreshing Blend

"Annagail offers a refreshing blend of modern rock and impressive acoustics. Their songwriting is soul searching and
painfully honest about living in the world today."

-Jenny Suhs Soldan
Director of National Independent Music & Ultimate Vision Ministries

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:50:10+00:00

-Jenny Suhs Soldan
Director of National Independent Music & Ultimate Vision Ministries

"Annagail offers a refreshing blend of modern rock and impressive acoustics. Their songwriting is soul searching and painfully honest about living in the world today."

A Temporary Shelter in their Songs

“Annagail is a band comprised of independent talents that have merged folk with modern. ...maintaining open arms to welcome each listener to find meaning and a temporary shelter in their songs. Their passion for life, love and music, is the peaceful conductor of all they do.”

–Valerie Smith
90.5fm KZNA

Annagail
2017-08-21T23:05:01+00:00

–Valerie Smith
90.5fm KZNA

“Annagail is a band comprised of independent talents that have merged folk with modern. ...maintaining open arms to welcome each listener to find meaning and a temporary shelter in their songs. Their passion for life, love and music, is the peaceful conductor of all they do.”

Any venue, any time – this group is worth the trip

This is a group to catch live, whether the Adams’ front it alone or with a full band in tow. Any venue, any time – this group is worth the trip.

-Derek Emerson
Hope College Arts Coordinator // Holland, Michigan

Annagail
2022-01-10T01:23:11+00:00

-Derek Emerson
Hope College Arts Coordinator // Holland, Michigan

This is a group to catch live, whether the Adams’ front it alone or with a full band in tow. Any venue, any time – this group is worth the trip.

Creative Style & Lyrics

“Creative style and lyrics…always resolving into a deep and soulful acoustic set.”


-Jonathan Itchon
Online Music Review

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:20:51+00:00

-Jonathan Itchon
Online Music Review

“Creative style and lyrics…always resolving into a deep and soulful acoustic set.”

There is joy and there is pain

Small town anthems about times both desperate and idyllic, but tempered with life-triggered, healthy agnosticism.  There is joy, and there is pain, and at its best Annagail shows you how to celebrate both.

Annagail
2019-05-21T20:04:35+00:00
Small town anthems about times both desperate and idyllic, but tempered with life-triggered, healthy agnosticism.  There is joy, and there is pain, and at its best Annagail shows you how to celebrate both.

Words escape us…

Words escape us. These are friends and beautiful humans. Our lives haven't been the same since we met them...amazing talent. If you get a chance somewhere down the road to see Annagail, take it.

-Gary & Michelle Hanks
Seven Steps Up

Annagail
2022-01-10T01:19:27+00:00

-Gary & Michelle Hanks
Seven Steps Up

Words escape us. These are friends and beautiful humans. Our lives haven't been the same since we met them...amazing talent. If you get a chance somewhere down the road to see Annagail, take it.

Top-Notch Songwriting

Incredible harmonies and top-notch songwriting! An example of fortitude, endurance and incredible talent. I'm literally in awe of this West Michigan group's resilience and the example they're setting for others. I love this band and love what they're doing.  They do it well.

John Sinkevics
localspins.com

Annagail
2019-05-21T20:05:04+00:00

John Sinkevics
localspins.com

Incredible harmonies and top-notch songwriting! An example of fortitude, endurance and incredible talent. I'm literally in awe of this West Michigan group's resilience and the example they're setting for others. I love this band and love what they're doing.  They do it well.

Original, Genuine & Has Great Appeal

"Dynamic guitar playing with engaging vocals and harmonies. Annagail has produced a sound that is original, genuine and has great appeal...gifted both in the craft of songwriting and music."

-Lynn Boitano
Program Director 91.1fm KANZ

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:54:07+00:00

-Lynn Boitano
Program Director 91.1fm KANZ

"Dynamic guitar playing with engaging vocals and harmonies. Annagail has produced a sound that is original, genuine and has great appeal...gifted both in the craft of songwriting and music."

Gifted Songwriting

...gifted songwriting.  Annagail carries you on a musical journey filled with reflection, honesty, surrender, admiration,
struggle and celebration.  A band in a class where few are blessed to be."

-Jeff Geisel
Music Buyer/Baker Book House

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:18:34+00:00

-Jeff Geisel
Music Buyer/Baker Book House

...gifted songwriting.  Annagail carries you on a musical journey filled with reflection, honesty, surrender, admiration, struggle and celebration.  A band in a class where few are blessed to be."

Heartfelt

"Innovative & Heartfelt"

-Ron Cole
Sawlogs and Strings Festival

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:46:26+00:00

-Ron Cole
Sawlogs and Strings Festival

"Innovative & Heartfelt"

Heartfelt Songs

“Annagail delivers heartfelt songs in the context of a band whose zeal is the kind reserved for the young and passionate.
The whole band’s ability to adopt a corporate identity in the music is an accomplishment few bands have the vision and humility to do.”

-Don Chaffer
waterdeep.com

Annagail
2017-08-22T01:56:00+00:00

-Don Chaffer
waterdeep.com

“Annagail delivers heartfelt songs in the context of a band whose zeal is the kind reserved for the young and passionate. The whole band’s ability to adopt a corporate identity in the music is an accomplishment few bands have the vision and humility to do.”

No Nonsense Lyrics & Dynamic Vocals

"...sophisticated garage band style, no nonsense lyrics, dynamic vocals and edgy experimental sounds..."


-Grassroots Music Distribution

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:40:57+00:00

-Grassroots Music Distribution

"...sophisticated garage band style, no nonsense lyrics, dynamic vocals and edgy experimental sounds..."

Original & Compelling

“Original and compelling, Annagail gives you something to relate to and leaves you wanting more. A definite must-have.”

-Kristi Hahn
‘Silver Rails’ 90.5fm KZNA

Annagail
2017-08-21T22:44:51+00:00

-Kristi Hahn
‘Silver Rails’ 90.5fm KZNA

“Original and compelling, Annagail gives you something to relate to and leaves you wanting more. A definite must-have.”

…the talent is authentic

Annagail shows the talent is authentic, not studio created. With the ability to adapt to any venue, they show themselves as consummate professionals – more worried about the audience than their ego.

Derek Emerson
Hope College Arts Coordinator // Holland, Michigan

Annagail
2022-01-10T01:22:24+00:00

Derek Emerson
Hope College Arts Coordinator // Holland, Michigan

Annagail shows the talent is authentic, not studio created. With the ability to adapt to any venue, they show themselves as consummate professionals – more worried about the audience than their ego.

This band takes the cake!

“This band takes the cake! One of our favorites.”

-Ray Rush
Olive Branch Coffeehouse

Annagail
2017-08-22T02:03:34+00:00

-Ray Rush
Olive Branch Coffeehouse

“This band takes the cake! One of our favorites.”

Beautifully compelling music…

I can think of few bands or artists that have endured the sort of pain and travails that Annagail have experienced, and come out of it creating beautifully compelling music with a hopeful air.

John Sinkevics
localspins.com

Annagail
2022-01-07T18:11:53+00:00

John Sinkevics
localspins.com

I can think of few bands or artists that have endured the sort of pain and travails that Annagail have experienced, and come out of it creating beautifully compelling music with a hopeful air.
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Annagail

Allow ourselves to introduce...ourselves.

“Small town anthems about times both desperate and idyllic, but tempered with life-triggered, healthy agnosticism. There is joy and there is pain, and at its best Annagail shows you how to celebrate both.”

-Chad Wedeven // Stolen Wallpaper Music Review

Biography

Annagail (formerly Route 3) is an American Americana/folk duo based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They’ve always defied and stretched genres. Equal parts singer/songwriters and rock band. Thinking man’s Americana. Darkly optimistic opuses? Pop for philosophers? Country for the curious?  Rock for the recluse? Whatever you need to call them, Annagail weave heartache and hope for the disillusioned. If ‘Folk-Rock’ never made sense before, it will now. “Its not uncommon for me to listen to The Cure and Steve Earl back to back…before breakfast,” Jared has said of their fluid style. Suggesting they, “live somewhere between the Foo Fighters and Emmylou Harris.” Over 3 decades of performing with heavy hitters or in an intimate setting, somehow, they make sense in all extremes. 8 albums deep, a blend of courage and frailty are embraced and they’re proud of both. 2021 brought the release of two albums, ‘Home’ and “Baby, It’s You,” as the world entered the surreal advent of the pandemic. Annagail embraced the dread of the unknown and the paradox of solace afforded by quarantines. They wrote, then recorded…and did it all again. Producing the albums in a virtual workflow with Silverback Sound, they feature lush strings, grand pianos, some searing guitar solos and vocals fit to weep over – to a lonely harmonica accompanied by delicate fingerpicking and accordion.

Blues, pop, roots…it’s all there as a soundtrack to lyrics wrestling with the notions of faith, confronting and learning from our shadows – and confronting the literal abusers from our past, as Jennifer bravely does over several tracks. Processing the trauma as a survivor herself. A spring 2022 studio album is already underway and they’re mixing a live album, recorded at the famed listening room, Seven Steps Up. Not too mention managing enough headspace to edit and produce a 40 minute mini-documentary chronicling their last decade as a band and the making of the album ‘Home’ in the midst of a pandemic, recovering from a child abduction/recovery, debilitating chronic illness and the icing on already awful cake with a house fire that took their home and studio in 2016. “I can think of few bands or artists that have endured the sort of pain and travails that Annagail have experienced, and come out of it creating beautifully compelling music with a hopeful air,” says John Sinkevics of localspins.com.

This intense season led them to lay music down. Hard to fathom with a lifetime career behind them. Prolific writers and performers; painfully easing into potentially never playing another note, Annagail went silent. “We had a hiatus of the soul, you could say,” Jared half jokes. “Sometimes you have more questions than answers and it takes a lot of space to work through them and see what you’re made of on the other side,” Jennifer aptly states. Music came back. It’s a story worth asking them to tell… if you bring a good bottle of whiskey.

Lyrically they’ve always framed the journey of brokenness and renewal. Now poignantly understood after coming face to face with surrendering the passion of the heart. “I would never recommend it,” Jennifer says. “It leads to a fairly immediate identity crisis.” Ironic that songs birthed from 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 surmises. “Yes, it’s been a wild season but we’re surviving somehow,” agrees Jared. “…a mix of holy ghost and whiskey.”

Gary and Michelle Hanks, owners of Seven Steps Up, have poured good whiskey and heard those stories. “Words escape us. These are friends and beautiful humans. Our lives haven’t been the same since we met them…amazing talent.”

Their EP, The Cabin Sessions, produced and recorded in Nashville with hit-maker Keith Follese’ (Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Katy Perry, Emerson Drive) is a glimpse into the influences of their songs. Electronic flourishes meet undeniable rootsy hooks.  On numerous compilations and even a feature film soundtrack (‘Decision’ starring CCM vocalist Natalie Grant and country artist, Billy Dean) they’re an established act.  Opening for Yam Haus, Plumb, Pillar, Bleach, Superhero, Jason Ingram, Satellite Soul, The Appleseed Cast, Christopher Williams, Jennifer Knapp, Ellery, VOTA, Valentiger and many others.

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 ‘ALL Entertainment’ label to help them deliver their music to the masses.”  Working with Keith and Chuck Howard was an especially meaningful time for the band, Jared says.  “I’ll never forget when I was on the phone with 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 humbling moment.”

Playing colleges, bars, coffeehouses, listening rooms, festivals and theaters, they’ve honed their craft from their midwest roots and beyond.  Airplay and a college radio hit ‘back in the age of DJ’s,” they have a passion to take their music abroad.  Criss-crossing the U.S,  (in their ‘Vanagail’) Europe and South Africa are evident of that.  “Consummate professionals,” says Derek Emerson, Hope College Arts Coordinator, who brought Annagail in to Holland, Michigan’s Knickerbocker Theater. “…more worried about the audience than their ego.  Any venue, any time – this group is worth the trip.”

Annagail are no strangers to the business of ‘show.’ It’s in the blood as their oldest daughter lent her voice over talents to a video series for friends Audio Adrenaline’s Hand and Feet Project in Haiti.

With empathy and a true, honest passion for people and music, their goal reaches far beyond just playing the next gig. “They have a  deep understanding of life and living through it,” states longtime friend and venue owner, Matthew Scott.

Waterdeep’s Don Chaffer produced  ‘Linger In Bloom’ and the previous ‘Slightly Certain,’ albums, which featured Lori Chaffer on ‘The Enemy and the Avenger.’  “They’re the real deal,” raved Levi Perkins of ‘Crossroads Radio.’  “They say what many of us want to about life – but fear the rejection of saying it.”

Annagail desire to create meaningful moments through the simple interaction of voices and ears. “In whatever version of reality 2.0 we’re in right now, we all just need moments of space. Sacred space to be.  We can’t save the whole world but music can be a helluva sword to fend off some darkness for awhile,” says Jared.  “If we can provide some healthy escape for a few hours, then our work is done.  Music, can’t be touched, but can touch.”

“The gig doesn’t validate us,” adds Jennifer.  “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.”

‘Stolen Wallpaper Music Blog’ seemed to pick up on those exact vibes at a recent concert: “Small town anthems about times both desperate and idyllic, but tempered with life-triggered, healthy agnosticism. There is joy and there is pain, and at its best Annagail shows you how to celebrate both.”

JENNIFER ADAMS

Vocals,  Guitar, Keys/Piano, Tin Whistles

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 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.

Jared Adams

Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Lap Steel, Harmonica, Banjo, Cabasa Cameos

Jared's Bio

Jared has the soul of a 3000 year old wizard in the body of a timeless rock front-man. He enjoys a cold, hearty stout whilst casually explaining how society can be fixed. He has the coveted skill of being able to deconstruct systems, experiences, and feelings into their base elements, and leave you walking away saying “huh, why didn’t I ever realize things were like that?” It’s possible that he would make a good president, but he says far too many offensive things to ever get elected. Also he has no discernible sleep schedule, which would probably make his staff unhappy. He puts an endless amount of care into his writing and playing, constantly tweaking songs he wrote 15+ years ago (sometimes to the frustration of the rest of the band who just want to practice and then go to sleep). In the end, all the effort and care he puts into his songwriting pays off, as we are left with music that reaches a little deeper and cuts through the noise. Just don’t “compliment” him by telling him that he sounds like the guy from Third Day.

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.  

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