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ABOUT ANNIKA
ANNIKA is a storyteller. She is an accomplished musician, vocalist and songwriter known for her soulful vocals. ANNIKA’s ability to capture audiences comes not just from her musical charisma, but from a refreshingly authentic and often comedic personality.
Since 2014, she has powerfully engaged and entertained audiences around the world as the lead singer of CCMA-nominated 'Leaving Thomas' duo, and now, as a highly anticipated solo artist.
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, ANNIKA has evolved and embraced a new musical direction since moving on from the country-pop duo. Drawing inspiration from legends like Elton John, Carole King and Alicia Keys, ANNIKA’s new sound blends her love of country songwriting with heartfelt piano playing and melodic vocals.
Stand Still: Side B completes the story ANNIKA began in 2021, showcasing her growth through a dynamic mix of sassy, bluesy hits and heartfelt ballads. The musical journey continues as ANNIKA showcases new sides of her songwriting and vocal talent through songs such as “Things I’d Rather Do,” a bluesy, sassy song full of attitude and “It Kills Me,” a dramatic ballad that shows off her skills as a vocalist. Her songwriting remains heartfelt and genuine and the musical production continues to push boundaries through songs like “Never on Fire” and “Never Knew Love At All.”
Since Stand Still: Side A, ANNIKA has written, recorded, and performed through many personal and professional changes. This new album showcases the same ANNIKA that came to the forefront in 2021, but with a growth and maturity that comes from years of highs and lows captured in time through music, proving that ANNIKA is never standing still.
This project has been in my mind and on my heart for several years now. ‘Stand Still Side B’ continues the journey that I started as a writer, singer, and performer in 2021. After becoming a wife and mother, my perspective on life shifted in ways I couldn’t have predicted. As I experienced such changes, I wrote and recorded with those close to me and created a body of work that captures a very specific creative chapter in my life. I am excited to share ‘Stand Still: Side B’ with the world as it completes a story I’ve wished to tell for a long time. - Annika
As a classically trained pianist and vocalist, ANNIKA has performed around the world, from bustling cruise ship piano bars, to national television as a Top 11 Canadian Idol finalist, and even hosting the Calgary Stampede Grandstand show with a combined audience of over 200,000 people. Her performance highlights include playing “In The Round” at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee (2017), the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City, New York (2017), and headlining MTV’s anti-trafficking event, “Freedom For Others” in Bangkok, Thailand (2014).
iHeart Radio Future Star and Boots & Hearts semi-finalist, ANNIKA has been recognized for her talent and outstanding contributions to Canadian country music. With multiple YYC award nominations and her debut solo single, “I Really Don’t Want To,” securing a spot in CBC Country’s Top 40 chart for five consecutive weeks and Billboard Country’s Top 50 chart for four weeks, ANNIKA’s journey as a solo artist has only just begun.