From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anna Calvi
Anna Calvi
Anna Calvi what my relationship with music is – a world of my own
creation that I escape into. I was always a dreamer. The
early things stick with you," she later remembered.[7]
Anna Calvi grew up being exposed to a multitude of gen-
res of music by her music-loving Italian father; this eclec-
tic array ranged from Captain Beefheart to The Rolling
Stones to Maria Callas, combined with an early under-
standing of classical music. Calvi first picked up the violin
at 6, and guitar at 8.[8] "Something would take me over
whenever I’d seen an electric guiter," she later recalled.
By the age of 10 she was using a double cassette karaoke
machine to overdub her playing.[6] All the while, attract-
ed "to the impressionistic element of the music", she
came to be much influenced by 20th century composers
Messiaen, Ravel, and Debussy as an influence, the feel of
which she would try to recreate on guitar, an instrument
she was compelled to learn on discovering Django Rein-
hardt and Jimi Hendrix at the age of 13.[7]
After leaving school, she originally intended to study
art, but instead opted for a degree in music.[9] A spell
studying music at Southampton University further
strengthened her resolve to become a songwriter. In a
Background information
strife tow find her own voice, Calvi said she locked her-
Born 1982 (age 28–29) self in a room for long periods of time, singing along to
London, England, United Kingdom records by Edith Piaf and Nina Simone.[6] Calvi formed
Genres Alternative,[1] indie rock[1] several bands including Cheap Hotel,[10] which released
one download-only single, "New York", which did not
Occupations Singer, songwriter, musician, guitarist chart. Calvi then went on to meet multi-instrumentalist
Instruments Vocals, guitar, violin, bass, piano Mally Harpaz and drummer Daniel Maiden-Wood, who
now form her intimate band set-up.
Years active 2006–present
At an early gig, Calvi caught the attention of Bill
Labels Domino Ryder-Jones who urged Laurence Bell of Domino Records
to sign her.[7] Early support also came from renowned
Website www.annacalvi.com
music legend Brian Eno, who heard about Calvi through
a friend. He has since become her unofficial mentor de-
Anna Calvi is an English musician who plays in the band
scribing her during a BBC6 Music interview as, "the
of the same name. On 6 December 2010, Calvi was an-
biggest thing since Patti Smith."[11]
nounced as a nominee for the BBC’s Sound of 2011 poll.[2]
In the autumn of 2009, Calvi recorded a series of
Her debut album Anna Calvi was released in the UK on 17
filmed ’Attic Sessions’ that were uploaded onto YouTube
January 2011,[3] where it debuted at number 40 on 23 Jan-
including a cover of Leonard Cohen’s ’Joan of Arc’, Elvis
uary.[4] The album was subsequently nominated for the
Presley’s ’Surrender’, TV on the Radio’s ’Wolf Like Me’
prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 2011[5].
and David Bowie’s ’Sound & Vision’.[12]
Calvi played guitar on the track "The Prizefighter and
History the Heiress" on Johnny Flynn’s album ’Been Listen-
ing’.[13][14] In October 2009, she also supported Flynn on
Formation and early years tour.[15]
Anna Calvi was born in Twickenham,[6] in 1982 and spent In 2010, Calvi supported Interpol on their UK tour
most of her first three years of life in hospital. "The way and label-mates the Arctic Monkeys at the Royal Albert
I dealt with that was to create my own world. And that’s
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anna Calvi
Hall.[16] Nick Cave also invited her to support Grinder- "Desire". Calvi performed 5 songs on the TV show "Live
man across Europe in October 2010.[17] From Abbey Road" broadcast on Channel 4 on 22 June
On 11 October 2010, Calvi released debut single 2011. [37]Calvi also performed on ’Late Night With David
"Jezebel", a 1951 song originally written by Wayne Letterman’ on July 27th 2011.[38]
Shanklin and made famous by Frankie Laine and French Domino Records released "Blackout" as the first sin-
chanteuse Edith Piaf. Both "Jezebel" and the B-side gle taken from the album on 21st March 2011 : it featured
"Moulinette" were recorded by Rob Ellis, and released on a cover of Elvis Presley’s "Surrender" as the B-side.[39]
limited edition 7" and digital download.[18] Live versions ’Blackout’ was debuted on Pitchfork in the US.[40] "Desire"
of both "Jezebel" and "Moulinette" were filmed at The was released as the second single from the album on June
Luminaire venue in London by Emma Nathan, who also 20th 2011. The single featured a cover of Leonard Cohen’s
created the vinyl artwork, and used as promo for the sin- ’Joan of Arc’ as the B-side.[41] "Suzanne & I" was the third
gle.[19] single from the album and was released on 12th Septem-
ber 2011. The B-side was Baby It’s You.[42] The album was
Debut album shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize.[43]
Anna Calvi was released in the UK and Europe through
Domino Records to critical acclaim on 17 January 2011. It Live shows
entered the official UK charts at number 40.[20] The al-
bum achieved success across Europe, charting at 17 in
France, 33 in Austria, 40 in Switzerland, 55 in Sweden
and 70 in Germany.[21] Calvi co-produced the album with
long-term PJ Harvey collaborator Rob Ellis.[22] Brian Eno
sang backing vocals on ’Desire’ and ’Suzanne & I’. [23]
Dave Okumu from the band The Invisible sang backing
vocals on the song ’No More Words’. The artwork for
the album was created by long-term collaborator Emma
Nathan.[24]
NME gave the album 9 out of 10 stating, "this self-
titled collection of 10 songs is perhaps the first great
record of 2011."[25] NME described it as "sumptuous, se-
ductive and a bit scary, this velvety debut will stalk your
dreams."[25] Uncut magazine said, "This isn’t just a great Calvi performing at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on 1
debut. It’s a fearless rejection of current pop trends, fash- November 2011
ioning a benchmark of intensity and originality that the
rest of this year’s albums will struggle to match."[26] The Calvi is known for her intense guitar playing and se-
Observer described it as a “gutsy and sonorous start”[27] ductive live performance.[32] She has said that she tries
and The Fly magazine called it an “arresting, sparse and to create the sounds of other instruments through her
darkly captivating listen.”[28] The Evening Standard said guitar. Visually, Calvi nods to the world of flamenco in
“the raw talent is undeniable: 2011 is Calvi’s for the tak- her stage outfits. However, rather than wearing the tra-
ing”[29] while the Independent on Sunday claimed that for ditional frilly dress, she opts for the high trousers and
“serious lovers of music, Calvi is one to watch.”[30] The blouse of a male dancer.[32]
album was Rough Trade’s album of the month in January, Following her album release show at Hoxton Hall in
described as an “astonishingly confident, expressive and London, Calvi won over critics with her "performance
powerful record.”[31] of superb self-possession and dramatic timing.[44] The In-
Calvi launched the album to sold out show at the in- dependent called her a "strumming seductress" who was
timate Hoxton Hall in London on 27 January 2011.[32] As "born to be heard in person" playing "with every ounce
part of the album promotion, Calvi performed several of passion."[45]
times on French TV including a performance of "Desire" Anna Calvi’s European tour started in February
on Le Grand Journal, and "Blackout" and "Desire" on 2011.[46] She first visited the USA in March.[47] Calvi’s
ARTE.[33][34] In France, according to Q, Calvi "has become show at Le Trianon in Paris on 22 April was broadcast live
an overnight star, the album debuting in the Top 20 and on the website of ARTE.[48] She headlined the NME tour in
the Parisian fashionistas taking her to their hearts." [6] May.[49] Calvi was chosen by Ray Davies of The Kinks to
The album was released in USA, Australia, and Japan co-headline the Meltdown Festival 2011.[50] Calvi contin-
on 1 March 2011.[35] Calvi performed on the first show ued touring Europe throughout Autumn 2011.
of Series 38 of Later... with Jools Holland that was broadcast
on 5 and 9 April 2011.[36] She performed "Blackout" and
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anna Calvi
List of album, showing year released and chart placement
Year Album details Peak chart positions
UK AUT BEL (FLA) BEL (WAL) FRA IRL NL SWE SWI ITA GRE
66]
[4] [66] 67]
[67] [68]
68] 69] 70] 71] 72]
[69] [70] [71] [72] 73] 74] 75]
[73] [74] [75]
2011 Anna Calvi 40 33 9 36 17 72 68 55 40 93 30
• Released: 17 January 2011[76]
• Label: Domino Records
• Formats: 12" vinyl, CD, Digital download
Musical equipment ni, creative director at Gucci has chosen outfits for Calvi
to wear during the May 2011 US tour. [62]
Calvi is always seen performing with a Fender Telecaster The fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has said he is
guitar and uses a red Vox AC30 amp both live and in the a fan of her music,[63] and has photographed Calvi for
studio.[51] the Maison Michel Fall Winter 2011 lookbook.[64][6] Sir
Paul Smith photographed Calvi for the cover of L’Express
Guitar playing Styles.[65] Calvi was invited on the Chanel table for the
Amfar charity event at Cannes Film Festival 2011.
Calvi is a virtuoso guitarist [52] - although her first in-
strument is the violin of which she has a university de-
gree in. Calvi also imagines playing guitar as an orchestra Discography
[53] and is noted for her particular style of playing which
involves hitting the strings in a circular motion, rather Studio albums
than strumming up and down.[54] The result has been de-
scribed by Q as "the prodigious wash of sound that recall Singles
Ennio Morricone, Duane Eddy, even Jimi Hendrix in its
fluidity."[6] Awards and nominations
Style and influences References
Calvi has been compared to other female singers PJ Har-
[1] ^ "Anna Calvi album review". AllMusic.
vey and Siouxsie.[55]
http://www.allmusic.com/album/anna-calvi-
Calvi’s style has been described as dark, romantic, at-
r2102846/review. Retrieved 2011-01-01.
mospheric pop.[56] The singer has stated that the powers
[2] "BBC-Sound of 2011-Anna Calvi". BBC. 6 December
of lust are an inspiration and her performances are delib-
2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/soundof/2011/
erately sexually charged.[57] Calvi has cited Nina Simone,
artists/annacalvi/. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
Maria Callas, the rock of Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling
[3] Domino Record Company, Retrieved 2011-01-18.
Stones, the blues of Captain Beefheart, the stage perfor-
[4] ^ UK Albums Chart - Week: 23 January 2011,
mances of Nick Cave, David Bowie and Scott Walker as
Retrieved 2011-01-27.
well as classical composers Carlo Gesualdo,[58] Messiaen,
[5] http://www.mercuryprize.com/aoty/
Ravel and Debussy as among her influences.[7]
track.php?TrackID=251
Calvi has stated that the films of Gus Van Sant and
[6] ^ Doyle, Tom. Q October 2011, #303, The Most
Wong Kar-Wai and David Lynch have also influenced her
Exciting Acts on Earth. The Virtuoso. p.70
music. She has admiration for "people that make beauti-
[7] ^ Domino | Artists|Anna Calvi
ful films where the cinematography tells the story" and
[8] Nicholson, Rebecca (12 February 2011). "Anna
tries to do the same in her own work.[59]
Calvi: ’Without performing I’d be a nervous
wreck’". The Guardian (London).
Fashion http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/feb/12/
anna-calvi-guide-interview.
On December 1, 2010, Calvi performed at the Colette
[9] Anna Calvi Biography - AOL Music
showcase in Paris as part of The Room Of Curiosities ex-
[10] Cheap Hotel | Gratis muziek, tourneedata, foto’s,
hibition by Thomas Erber.[60] Calvi was invited to play
video’s
at the Gucci dinner, hosted by Vogue during 2011 Paris
[11] BBC - Sound of 2011 - Anna Calvi
Haute Couture Fashion Week.[61] Since then Frida Gianni-
[12] YouTube - Канал користувача AnnaCalvi
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anna Calvi
List of singles, showing year released and album name
Year Single Album
2010 "Jezebel / Moulinette" non-album track
• Released: October 11
2011 "Blackout / Surrender" Anna Calvi
• Released: March 21
"Desire / Joan of Arc"
• Released: June 20
"Suzanne and I" / Baby It’s You"
• Released: September 12
Year Organisation Nominated work Award Result
2010 BBC Sound of 2011 Anna Calvi Sound of 2011 Nominated
2011 Mercury Prize Anna Calvi Best Album Nominated
2011 UK Festival Awards Anna Calvi Best Breakthrough Artist Nominated
2012 Eurosonic Noorderslag Anna Calvi European Border Breaker Award (UK) Won
[13] Johnny Flynn - Been Listening (Vinyl, LP) at [30] Richman, Simmy (16 January 2011). "Album: Anna
Discogs Calvi, Anna Calvi (Domino)". The Independent
[14] Barbera Music » Blog Archive » Anna Calvi (London). http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-
supports Johnny... entertainment/music/reviews/album-anna-calvi-
[15] Transgressive : News anna-calvi-domino-2185987.html.
[16] Anna Calvi Announces Details Of Debut Album | [31] Welcome to Rough Trade Shops
Gigwise [32] ^ Clarke, Betty (29 January 2011). "Anna Calvi –
[17] Anna Calvi to make North American live debut – review". The Guardian (London).
March 2011 tour dates (SXSW) | Band Weblogs http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jan/28/
[18] Anna Calvi - Jezebel (Vinyl) at Discogs anna-calvi-hoxton-hall-reivew.
[19] Video Anna Calvi ’Jezebel’ (Live) van Anna Calvi - [33] Le Grand Journal - Le Grand Journal la suite du 02/
Myspace Video 02/11 - La suite 2 - CANALPLUS.FR
[20] Chart Stats - Anna Calvi [34] YouTube - ANNA CALVI live on ARTE TV: Blackout,
[21] lescharts.com - Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi Desire
[22] Perry, Andrew (10 January 2011). "Anna Calvi: [35] Anna Calvi releasing ’Anna Calvi’ on Domino,
giving voice to passion and desire". The Daily playing NYC shows (videos and dates)
Telegraph (London). http://www.telegraph.co.uk/ [36] http://www.prefixmag.com/media/anna-calvi/
culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8245882/ blackout-live-on-jools-holland-video/51075/
Anna-Calvi-giving-voice-to-passion-and- [37] http://livefromabbeyroad.tumblr.com/post/
desire.html. 5602971034/stunning-photos-of-anna-calvi-
[23] http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=22528 annacalvi
[24] Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi (Vinyl, LP, Album) at [38] http://www.rollingstone.com/videos/new-and-
Discogs hot/anna-calvi-desire-on-letterman-20110728
[25] ^ Anna Calvi - Album Review: Anna Calvi - Anna [39] Domino | News|Anna Calvi Announces New Single
Calvi (Domino) - Album Reviews - NME.COM ’Blackout’
[26] Domino | Albums|Anna Calvi [40] Pitchfork: Forkcast: Anna Calvi: "Blackout"
[27] Empire, Kitty (16 January 2011). "Anna Calvi: Anna [41] http://www.dominorecordco.com/uk/news/
Calvi – review". The Guardian (London). 22-06-11/anna-calvi-presents-video-for-desire--
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jan/16/ performs-on-live-from-abbey-road/
anna-calvi-debut-album-review. [42] http://www.dominorecordco.com/uk/news/
[28] Album Review: Anna Calvi / ‘Anna Calvi’ (Domino) 27-07-11/anna-calvi-announces-new-single-
/ New Album Reviews / Music News from THE- suzanne-and-i/
FLY.CO.UK - The UK’s most popular music [43] http://www.mercuryprize.com/aoty/
magazine track.php?TrackID=251
[29] CDs of the week | Music [44] FT.com / Arts - Anna Calvi, Hoxton Hall, London
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Anna Calvi
[45] Liston, Enjoli (1 February 2011). "Anna Calvi, [63] Karl Lagerfeld - Hilary Alexander Interview |
Hoxton Hall, London". The Independent (London). VIDEO|Styleite
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts- [64] http://www.thedollsfactory.com/2011/07/sasha-
entertainment/music/reviews/anna-calvi-hoxton- pivovarova-anna-calvi-and.html
hall-london-2200099.html. [65] http://www.paulsmith.co.uk/paul-smith-world/
[46] Niet compatibele browser | Facebook news/lexpress-styles-the-special-london-
[47] Anna Calvi adds another NYC show, Toronto & issue,373,PNP.html
Austin too [66] Austrian Charts austriancharts.at/
[48] http://liveweb.arte.tv/fr/video/ [67] Belgian Flanders Charts www.ultratop.be/nl/
Anna_Calvi_au_Trianon/ [68] Belgian Wallonia Charts www.ultratop.be/fr/
[49] http://www.nme.com/news/anna-calvi/55322 [69] French Charts lescharts.com/
[50] http://meltdown.southbankcentre.co.uk/2011/ [70] Steffen Hung. "Discography Anna Calvi".
events/ron-sexsmith-and-anna-calvi/ irishcharts.com. http://www.irish-charts.com/
[51] RockFeedback - Artist - Anna Calvi showinterpret.asp?interpret=Anna+Calvi.
[52] http://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/anna-calvi- Retrieved 2011-04-02.
anna-calvi [71] Dutch Charts dutchcharts.nl/
[53] http://www.thestoolpigeon.co.uk/features/ [72] Swedish Charts swedishcharts.com/
interview-anna-calvi.html; interview on BBC [73] Swiss Charts hitparade.ch/
Breakfast, 31 October 2011 [74] Italian Charts hitparade.ch/
[54] "Anna Calvi’s orchestral manoeuvres". The Guardian [75] Greek Charts/
(London). 13 January 2011. [76] Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi, Amazon, Retrieved
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jan/13/ 2011-01-17.
anna-calvi-classical-goth-interview.
[55] Leonie Cooper. "Album Review: Anna Calvi - Anna
Calvi (Domino)". NME. 17 January 2011
External links
[56] Anna Calvi / Bangers & Mash at Barfly on Fri 04th • Official website
Feb Persondata
[57] [1] Name Calvi, Anna
[58] Ultimate Cult Heroes: Gesualdo
[59] Primary Artist Biography and Tour Dates Alternative names
[60] Thomas Erber’s ‘Cabinet de Curiosities’ at Colette, Short description
Paris « Antenna Magazine Date of birth 1982
[61] Gucci - paris rue royal renovation - french vogue
Place of birth London, England, United Kingdom
dinner
[62] http://mylifestylenews.blogspot.com/2011/06/ Date of death
anna-calvi-wears-gucci-north-american.html Place of death
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anna_Calvi&oldid=464580063"
Categories:
• Living people
• English singer-songwriters
• English female singers
• English female guitarists
• English people of Italian descent
• 1982 births
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