ANNIE POTTER
I have been surrounded by music since I was taught to play the piano at six years old by my father John. I went on to teach myself the guitar at thirteen and very recently the violin. I fronted a local gigging band from 2006 until 2019, and am one half of the successful Scarborough duo 'Annie & King'.
In 2018, I decided to study for a master's in music at the University of Hull. It has always been an ambition of mine to fulfil my musical journey by further study into song writing, composing and playing. Studying for my master's has taken place alongside all my other musical pursuits, such as teaching piano, guitar and gigging.
The Lost Joys is an album of original songs composed in 2020 for my final MMus Special Study awarded by The University of Hull. I composed almost all of the songs for the album during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. My mind was truly focussed on the task and the songs flowed out of me during that time.
THE LOST JOYS
All the songs on The Lost Joys are based on folklore and anecdotes about my hometown of Scarborough; a place which has already been immortalised in song.
My aim was to write songs which have space to allow the listener to become lost in the narrative and fill in the gaps themselves. I also intended the songs to be easy to listen to and not too long.
Each song has its own story. Some stick close to the original tale while others are my own interpretation.
THANK YOU
Writing 'The Lost Joys' has been an ambition of mine for many years. So many people have been involved in its conception and realisation. I would like to thank them all, so here goes:
Alastair Borthwick, Howard Wilde, Mark Slater and Rowan Oliver, my university tutors who have been so wonderfully supportive and encouraging throughout my time at the University of Hull. A huge thank you also to Sara Semple at Luna Leaf Art for her wonderful werewolf illustration for the song. It's perfect!
Thanks must also go to my children and their partners: Sophie for helping create this site and for being the inspiration behind her song, Christian for caring for her, Margo for being so beautiful and having such a rhythmic heartbeat; Harry for his marvellous trumpet solos, Terri-Ann for her fantastic narration; Mary and Alex for all their fun, help and support.
Jane, Angela, Lana, Jim, Paul, Margot, Kicker and Ken, and all of my wonderful friends and other family members who have supported my writing and encouraged me by saying such lovely things about the songs.
My late parents John and Jean, without whom I would never have such a love of playing instruments, writing and singing.
Finally, I could not have completed this huge task without the unfailing love and support from my wonderful husband and best friend Steve. His tireless support, playing and technical studio and recording expertise, have brought out the very best in me.
I love you.
