Canadian singer-songwriter Annie Pattison is gathering quite the YouTube following, but she’s no stranger to show business.
To date, Annie Pattison is the youngest person ever to have a starring role in the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show in Canada. She was only 9 at the time!
“When I first auditioned for The Young Canadians (The company that puts together the grandstand) I actually didn’t make it past the second cut of their auditions and I was pretty heartbroken about that,” Annie said. “But by some turn of fate, later on in the year I received a call that they would like me to star as a principle role in their show which was pretty shocking to me, but I was really excited.”
The situation taught her to never give up hope.
“Somewhere, someone is watching all of us,” she said. “Throughout the 10 days of performing for thousands of people I really conquered the last of my stage fright, and I also met really great people who I’m still friends with to this day.”
Annie remembers loving music as early as when she was 3 years old.
“I watched movies like The Wizard of Oz, Grease, and musical plays,” she said. “I definitely became very intrigued with singing and started humming all the time.”
Annie started piano and voice lessons when she was about 5 years old, and learned to play the banjo when she was 9 years old.
“I believe my first performance was when I was 4 or 5 near Halloween,” she said, “singing in a butterfly-themed dress singing a butterfly-themed song. A local Rotary club saw me and asked me to sing a few songs at their lodge. That was my first paying job.”
Annie started writing music around the age of 9. She got really serious about it at around 12 or 13. Annie is now an esteemed songwriter, penning a number of great tracks.
“Usually for me I like writing alone,” she said, “but I also like writing with my friend Shauna and she helps me out with lines I can’t figure out or melodies that need changing… It’s always good to write from experience, or be able to imagine a point of view.”
The time it takes to write a song varies a lot depending on the song, Annie said.
“Sometimes I like to start a song and then abandon it and finish it maybe 6 moths later. Or I’ll write a song in 20 minutes.”
Annie plays guitar, piano, ukulele, flute, and banjo. She might have inherited the trait from her grandfather, who played over 20 instruments!
“I think I’m most comfortable with guitar,” she said, “So it’s probably my favourite.”
She said if she could collaborate with any artist, she’d pick Ed Sheeran.
“I have recently been auditioning for Disney and for a few national TV Shows,” Annie said. “We are also in the process of getting sponsors for a new kid’s pop show TBA where I will be a co-host.”
On top of all that, Annie will be working on some new videos for her YouTube channel.
“My goal is to act, sing and write music,” she said. “I would love to perform for Radio Disney.”
Annie is a perfect example of a girl who found her calling by pursuing her dreams.
“I would like to say I think Sweety High is really amazing,” she said. “I just love everything you are doing and encourage others to discover your message.”
If you’d like to get more familiar with Annie Pattison’s music, check her out on:
- YouTube