Editor’s Note: Annyette Preston is performing at Groove International’s Pink Ribbon Riot event for breast cancer awareness on Thursday, May 28th, 2015 at House of Blues Sunset Strip in the Foundation Room of West Hollywood. Come support a great cause and witness not just beautiful music, but a beautiful soul!

MUSICIAN FEATURE: ANNYETTE PRESTON
Written By: Melissa Zamora

“The writing never stops. It’s a constant flow to feeling. I have a mobile studio that I am always singing and writing in, Oti.”

Annyette Preston is one of those magical human beings you don’t really expect to meet in Los Angeles, CA.  Her song “Lay You Down” had been on repeat in my head for days, wondering to myself what kind of person could command such a voice. Her music, a mix between Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Nat Cole, and a hint of country; radiates strength and heart, filling each melody softly and smoothly till you find yourself hitting the repeat button to get lost in her world all over again.

Annyette is a woman with soul. Not just the musical kind of soul – but a soul who knows who she is, where she is going and what kind of person she wants to convey to the world. Whether we were discussing family, charity, music, fans or the future, she spoke with passion and a fearless drive to succeed, teach and love in all aspects of her life.

Question: How long have you been singing for?

For those of you who don’t know, Annyette is hilarious. She not only expresses things through her music but with laughter and her natural knack for humor. Every time I remember her response to this question I can see the stars in her eyes and a smile from ear to ear, her facial expressions filled with such vibrant youthfulness

“Old enough for my mother to tell me to shut-up.” She then went on to recall her first gig on the back of her aunts pick up truck singing to the Dixie Chicks.

Question: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words.

“I’ll do you it in 3! Sexy, crazy, cool.”

Question: Who inspires you and where do you draw passion for your music?

“There are a variety of musical influences that have inspired me throughout my life but my inspiration comes from my family members, my elders, and as of late – my younger cousins. It’s so incredible watching them grow and discover their own talents and for me, I want to teach them that no dream is too big to go after, and to give them the confidence to pursue the things they are most passionate about in life.”

Question: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

“I have a few that keep me steadfast in my journey. One is from Deuteronomy 31:6. ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’ And while playing softball one of the teams I played on lived by these three mottos that I had really taken to heart.. And kept with me throughout my career as a student-athlete, applying them to all areas of my life; hard work and dedication, a relentless belief in yourself and your team, and APS a passion to succeed.”

Question: If I were to turn your iPod on right now, what five artists/songs would I see on your recent playlist?

“Amy Winehouse, The Nat King Cole Trio, Steve Miller Band, Katchafire.”

Question: If you could open up for any artist on tour who would it be?

“Annyette smiled and you could see her reliving a moment in her mind before divulging. “No Doubt.” As she looked up at me with a grin on her face she said “When they were doing their reunion tour and Paramore opened up for them my uncle took me to that concert. It was my first concert ever. He was my best friend. We immersed ourselves in their music for a week or so before the concert. It was amazing. Unfortunately, my uncle had passed from melanoma but those moments with him live on with me forever.”

Question: Are you ever nervous to perform these days?

“I love being on stage it’s like baking a cake then getting to eat it. All the hard work you do and then the big celebration!”

If you’ve ever had a chance to watch Annyette perform live you can see there is no fear, just fun, confidence and a style all her own.

Question: Tell me about your foundation, The Bucket Club..

“Giving back has always been apart of my heart. In college I had volunteered to take notes for one of the deaf students on campus. We became friends as I continued to take notes for him and the program throughout my four year stay. On top of taking notes I spent a lot of time out in the community volunteering extra time giving back to the people that made our program (softball) a possibility. The amount of hours that I had put in helped to raise awareness, spark involvement, and get more of my peers out in the community as well. The Bucket Club is is my way to continue on the tradition, still give back , and support.”

Question: Are you excited to be performing for Groove again and what do you expect to bring/contribute to the vibe of the event this time?

“Well its not my first time with Groove, I expect to bring what I always bring, my personality, a good time and great music.”  Annyette is especially excited to be apart of The Pink Ribbon Riot event since it is being held for Breast Cancer For a Cause.

In meeting Annyette I found a very rare woman who has passion, knowledge, heart and talent beyond her years. A legend who writes and co-produces her own music, plays a mean air-horn and has the best before and after performance ritual by kissing her fathers cheek. She’s a breath of fresh and to use her own words “an encounter that changed me a little, a piece of her charm to learn and take with me.”

Question: “What is on the horizon for Annyette Preston?” 

She inhales deeply, takes a moment to look down at the table exhales and looks up with the world in her eyes and pure bliss on her face. “Greatness.”