We’re looking forward to introducing you to ANNEMARIE PICERNO. Check out our conversation below.
Hi ANNEMARIE, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Performing on a stage, and playing music along with creating it! There is a feeling of happiness and an aura when music feels good, and it is not only a physical sensation, but also an emotional zone, that, if the audience feels it with you, makes it even more special.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a Recording Academy /GRAMMYS® Voting member as an artist and musician. although that may sound glamorous, there is a long history and road traveled that got me to this honor. I am an entertainer and have an extensive background that began in schools where I loved theater, writing, and choir. In college I was deeply immersed in Musical Theater and found my acting, vocal, and comedic skills on big stages and regional theater shows. My first professional jobs were at Disney World and Busch Gardens doing comedy, which was a switch as I had always been shy as a child, however, performing on stage and exploring characters was always a new world for me. I took all my past learning and skills as a performer and began performing in bands, television, and some film as well as live celebrity impersonations, and eventually moved to Nashville to delve deeper into songwriting. As an artist I am Multi Genre and have a bluesy expressive voice, and I like to mix sounds of Country, Americana, Roots, Gospel and Blues. I write all my lyrics and work with Bob McGilpin, a Nashville producer who arranges my music and he is a wonderful artist himself and friend. I play guitar and piano and support Veterans events and also my local music venues and am an animal lover and support rescue organizations.
When performing live on stage I love to engage with the audience and have a lot of energy and usually an element of surprise to laugh with the audience. We need more laughter and human contact in this world, and music and performing is a great way to lift up others.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My teachers in school were such a powerful influence for me and nurtured my talents. From elementary to college, these mentors were always so kind and a positive encouragement to teach me about music, composition and theory, singing, acting, and the entertainment business. They could see talents in me and challenged me to keep learning, show up and do the work, and so many skills to navigate the entertainment industry. From a shy child to performing in front of audiences is a long history of constant learning, striving, rejections, and also successes and awards. I am forever grateful to these teachers who were gifted themselves, and who shared their wisdom and expertise because they believed in me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You are worthy and have your own unique gifts!” With millions of people in the world, no one individual is alike, though we tend to as society and across social media label people and things. To be different is not a curse, it is a blessing to stand out, explore new territories, and express yourself in ways only you can do.
I have a new single release out “Dreams and Wings” in all music stores with the music video airing on Bongo Boy Tv. This song encourages us to dream, and also to love freely and encourage those we love to dream and reach their aspirations. Even when we may fail, or feel discouraged, to lift others up and encourage and still love when they may leave, is the greatest gift you can give to another soul. The love is not lost, it has deepened as you have lifted them up to fly!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Talent is not always recognized, money is. Sadly the music industry, award shows, and commercial radio does revolve around making money. What you see in the news and press may not always be the “best” but who could afford the extreme amount of money to advertise to the masses. Artists do not “make it overnight.” You must work hard, stay professional, and understand the technical aspects of the business. You must be willing to learn the business side!
I enjoy discovering new talent and see many artists I never heard of before that possess such amazing talent. Through the Recording Academy, I mentored young artists in the GrammyU program, and I always advise “Learn as much as you can, always keep learning and exploring, and never compromise your artistry. Be professional and show up! ” We have to be willing to explore, go with the constant changes in the industry, but also stand up for what you believe in. Music has power, and we should use our voices to spread the greater good.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I am an artist, first and foremost. I help many people behind the scenes with promotion, resources, information, contacts, anything anyone asks me. I am willing to share my knowledge and help lift others up with their desires to succeed. I wrote a song called “What Will You Say” that explores the afterlife and crossing over, and asks how will people describe me when I am gone. The lyrics “Did I ever make you smile? Did I brighten up your day? Was I honest in your eyes? Tell me, what will you say?” is exactly that. I would hope that my music and heart will be remembered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annemariepicerno.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemariepicerno/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annemariepicerno/
- Twitter: https://x.com/amplifiedsound
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annemariepicerno/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifiedsound
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/annemarie-picerno
- Other: IMDB https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4987298/
Image Credits
Annemarie Picerno
Bongo Boy Records
