“One of Chicago‘s most treasured voices“ - Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune. “A perfect balance of grace and gusto.“ - Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader ANNA FERMIN SHOOTS IN A NEW DIRECTION FROM HER ALT-COUNTRY ROOTS After five years of exploring new avenues in life and music, singer/songwriter Anna Fermin unveils her penchant for pop and rock stylings, and releases her first solo collection of songs that aim her sultry voice straight into the heart of a broader appeal. Five independent releases with her alt-country band Trigger Gospel, and a long run of touring in the US and Europe behind her, Fermin did what many artists her age have done: started a family. “Once my first son was born, things slowed way down. We moved to Wisconsin and settled in as much as we could,” Fermin recalls. “After two years, I was ready to start making some new music, and ready to head back to the city.” Shortly after returning to Chicago, Fermin embarked on finding a producer for what would become her first solo project. She was introduced to producer/engineer Jay O’Rourke (Material Issue, The Fuzz-busters), with whom she recorded a seven-song EP entitled, “The Contender.” Two years and another baby later, she went back into the studio with producer Doug McBride (Veruca Salt, Rachel Yamagata) and recorded another five-song EP titled, “What It Could Be.” Fermin is releasing both EPs on March 27 and will debut her pop/rock-driven songs with an all new band at a series of rehearsal gigs in February at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. A CD release show at SPACE in Evanston on March 29 will kick off a series of regional performances. ABOUT ANNA It was the summer after college, when Philippine-born Anna Fermin discovered how one song would alter her life forever. She explains, “My musical ‘career’ began more as a love story than anything else. A guy I fell in love with serenaded me with a Steve Earle song called "Down the Road." I was incredibly moved by this gesture…I needed to learn how to do that. So I borrowed my aunt's guitar, asked her to show me how to play a couple of chords, and within a few days, I had written my first song “August Moon.” Fifteen years later… Anna is an award-winning singer, songwriter, recording artist and visual artist living and working in Chicago. Leading her alt-country band Trigger Gospel to much acclaim, they toured the country and Europe, winning over fans with her powerful voice and melody-driven originals. Releasing five albums independently, Anna has become, "one of Chicago's most treasured voices" (Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune). She is also the mother of two and is an advocate for the empowerment of women and girls in developing countries. Anna has opened for many notable artists over the years including the late great Johnny Cash, David Crosby, and Neko Case, among others. And as fate would have it, Anna also had the honor of opening for Steve Earle, where she serenaded the audience with her version of “Down the Road.” Her latest solo project has her diving head first into the poppy musical landscapes she loved as a teen, with her powerhouse voice and hook-laden melodies front and center, bringing new experiences and a new band to her sound. "My kids are a day to day inspiration for me, and have helped me see the world in ways I could never have imagined. This has definitely colored the way I write my music." In the song “Lovely,” ANNA muses about the awe inspired by the birth of her son. In “The Contender,” she speaks of the thrill of finding the courage to follow your instincts. If ANNA’s instincts prove her right, she’ll be inspiring audiences for years to come.