Annie Sidley, a Washington, D.C. based singer, songwriter and musician possesses a captivating and soulful pop sound that makes her an original creative force in today's music. As an artist, she is inspired by the R&B rhythms and melodies of old school soul as well as the sound of today's pop, funk and alternative music. Annie's voice has been compared with the strength and soulfulness of Aretha Franklin and her songwriting to that of Stevie Wonder and Prince yet she remains true to her own vision and distinctive sound.

Nowhere is her gift for songwriting more evident than on her critically acclaimed new release Diamond in the Sand featuring the single "Would You". Written and produced by Annie and her talented multi-instrumentalist husband and co-writer, Steve Sidley, Diamond in the Sand is an instant classic that combines elements of many different genres to create a cutting edge sound that is as unique as it is commercial. Annie's previous release, History, received praise from critics as well as medium and heavy rotation on more than 100 radio stations worldwide with its groundbreaking single "Come To Me" introducing her to audiences around the globe.

In concert, Annie's powerful voice and memorable songs are equally matched by her energy and presence while her amazing band features Steve Sidley as musical director as well as some of the most talented up and coming musicians in the United States. Annie and her band tour nationally and have shared the stage with Joan Jett, WAR, Chuck Brown, Paul Taylor, Joyce Cooling and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, just to name a few. She's played large festivals (American Redcross Festival, DC and Red River Revel Festival, Shreveport, LA), prestigious concert halls (Kennedy Center and Verizon Center, DC) and well known clubs (The Village Underground, NYC; The State Theater, Falls Church, VA and Blue's Alley, Washington, DC.) She's performed the National Anthem regularly on national television for NBA and WNBA games and has been featured on television and radio programs across the country. Annie's recordings and live performances have received high acclaim from the Washington Post and the Washington Times (see press kit for enclosed articles and reviews) and she has been nominated for "Best Urban/Contemporary Vocalist/Group" and "Best Urban/Contemporary Album" by the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA).

Passionate about her responsibility as an artist to give back to the community, Annie has organized and produced benefit concerts raising thousands of dollars to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, domestic violence and other worthy causes. Those who have seen Annie Sidley come to know her not only as an amazing performer but an enthusiastic and passionate artist whose quick wit and infectious charm create a connection with audiences both on stage and off. With a rare combination of depth and talent, Annie Sidley is an artist destined to leave her mark on contemporary music.

Washington Post review of "History", "Annie Sidley can sing circles around her competition in pop."..."History" unfolds with considerable ease and charm."

Chris Slattery, of The Bethesda Gazette says, "... she sings like a cross between Lisa Stansfield, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, with occasional ascension to Aretha-like heights..."

Washington City Paper "Oh, how this lady can sing...Annie's stunning vocal power is showcased on two must-have albums, Other Side of the Sun and History..."

"Hers is delicious music, mostly songs that she has written...very sophisticated compositions that show off to great effect what can only be called a gorgeous voice..." Ray Lane of the Washington Times.

"Soulful and funky, with an impressive voice and high-energy stage presence, Sidley has been compared with such major talents as Aretha Franklin and Chaka Kahn..." Marianne Meyer from the Washington Post.

Band members:

(photo by: Don Jones - Kennedy Center Performance)

Steve Sidley - Not-so-silent partner
( Musical Director/Producer/Co-Writer/Bass, Keys, Drums, Guitar, Vocals)

STEVE SIDLEY (bass, vocals) is a graduate of the Catholic University School of Music in Washington, DC. His bass can be heard on releases by dozens of artists such as Vertical Horizon, Derryberry & Alagia and The True as well as on radio and television including FOX-TV’s “America’s Most Wanted”. His amazing bass playing has been described by DC’s Scene magazine as “so phat and funky that he rivals Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers”.

EARL CARTER - Lead guitar
Over the years, Earl has performed with many local and world-renowned artists. As a side man and/or freelance musician, he has worked with Bobby Lyle, Marcus Johnson, Jaared, Alyson Williams, Nick Colionne, Bob Baldwin, Mike Phillips, Michael Lington, Freddie Jackson, Angela Bofill, Regina Belle, Rhian Benson, Tony Terry, Coolio, Bobby Humphrey, Gerald Veasley, Jimmy Sommers, Miles Jaye, Pamela Williams and many others. He performed at several national, international and local concerts and programs some of which aired on television including; The Ghana Jazz Festival 2003, The Bermuda Jazz Festival 2002, The Bermuda Jazz Festival 2003, The National Smooth Jazz Awards 2002 and many others. In addition to the festivals, he spent time participating in local cable TV show tapings and played on several CD recordings that received national airplay and/or distribution including; Bobby Lyle's - Straight and Smooth, Marcus Johnson's -Live @ Blues Alley, Marcus Johnson's Live - In Person DVD, Marcus Johnson's - Just Doing What I Do, Jaared's - Hangtime, Alyson Williams' - It's About Time, Yahzarah's - Black Star, Kim Scott's - Shake Down and Spike Lee's Soundtrack to Do The Right Thing.

(photo by: Marianne Meyers, Washington Post - The State Theatre WAVE AID Concert March 3, 2005)

Teddy Ray - Drums/Vocals
(In memory of Teddy Ray 1970-2005)

TEDDY RAY (drums) The rhythmic powerhouse behind Annie Sidley and MoJo Nation, Ted brings a hard-hitting groove that has been shaking up the D.C. funk and go-go scene for years. His energy and powerful drumming always leaves them screaming, "Go Teddy Ray...Go Teddy Ray...Go!" And Ted is, of course, forever and always...a lover. His influences are Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart and Teddy has performed with: MoJo Nation, Sam's House, Elegant Vilens, After Image, All 4 One, Uncle Chunky, Urban Funk, and Uncut.

Not only was Teddy one of the best drummers I've ever known, but he was also an amazing soul and a beautiful person! He will be sorely missed, he loved all unconditionally and brought a wonderful energy to any room he entered. May we all remember his sense of humor and love of life and music.