Annie's London And Ireland.

Opinion column: Annie enthusiastically shares her fondest experiences in London, a city she has a long history with. She has spent countless nights exploring Soho, relaxing at Chiltern firehouse, and staying at the renowned Rosewood Hotel - a special favorite of hers. As she reminisces about her cherished moments, her expression turns wistful, and she says, "I don't recall too many of my best nights there..." Her affinity for pubs may be rooted in her Irish heritage, as she proudly claims to be "black Irish from Cork." She jokes that her Irish roots might be a "corny American thing," but emphasizes that "Clarke blood is rascal blood." Annie has visited Ireland numerous times, often taking the ferry from Wales: "I was once chased down a Welsh seaside beach by 14-year-old teenagers shouting... 'Show us your fanny,'" she recounts.

This anecdote offers a glimpse into Annie's adventurous spirit and her tendency to find humor in unexpected situations. Throughout her 20-year career in the music industry, Annie has faced various challenges, from navigating the ever-changing social hierarchies to finding innovative ways to stand out. A skilled photographer, she has learned to harness the power of a savvy photo opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Her journey to success is marked by colorful experiences, including touring in various vehicles, from a station wagon to a 12-passenger van, and eventually a tour bus. Annie regales me with stories of her rise to the top... some of which are far from glamorous. She recalls booking a gig at a venue that turned out to be an AA meeting, and struggled with moldy dressing rooms and playing to empty rooms.

Despite these setbacks, "Annie's tenacity and creativity have propelled her forward," and she has learned to laugh at the absurdities and find the humor in even the most trying situations. Her infectious enthusiasm and quick wit make her a joy to be around, "and her experiences offer a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of music and photography."

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Clearly enamoured, Annie is quick to tell me about her favourite times in London. She has a long history with city, and has since spent many nights wandering through Soho, lounging over the sofas of Chiltern firehouse and staying at the Rosewood Hotel – it's a favourite. 'I can't remember so many of my best nights there…' she says, wistfully.

Perhaps Annie's affinity for pubs can be traced back to her Irish roots, 'I'm black Irish from Cork,' she says. 'I don't know if that's just a corny American thing where everyone's like, we're Irish,' but 'Clarke blood is rascal blood.' She's visited Ireland many times, sometimes travelling from Wales via ferry to get there: 'I was once chased down a Welsh seaside beach with 14 year old teenagers shouting "show us your fanny,"' she says.

From the Gilded Age to the Met Gala of today, social hierarchies are always in flux ⁘ and a savvy photo op can make all the difference

Touring since 19, Annie's journey to success is a colourful one. 'First it was a station wagon, and then it was a minivan and then it was a 12 passenger van. Then it was a tour bus.' She's full of stories coming up on the music scene, some of them far from glamorous: 'I booked a gig at this place that turned out to be an AA meeting.' Others include mouldy dressing rooms and playing to empty rooms.

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