About

Anita Athavale writes and performs music that is refreshing and unrestrained. Through her desire to express herself through music, Anita has developed a passionate voice, and lyrical insights that are both distinctive and commanding.

Anita grew up in a family where musical expression was encouraged. Her family’s record collection laid the foundation for her introduction to songs, poetry and singing; listening to artists like John Mellencamp, Led Zeppelin, Paul Simon, Blondie, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac. The daughter of a mother with German/Czech heritage and a father from India, Anita was exposed to determination and cultural diversity from a young age.

“There were always records on and my dad took us to concerts, so I got to hear a lot of great styles of music from the time I was basically still in diapers. When I look back at my childhood, it’s clear that music has always affected me. I was really lucky to have parents that loved music and shared that with me.”

Anita lived in Windsor, Ontario until she was twelve, when her parents decided to move the family to New Zealand. Having to assimilate into a different country widened her perspective and she felt a deep respect for the Maori culture and their passion for voice in music. In New Zealand, she was inspired to act on her impulse to sing, which led her to try performing in school musicals, talent shows and a brief stint of voice lessons.

A few years later, Anita’s parents separated and she moved with her mother and brother from New Zealand, back to Canada. They settled in Prince George, British Columbia while Anita finished high school. In Prince George, Anita began listening to music of her own generation (Tori Amos, Liz Phair, Sinead O’Connor and Neil Finn, Nirvana, Pj Harvey) inspiring her to explore her own musical identity. A friend donated an acoustic guitar to her and she taught herself enough chords to play cover songs and dabble with songwriting.

“I started out just improv singing at open stages about whatever topic someone threw out there. Of course, that got ridiculous fast so I thought it was time to start coming to shows with something of my own to say. Female songwriters at the time were really personal and emotive and I realized that if I wanted to, I could make a platform for myself where I could sing about my thoughts on life.”

By the age of sixteen, Anita began playing open stages and coffee-houses, strengthening her resolve to write and perform her own songs. Within months of her debut performance, she had garnered enough attention to be offered opening slots for Canadian major label acts such as Holly McNarland, Moxy Fruvous and Spirit of the West.

After graduating from high school, Anita decided to bravely follow her passion for music and see where it could take her. After a short time in Vancouver (playing open stages, coffeehouses and laundromats), she moved to Calgary, Alberta in 1997. Over the course of a few years in Calgary, she was able to finally work with other musicians; hearing her songs fully realized both on demo projects and live on stage. While continuing to develop her live show, she was able to inject even more purpose and focus into her captivating performances.

In 2002, Anita released the acoustic album “The First Time”. That album sparked interest from major labels, and was included on the U.S. publication JANE magazine’s CD compilation (which featured acclaimed artist’s such as New Order and Kasey Chambers), as well as being one of most played albums on Canadian college radio that year.

“Making “The First Time” was a huge learning experience. I only saved enough funds to basically record my voice and my acoustic so all things considered, it represents exactly how raw I sounded at the time. I was surprised at the positive response. I thought I just made a “calling card” album but it turns out that I had made an album people are still talking about. That said, it sort of makes up for the week we spent in that garage-become-studio setup with no heat…”

Anita followed up the release of that album by touring Canada, sharing the stage with: Kathleen Edwards, Jason Colette, Danny Michel, Martina Sorbara, and the Cash Brothers. Getting the chance to showcase in Toronto and co-write as well, Anita crafted songs with Tom Wilson (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings), Andrew Cash (Cash Brothers) and Russell Broom (Jann Arden). She has since been a showcase guest at the Alberta Songwriter’s Series and has also been featured on CBC and CKUA radio.

After touring and promoting “The First Time”, Anita devoted more time to realizing her own songwriting and production style by creating two 3 song demos; one in 2003 and 2005. More time in the studio, working with talented musicians and producers strengthened Anita’s performance both on record and on stage. With new material and her own assured sound she ventured forth to make her next album.

Anita Athavale has now finished recording her second full length album, “In The Noise”. Her sincere approach to expressing her captivating voice and poignant lyrics, this striking collection of her newest songs highlights her diversity of talent and style while being catchy and thoughtful at all once. Recorded at Sundae Sound studios in Calgary, Anita co-produced the album with Dave Alcock (Falconhawk, ChixDiggit).

“I finally realized how fortunate I am to have something to say and how flattering it is that people are curious to listen to me. I didn’t edit my process and I recorded all the songs I set out to- even the ones that were most difficult personally and unique stylistically. The music industry would have you believe that you have to cram yourself into a box, but that’s not how I see myself. I grew up listening to real “albums” with great singles and great supporting tracks that soon become your true favourites. I wanted to make a real album, so I did.”

“In the midst of so many singer-songwriters in Canada, (Anita Athavale’s) powerful acoustic driven songs and rather heart- wrenching lyrics are what really set her apart. Canada will soon figure out what they’ve been missing.”
-Glenn Alderman (The Reflector)

“With hints of P.J. Harvey, Athavale possesses a shy charm… the already timid venue fell even more silent, Athavale began to shine, tentatively throwing her body into each note and phrase, before closing things with a rollicking guitar number.”
-Jacquelyn Francis (Umbrella Music .com)

“Drawing comparisons to Sarah Harmer and even Tori Amos… (Athavale’s Debut) is filled not with heartbreak songs of the usual sensitive-singer-songwriter… When Anita Athavale writes her songs, she draws from personal experiences with a wisdom that belies her tender age.”
-Mike Ross (Edmonton Sun)