AGUA DE ANNIQUE Preparing To Enter Studio

AGUA DE ANNIQUE/ex-THE GATHERING vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen has issued the following update

"It's been one hell of a week.

"As you may know, I was in Canada, writing and recording with [Canadian multi-instrumentalist/producer] Devin Townsend [STRAPPING YOUNG LAD]. Forgive me if I speak too much about it, but that was absolutely a great experience. He's one of the best musicians I have ever met and a very nice and genuine person as well.

"We recorded lots of vocals for his new album, 'Addicted', and together we wrote four songs for my upcoming album. Let me tell you in all modesty: It's gonna be marvy!!!

"Another memorable experience for me was our show in Amsterdam at the Night of Tibet. We played a show with AGUA and I performed the Tibet song 'Als Je Ooit Nog Eens Terug Kan' together with Holland's finest musicians in front H.H. the Dalai Lama, who was there to speak. I am still in awe of his peaceful message. After we shook hands, I was able to feel his energy and warmth for hours.

"I can safely say this has been one of the most inspiring weeks yet. All this good energy will be put into good use, because it's almost time to record our new album. The songs are written, the studio is almost finished and our spirits are high. We have 16 songs to choose from and I guess about 12 will make the album. I will keep you all posted.

"Please note that coming Saturday the 13th of June we will play our last AGUA show at De Groene Engel in Oss, the Netherlands, before we lock ourselves up in our studio. We are looking forward to see everybody again and we'll have a good party indeed. To us this night will be kinda special, since we played all most non-stop since the release of 'Air' and 'Pure Air'. We'll be back on stage in the fall, but I hope you all come to join this festive show so we can say goodbye and wish you a good summer. Indie band WOOST will also be joining us on stage. They are one of my fave bands in Holland. Doors open at 8.30 p.m."

Anneke van Giersbergen staged two unique shows in February — at the Melkweg in Amsterdam, Holland (Feb. 12) and at the Oosterpoort in Groningen (Feb. 13). At these intimate performances, Anneke shed some light on her compositions through personal stories. Anneke was also joined on stage by Sharon den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION),Niels Geusebroek (SILKSTONE) and singer-songwriter Marike Jager. These artists also perform on Anneke's new acoustic album, "Pure Air".

As well as acoustic versions of songs from her solo debut, "Air", Anneke's "Pure Air" album contains some great collaborations. Besides Sharon den Adel, Niels Geusebroek and Marike Jager, Anneke is joined by Danny Cavanagh (ANATHEMA),John Wetton (KING CRIMSON, ASIA) and Arjen Lucassen (AYREON).