Backtracking
Folk singer-songwriter, Annette Conlon, or “A” as I fondly dub her, has been a friend since 1998. We met in a little bar in Dallas when I was navigating my introduction into entertainment journalism and acting.
Since then we’ve recorded a rock song together, “Strength of a Woman” which is also featured in my book of poetry, “Curtains: The Collective Works”, and went our separate paths. She stayed with music, performing all over and founding and operating Nette Radio. I went on to publish a few novellas and produce and direct a few short films.
The original publication of the below article happened just before Annette and her husband, Doug moved to California. While there they formed the duo group, The Conlons. Following that, Annette ventured into a solo career with the release of her Americana and Blue Grass, Folk release, “Life, Death, and the Spaces Between”, funded by her successful Kickstarter campaign, raising nearly $10,000.
She’s also a passionate animal rights activist, vegan, the founder of the CompassioNette Tour and Nette Radio.
In 2018, the title track on her solo album is also featured in my short film, “A Day in the Life of Sarah Jane”
Crazy how life works out.
20 years ago, we met and wrote a song together, and now one of her songs will be featured on my short film. Enjoy the article and don’t forget to visit A at www.annetteconlon.com
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by: Kandie Delley {1998} originally published in the Dallas Entertainment Journal
I sat at the bar of the “San Francisco Rose” restaurant off of Greenville Avenue, fidgeting unbearably. I was about to conduct my first interview as a freelance writer. I believe my last pair of nerves had to have been shot anticipating this first assignment. I kept averting my gaze towards the entrance upon the slightest breeze from the doorway.
While drumming my fingers upon the bar panel and quickly skimming notes on the band, I tried to (unsuccessfully) mimic different ways to ask the same questions they’d probably heard time and time again. Finally, I was tapped lightly on my shoulder. “Are you Kandie?” I nodded and gathered my belongings. “Hi, I’m Annette.”
The first meeting
We shook hands and decided to sit outside, which in hindsight, I know never to do again. Mainly because of the screaming music filtering throughout the establishment, and snippets of conversation (which I know I wasn’t supposed to have heard) surrounding us distorted the reception of the recorder. Not to mention, the ongoing interruptions of “Mr. Wind” who successfully shuffled material about. Once organized, Annette tucked her shoulder-length blond hair behind her ears and slid a cigarette from her purse. She asked if I cared that she smoked, I shook my head.
Annette is the lead singer for the group, “Eden Automatic”, a rock band once based in Dallas, now in Los Angeles. The group is comprised of three additional members including her husband Doug Conlon, a lyricist, guitarist and composer. You can tell there is deep admiration, and a cohesive family unit within this band.
The members of “Eden Automatic” came together to create a sound that would make you tap your feet. “We love for our audience to get involved with our music instead of sitting around and talking about the events that preceded us. Music is supposed to make you dance, let loose, you know, have fun. We’re playing so you can leave your problems on the sideline.”
Annette took another puff from her cigarette and ran her fingers through her hair. I took a sip of my drink and moved the recorder closer to her. I remember thinking she does not fit my imagery of a rock singer. “I love all kinds of music. Music has no boundaries. We play what’s in us.” Annette continued.
The gutsy chick with a guitar
Since the age of seven, Annette has always felt that tugging sensation for singing. It wasn’t until she met her husband, Doug, that she decided to make it her long-term career choice. From an English Literature degree as well as a corporate profession as a graphic and web designer, she could’ve gone various routes to obtain her success.
“I mean, you gotta have an education. But you also have to do what makes you happy.”Doug was your typical rock singer. He was awesome I love everything about him. He really inspires me with his words and music composition.”
Annette talked about meeting her husband, and the several members that came waltzing in and out of the band known then as “Somebody’s Sister”.
“We changed members often, mostly because of personal interests. Especially when Doug and I decided to hook up with this supposed record label here in Dallas. The label proved to be bogus, but we took the bumps with the bruises. We had decided to move to Dallas anyway. It was a big step to move from family and friends back in Colorado. But I would not change my decision to come here.”
For a full transcript of this article included the Q & A segment contact info(at)kandiedelley.com