Angie Nussey

Lambda – Laurentian University Newspaper
Thursday, December 2nd, 2004
Angie Nussey’s (Paint and Turpentine) Wins over critic
By Ben Rowe – Arts and Entertainment Editor.

Hmmmmm, I thought another folky acoustic singer / songwriter. Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s certainly a great deal of appeal to listening to that kind of music. Ani DiFranco, Fiona Apple, and Canadians Sarah Harmer and Kathleen Edwards all make quality music that is worth listening to, but when Sudbury native Angie Nussey’s new album, (Paint and Turpentine,) showed up on my desk in the Lambda office, I yawned and rolled me eyes.

It seems like these kinds of artists are becoming a dime-a-dozen and are getting harder to tell apart from every crappy Avril clone, who are just fakes wanting to hit paydirt with pseudo angst. It’s becoming tedious and mentally exhausting trying to keep track of the newest female rebel do-it-your-selfer.

But wait. Before you do what I did and consign Nussey to the pile of alt-folk music, listen to her newest release, (Paint and Turpentine,) and try not to like it.

I dare you.

What Nussey has created is a layered, textured, wonderfully endearing, frank album that conveys all its ideas and meanings without resorting to clichés. And Nussey shows off a quirky, truly funny sense of humour at a few points on the album, singing about her black futon, her car, her cat, and getting hit right square in the eye with a badminton birdie in a grade nine tournament. You can here Nussey stifling her laughter during (The Futon Song) and (The Badminton Song.)

And Nussey doesn’t rely solely on the acoustic sound either. Listen to (Paint and Turpentine) and be pleasantly surprised by all the different sounds, including (Across the Room,) a song in which Nussey’s strong voice -no joke- sounds like Debbie Harry in a Blondie song. And it’s good, too.

Listen more and you hear some piano-driven songs and appearances by a wide and eclectic range of instruments, including a mandolin and a saxophone, which help to make this album diverse, and not just about a girl with a guitar. In fact, Nussey has said that the piano is her first and favorite instrument.

Blessed with a beautiful voice with plenty of range, Nussey lets it all hang out on this album. While hardly unique in examining the topics of life, regrets and love, Nussey puts it down in a matter-of-fact style that is refreshing, while still displaying the potential to become a gifted storyteller. It can be said that she’s a little unrefined at this point in her development, but that’s part of the appeal of the album. Her ability to speak honestly about her life experiences, without any bullshit or theatrics is part of what makes (Paint and Turpentine) a breath of fresh air.

In particular the song (Forbidden Thoughts) gives the listener a promise of this storyteller’s future skill. It’s a song about a stranger that borrows Nussey’s guitar and wows the crowd at one of her shows, and it’s told while being accompanied by a beat that screams rock and roll.

This is Nussey’s third album following on the heels of (Circumstantial Overload) in 2001 and 1999’s (Here’s My Demo.)

The Lively, Ontario native grew up in the Sudbury community and nurtured her skills at local venues like TowneHouse Tavern. She attended Laurentian University making it to the third year of a Science program before deciding to pursue a career in music – a pursuit that took her to Guelph and then to her current city, Toronto. Nussey returns to the Sudbury area fairly often, performing at local bars and clubs. Her CD release party for (Paint and Turpentine) was held at 100 Georges on November 11th.

Nussey’s next appearance in Sudbury is December 28th, at the TowneHouse. At that point, proof of her burgeoning career will be apparent by the fact that she will have played at the Rivoli and the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, two popular and key locations for up-and-comers.

I, for one, will be looking forward to hearing what this talented artist is going to create in the future.
- Lambda - Laurentian University Newspaper

Angie Nussey, formerly of Lively and now living in Toronto, with lead guitarist Ayron Mortley, performed Sunday afternoon at Northern Lights Festival Boreal. Nussey and her band were given a standing ovation for their performance of self-titled songs from her CDs.


- The Sudbury Star

Angie Nussey - On the long, hard road to becoming an overnight sensation
by Bob Bale
SUDBURY LIVING
Spring 2009

Angie Nussey’s still has a copy of her first tune, a somewhat concise but prophetic song performed on the family tape recorder:

“I’m going to be a famous singer one day. But I can’t right now. Cuz I’m only seven”.

An abbreviated list of her musical achievements over the past six years include the esteemed Toronto Independent Music Awards for Best Folk Act (2008), Female Performer Of The Year (2006), Best Song Of The Year (2006) and Northern Ontario Music And Film Awards for Best Song and Best Vocals On A Recording (2008) and awards from the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals for best song of the year in the humour category in 2007 (The Gynecologist Song) and 2006 (Hunny Bunny).

Other noteworthy accomplishments in her musical career include a top 100 finish in Canadian Idol (2003), the licensing of her songs including the documentary (Lesbian Porno Lessons), the independent film (Adam and Eve) and the CBC Television Series (Our Hero). She was also honoured by the selection of her song “No Choice” for the advertising campaign “Save The Children Canada.”

Of her copious festival and stage appearances, a trip to Africa in 2007 is the most memorable for distinct reasons:

“Unwritten Pages” was written for my best friend Karen. Her wedding was on the banks of the Zambezi River. As I sang the song, the sun was setting and the elephants were grazing on the leaves of the trees in the distance. It still sounds like a dream when I say it.” (quoted from the liner notes of the CD Little Tragedies).

Nussey had also been asked to peform in a living room in Africa for a sick friend. “Someone contacted the Canadian Embassy. The concert was moved to a theatre in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the concert was turned into a fundraiser for women affected by HIV. The theatre was packed. I was joined on stage by the winner and runner up from the Zimbabwe Idol contest.”

There have also been many lows in Nussey’s career primarily associated with noise filled bars with inattentive patrons. Her career worst?

“Aside from the few of not getting paid, the most demeaning was ending up in a bar where they thought I would strip as well as play”.

Angie cites her primary musical influences as her father “who could play anything he touched” and her mother, who sang constantly around the house. It became apparent during our interview that her mother, Del, has played a supportive and guiding role in her daughter’s career choice.

“I graduated from university with a Bachelor Of Science. I was having issues deciding what to do.” When asked for direction, Del offered simple advice “You like to sing. I just want you to be happy.”

Armed with her mother’s blessing, Nussey headed for Southern Ontario in 1999 to pursue music as an occupation, a choice she had intuitively sensed was right for her since her teenage years. She began playing solo shows and hosting open jams in clubs such as Van Gough’s Ear in Guelph where she played every Monday night for five years.

Like most Canadian musicians, Nussey faced the cold reality of an empty refrigerator, which, in turn, tends to stimulate the appetite to find a more lucrative form of work.

“I started working for an insurance company in Toronto. While working there, I played twice a week at bars including The Office and The Kiwi Kick. Work at the insurance company went from full time to part time to sometimes to no time. I earned enough to finance my first album and that was it.”

Nussey has recorded several albums including, 1999 (Here’s My Demo), 2002 (Circumstantial Overload), 2005 (Paint and Turpentine) and two albums in 2007 (Silly Songs and Little Tragedies).

My first exposure to Nussey was in 2002 when she was performing songs from Circumstantial Overload to a receptive crowd of over 100 fans in her hometown of Lively. I remember enjoying the warm vibes of the July evening at an outdoor concert where Nussey captured my attention with the following lyrics:

“Maybe I should have never left town, yeah things would’ve turned out alright. I should’ve stayed in that cover band I was playin’ in, we could’ve played every Friday night. I would’ve never ran into the troubles I ran into, I would have never have been let down. Maybe I should have stayed in that nest I had built for me, I would have never had to see the ground. But no mistake will ever be as bad as sayin’ Man I wish I had….man I wish I had.”

In questioning Nussey about the events that have transpired between that 2002 concert and present day, I ask if she has ever regretted taking the road less traveled.

“I was never into it to make millions of dollars. I just want to be happy and make a living at music.”


While I believe the word quit has likely been erased from this feisty woman’s dictionary, an occasional song will surface on her albums to provide insight into the struggles she faces a - Sudbury Living

Angie Nussey - On the long, hard road to becoming an overnight sensation
by Bob Bale
SUDBURY LIVING
Spring 2009

Angie Nussey’s still has a copy of her first tune, a somewhat concise but prophetic song performed on the family tape recorder:

“I’m going to be a famous singer one day. But I can’t right now. Cuz I’m only seven”.

An abbreviated list of her musical achievements over the past six years include the esteemed Toronto Independent Music Awards for Best Folk Act (2008), Female Performer Of The Year (2006), Best Song Of The Year (2006) and Northern Ontario Music And Film Awards for Best Song and Best Vocals On A Recording (2008) and awards from the Ontario Council Of Folk Festivals for best song of the year in the humour category in 2007 (The Gynecologist Song) and 2006 (Hunny Bunny).

Other noteworthy accomplishments in her musical career include a top 100 finish in Canadian Idol (2003), the licensing of her songs including the documentary (Lesbian Porno Lessons), the independent film (Adam and Eve) and the CBC Television Series (Our Hero). She was also honoured by the selection of her song “No Choice” for the advertising campaign “Save The Children Canada.”

Of her copious festival and stage appearances, a trip to Africa in 2007 is the most memorable for distinct reasons:

“Unwritten Pages” was written for my best friend Karen. Her wedding was on the banks of the Zambezi River. As I sang the song, the sun was setting and the elephants were grazing on the leaves of the trees in the distance. It still sounds like a dream when I say it.” (quoted from the liner notes of the CD Little Tragedies).

Nussey had also been asked to peform in a living room in Africa for a sick friend. “Someone contacted the Canadian Embassy. The concert was moved to a theatre in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the concert was turned into a fundraiser for women affected by HIV. The theatre was packed. I was joined on stage by the winner and runner up from the Zimbabwe Idol contest.”

There have also been many lows in Nussey’s career primarily associated with noise filled bars with inattentive patrons. Her career worst?

“Aside from the few of not getting paid, the most demeaning was ending up in a bar where they thought I would strip as well as play”.

Angie cites her primary musical influences as her father “who could play anything he touched” and her mother, who sang constantly around the house. It became apparent during our interview that her mother, Del, has played a supportive and guiding role in her daughter’s career choice.

“I graduated from university with a Bachelor Of Science. I was having issues deciding what to do.” When asked for direction, Del offered simple advice “You like to sing. I just want you to be happy.”

Armed with her mother’s blessing, Nussey headed for Southern Ontario in 1999 to pursue music as an occupation, a choice she had intuitively sensed was right for her since her teenage years. She began playing solo shows and hosting open jams in clubs such as Van Gough’s Ear in Guelph where she played every Monday night for five years.

Like most Canadian musicians, Nussey faced the cold reality of an empty refrigerator, which, in turn, tends to stimulate the appetite to find a more lucrative form of work.

“I started working for an insurance company in Toronto. While working there, I played twice a week at bars including The Office and The Kiwi Kick. Work at the insurance company went from full time to part time to sometimes to no time. I earned enough to finance my first album and that was it.”

Nussey has recorded several albums including, 1999 (Here’s My Demo), 2002 (Circumstantial Overload), 2005 (Paint and Turpentine) and two albums in 2007 (Silly Songs and Little Tragedies).

My first exposure to Nussey was in 2002 when she was performing songs from Circumstantial Overload to a receptive crowd of over 100 fans in her hometown of Lively. I remember enjoying the warm vibes of the July evening at an outdoor concert where Nussey captured my attention with the following lyrics:

“Maybe I should have never left town, yeah things would’ve turned out alright. I should’ve stayed in that cover band I was playin’ in, we could’ve played every Friday night. I would’ve never ran into the troubles I ran into, I would have never have been let down. Maybe I should have stayed in that nest I had built for me, I would have never had to see the ground. But no mistake will ever be as bad as sayin’ Man I wish I had….man I wish I had.”

In questioning Nussey about the events that have transpired between that 2002 concert and present day, I ask if she has ever regretted taking the road less traveled.

“I was never into it to make millions of dollars. I just want to be happy and make a living at music.”


While I believe the word quit has likely been erased from this feisty woman’s dictionary, an occasional song will surface on her albums to provide insight into the struggles she faces a - Sudbury Living

PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER
Nov 2008

Angie Nussey is looking for gems in Peterborough.

The "Best Folk" artist 2008 at the Toronto Independent Music Awards, Canadian singer/ songwriter is coming to Peterborough in November to perform and film the latest installment of her "Gem" video series at Trent University and Fleming College.

Each installment features (primarily) women of one particular community contributing one verse from Nussey's song "Gem" to create a music video collage aired on Nussey's website and YouTube, states a press release.

"It's amazing how in every city, every person, offers their own energy to the song," stated Nussey.

"To be honest though, I just love meeting and getting to know everyone who wants to be a part of it!"

The Peterborough "Gem" video will be filmed Nov. 4 and 5 on the campuses.

The video series began two months ago in Sudbury, and new installments have been filmed in Calgary, Edmonton and Lively. Nussey strives to deliver her message of self-acceptance, empowerment and inspiration to women across the country, it states.

Women (and men) are welcome to sign-up in advance to participate by logging onto her website and sending an email to the production team at www.angienussey.com

The filming of "Gem" will also serve to promote Nussey's upcoming concert, "A Night in Comfortable Shoes", set for Friday, Nov. 14, at Market Hall.

Tickets are available ($15/$12) at Showplace box office or at the door the night of the performance. - Peterborough Examiner

by Scott Bremner
April 2009

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview singer/songwriter Angie Nussey, who took home the win in the ‘Best Folk’ category at last year’s Toronto Independent Music Awards (along with many others over the years).

The following interview is comprised of three individual sections. The first focuses on ‘Word and Phrase Association’ questions while the second offers more-in-depth answers regarding her career and her thoughts about music. For the last bunch of questions we revisit Nussey’s last effort, ‘Little Tragedies’ as she currently works on the follow-up.

Want to know more? Read On!

Section I: Words & Phrases

1. “And the winner is….” - Evening gown.

2. “ I was on Canadian Idol and…” learning experience.

(Nussey was a constant in 2003- considered one of the 100 best singers in the country).

3. “Music means to me… “ - love, comfort, and adventure.

4. “This is the era of new media and …” - I’m fascinated by it.

5. “True happiness is…” - Sharing love.

6 “The best thing about university was…” - I met my lifelong friends there.

/”The worse thing about university was…” - having to take summer school.

7 “My fans…” - seem a lot like my friends.

8. “On my next record….” - I will work a lot more on my performance.

9. “Hope Café Records has allowed me to…” - Has allowed me to embrace the music business side as well as the artist side.

10. “In twenty years I want people to people say (blank) about my music.” - this helped me get through a rough time

11. “The forefathers/foremothers of Canadian music are…” K.D. Lang, Leonard Cohen, Rush, Bryan Adams, and Joni Mitchell.

12. “Charity”. “Helping.”
13. “”Commercials.” “ Funny sometimes.”
14. “Lively, Ontario”. “Family.”
15. “Humorous”. “ Smile.”
16. “Folk”. “Wagon.”
17. “Touring.” “Rental Car.”
18. “Songwriting”. “Bedroom.”
19. “Gig.” “Organizer.”
20. “MP3.” “ Amazingly small”.
21. “Artist”. “Sarah Slean.”
22. “Superstar.”” Florescent Pink.”
23. “Independent.” “Single mom.”

Section II Questions: Career and Music

1. Over the years you’ve been nominated for and won several awards, including ‘Best Folk’ at last year’s TIMA’s. You also had the honor of being named ‘Female Performer of the Year’ in 2005 as well as 2006. What do awards mean to you?

I have an appreciation for awards because they can sometimes help legitimize your efforts in the eyes of the media or event organizers. I also think that awards such as the TIMAs bring a variety of artists
together, which would never happen under any other circumstances. There is always a difficulty in
having your art judged against others. These are our heart and souls being put out there, so to hear it’s
not “good” enough is hard for any artist. In all truth, I’ve lost a lot music awards than I’ve won.

2. If you could sum of the experience you had six years ago on the television show with ‘Canadian Idol’, in five words or less what words would they be and why?

“Stressful, intimidating, challenging, frustrating, emotional, confusing….whoops that makes 6 words…I’m always breaking the rules : )”

“Six years ago I was still struggling with who I was as a person. I wanted recognition as a songwriter, but I would have settled for any kind of recognition at the time. In other words, I still didn’t know what kind of success would make me truly happy. I snubbed the idea of Canadian Idol while still, secretly, wishing for recognition on a larger scale. By having these two, conflicting feelings, it was quite an internal battle. “

3. What was the first concert you ever went too and what did you think of it?

“I think my first real concert was to see ‘Frozen Ghost’ and ‘Platinum Blonde” at the Sudbury Arena. I went to see it with my Mom. I think I liked it.”

4. You started writing at age seven correct? Do you remember what the song was about and how you felt after you had written it?

“I actually have a recording (on one of those hand-held recorders) of one of my first songs. I’m basically singing about how I’m going to be famous one day but I can’t right now because I’m only seven. I think I was quite proud of it.”

5. You’ve released four albums in the last 10 years correct? What did each one teach you and how will they affect your next release?

“Yup, there have been four releases and one, 10-song demo in 1999. I mention the demo because I think it was the biggest step. It got me in the studio and showed me how things are done. My second release, ‘Circumstantial Overload’ was a much bigger undertaking as I recorded it with a band and learned how to work with other people. The third, ‘Paint and Turpentine’ taught me the power of compromise as I learned how to work with a producer. This was also a real test on my ego because I was constantly being challenged to become a better performer both on stage and in studio. ‘Silly Son - Toronto Independent Music Awards (web site)

PETERBOROUGH EXAMINER
Nov 2008

Angie Nussey is looking for gems in Peterborough.

The "Best Folk" artist 2008 at the Toronto Independent Music Awards, Canadian singer/ songwriter is coming to Peterborough in November to perform and film the latest installment of her "Gem" video series at Trent University and Fleming College.

Each installment features (primarily) women of one particular community contributing one verse from Nussey's song "Gem" to create a music video collage aired on Nussey's website and YouTube, states a press release.

"It's amazing how in every city, every person, offers their own energy to the song," stated Nussey.

"To be honest though, I just love meeting and getting to know everyone who wants to be a part of it!"

The Peterborough "Gem" video will be filmed Nov. 4 and 5 on the campuses.

The video series began two months ago in Sudbury, and new installments have been filmed in Calgary, Edmonton and Lively. Nussey strives to deliver her message of self-acceptance, empowerment and inspiration to women across the country, it states.

Women (and men) are welcome to sign-up in advance to participate by logging onto her website and sending an email to the production team at www.angienussey.com

The filming of "Gem" will also serve to promote Nussey's upcoming concert, "A Night in Comfortable Shoes", set for Friday, Nov. 14, at Market Hall.

Tickets are available ($15/$12) at Showplace box office or at the door the night of the performance. - Peterborough Examiner

Best Folk Artist 2008 Angie Nussey to perform for “Gems” at Fielding Park
Nov 2008

When Angie Nussey came home to Lively in September to perform as part of the SCARF tour, she brought along with her a movie camera to film her music video “Gem”.

What she captured, was more than 40 precious people from the community willing to star in the hometown version of the cross-Canada video project which can now airing on Nussey’s web site (www.angienussey.com) and on YouTube.

“There was never any doubt that Lively had to be one of the first cities we shot the video in,” said Nussey. “The support I’ve always received from them gave me further incentive to show off all of my beautiful hometown people in the video”.

Now, nearly two months later and as part of her Ontario Tour, “A Night in Comfortable Shoes”, Nussey is returning to play a show for her “Gems” and the rest of the community at Fielding Park on Sunday, Nov. 23. The Lively performance follows Nussey’s show on Manitoulin Island at Café in the Woods on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The show will also feature the great talents of local musician, Matt Foy, and local visual artist, Debra Lynn Ireland.

There is limited seating and tickets ($15) are only available at the door on the night of the show beginning at 6:30 pm (show starts at 7 pm sharp).

For more info see www.angienussey.com. - Sudbury Star

by Scott Bremner
April 2009

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview singer/songwriter Angie Nussey, who took home the win in the ‘Best Folk’ category at last year’s Toronto Independent Music Awards (along with many others over the years).

The following interview is comprised of three individual sections. The first focuses on ‘Word and Phrase Association’ questions while the second offers more-in-depth answers regarding her career and her thoughts about music. For the last bunch of questions we revisit Nussey’s last effort, ‘Little Tragedies’ as she currently works on the follow-up.

Want to know more? Read On!

Section I: Words & Phrases

1. “And the winner is….” - Evening gown.

2. “ I was on Canadian Idol and…” learning experience.

(Nussey was a constant in 2003- considered one of the 100 best singers in the country).

3. “Music means to me… “ - love, comfort, and adventure.

4. “This is the era of new media and …” - I’m fascinated by it.

5. “True happiness is…” - Sharing love.

6 “The best thing about university was…” - I met my lifelong friends there.

/”The worse thing about university was…” - having to take summer school.

7 “My fans…” - seem a lot like my friends.

8. “On my next record….” - I will work a lot more on my performance.

9. “Hope Café Records has allowed me to…” - Has allowed me to embrace the music business side as well as the artist side.

10. “In twenty years I want people to people say (blank) about my music.” - this helped me get through a rough time

11. “The forefathers/foremothers of Canadian music are…” K.D. Lang, Leonard Cohen, Rush, Bryan Adams, and Joni Mitchell.

12. “Charity”. “Helping.”
13. “”Commercials.” “ Funny sometimes.”
14. “Lively, Ontario”. “Family.”
15. “Humorous”. “ Smile.”
16. “Folk”. “Wagon.”
17. “Touring.” “Rental Car.”
18. “Songwriting”. “Bedroom.”
19. “Gig.” “Organizer.”
20. “MP3.” “ Amazingly small”.
21. “Artist”. “Sarah Slean.”
22. “Superstar.”” Florescent Pink.”
23. “Independent.” “Single mom.”

Section II Questions: Career and Music

1. Over the years you’ve been nominated for and won several awards, including ‘Best Folk’ at last year’s TIMA’s. You also had the honor of being named ‘Female Performer of the Year’ in 2005 as well as 2006. What do awards mean to you?

I have an appreciation for awards because they can sometimes help legitimize your efforts in the eyes of the media or event organizers. I also think that awards such as the TIMAs bring a variety of artists
together, which would never happen under any other circumstances. There is always a difficulty in
having your art judged against others. These are our heart and souls being put out there, so to hear it’s
not “good” enough is hard for any artist. In all truth, I’ve lost a lot music awards than I’ve won.

2. If you could sum of the experience you had six years ago on the television show with ‘Canadian Idol’, in five words or less what words would they be and why?

“Stressful, intimidating, challenging, frustrating, emotional, confusing….whoops that makes 6 words…I’m always breaking the rules : )”

“Six years ago I was still struggling with who I was as a person. I wanted recognition as a songwriter, but I would have settled for any kind of recognition at the time. In other words, I still didn’t know what kind of success would make me truly happy. I snubbed the idea of Canadian Idol while still, secretly, wishing for recognition on a larger scale. By having these two, conflicting feelings, it was quite an internal battle. “

3. What was the first concert you ever went too and what did you think of it?

“I think my first real concert was to see ‘Frozen Ghost’ and ‘Platinum Blonde” at the Sudbury Arena. I went to see it with my Mom. I think I liked it.”

4. You started writing at age seven correct? Do you remember what the song was about and how you felt after you had written it?

“I actually have a recording (on one of those hand-held recorders) of one of my first songs. I’m basically singing about how I’m going to be famous one day but I can’t right now because I’m only seven. I think I was quite proud of it.”

5. You’ve released four albums in the last 10 years correct? What did each one teach you and how will they affect your next release?

“Yup, there have been four releases and one, 10-song demo in 1999. I mention the demo because I think it was the biggest step. It got me in the studio and showed me how things are done. My second release, ‘Circumstantial Overload’ was a much bigger undertaking as I recorded it with a band and learned how to work with other people. The third, ‘Paint and Turpentine’ taught me the power of compromise as I learned how to work with a producer. This was also a real test on my ego because I was constantly being challenged to become a better performer both on stage and in studio. ‘Silly Son - Toronto Independent Music Awards (web site)

MUSIC (March 13, 2008)

Angie Nussey

Hey, buddy, you’ve got to hear this song

EDEN MUNRO / eden@vueweekly.com

A few years ago Angie Nussey started university with intentions of a career in medicine. Then she experienced that feeling that a lot of students get: doubt. It’s easy to decide on a career when you’re looking at things like course names and potential salaries on paper, but goals can change once you get down to earning that degree and really see what it’s all about. Once Nussey began working towards that career, she decided that maybe medicine wasn’t exactly what she wanted to spend her life doing after all.

“Isn’t that the way it goes?” she laughs over the phone from Toronto. “And I think some people can handle it mentally—they can push through. I admire those people who’ve got the determination to set their mind on something and even if it seems a little different from what they thought, they can push through, but with me I can’t. I just get so depressed and it always seems that the wind is pushing me [towards music]. I’ve been at this for 10 years and it seems like even in my times of trying to quit performing in public and just sort of doing it on my own, it always seems like something will come up that will make me go out again and do it again and it just seems like the right thing to do.

“I’ve been playing since I was seven and writing since I was young, too, but I didn’t really consider it a career until I got into university,” she continues, recalling her transition from medicine to music. “I was a bit bummed out and not really happy with where I was, and my mom said, ‘Well, you really like to sing and you’ve got all these songs, you should probably try doing something with music,’ and at that point I ended up going into opera-singing lessons and I joined a cover band on the weekends and I liked it. I like a lot of aspects of it—it’s an interesting business—and I think somebody’s got to do it. You’ve got to have musicians or the world would be really boring.”

These days, Nussey is well aware that the world is a changing place for musicians. With digital distribution become increasingly popular, Nussey has made her music available in CD form through internet sites like CD Baby and Indie Pool, and in an entirely digital format through iTunes.

“This digital shift—I don’t feel ahead of it, that’s for sure,” she chuckles. “I’m definitely not against the new digital era because I think there will be a lot less waste as far as CD covers go, and stuff like that, but there is a nervous feeling among a lot of musicians ... I think there will be a section of time that it’ll be hard to make a living at what we do, especially off of our music, but those times are changing too. It’s a matter of getting it worked out and pushing through that little section of time.”

The internet has made it possible for pretty much anyone with a computer to put their music out there for everyone to hear, resulting in an increasing deep pool of artists for listeners to wade through, but Nussey isn’t worried that the wider availability of music will signal the end for artists making a living in the business.

“It seems like good songs and good music, they stand out,” she states. “It still ends up coming around by word of mouth. That’s how I usually find out about music. Someone says, ‘You’ve got to listen to this.’ Those who have something really special, you end up finding them anyway.” V


Fri, Mar 14 (7:30 pm)
Angie Nussey
With Ben Sures
Queen Alexandra Community Hall, $18

- Vue Weekly

MUSIC (March 13, 2008)

Angie Nussey

Hey, buddy, you’ve got to hear this song

EDEN MUNRO / eden@vueweekly.com

A few years ago Angie Nussey started university with intentions of a career in medicine. Then she experienced that feeling that a lot of students get: doubt. It’s easy to decide on a career when you’re looking at things like course names and potential salaries on paper, but goals can change once you get down to earning that degree and really see what it’s all about. Once Nussey began working towards that career, she decided that maybe medicine wasn’t exactly what she wanted to spend her life doing after all.

“Isn’t that the way it goes?” she laughs over the phone from Toronto. “And I think some people can handle it mentally—they can push through. I admire those people who’ve got the determination to set their mind on something and even if it seems a little different from what they thought, they can push through, but with me I can’t. I just get so depressed and it always seems that the wind is pushing me [towards music]. I’ve been at this for 10 years and it seems like even in my times of trying to quit performing in public and just sort of doing it on my own, it always seems like something will come up that will make me go out again and do it again and it just seems like the right thing to do.

“I’ve been playing since I was seven and writing since I was young, too, but I didn’t really consider it a career until I got into university,” she continues, recalling her transition from medicine to music. “I was a bit bummed out and not really happy with where I was, and my mom said, ‘Well, you really like to sing and you’ve got all these songs, you should probably try doing something with music,’ and at that point I ended up going into opera-singing lessons and I joined a cover band on the weekends and I liked it. I like a lot of aspects of it—it’s an interesting business—and I think somebody’s got to do it. You’ve got to have musicians or the world would be really boring.”

These days, Nussey is well aware that the world is a changing place for musicians. With digital distribution become increasingly popular, Nussey has made her music available in CD form through internet sites like CD Baby and Indie Pool, and in an entirely digital format through iTunes.

“This digital shift—I don’t feel ahead of it, that’s for sure,” she chuckles. “I’m definitely not against the new digital era because I think there will be a lot less waste as far as CD covers go, and stuff like that, but there is a nervous feeling among a lot of musicians ... I think there will be a section of time that it’ll be hard to make a living at what we do, especially off of our music, but those times are changing too. It’s a matter of getting it worked out and pushing through that little section of time.”

The internet has made it possible for pretty much anyone with a computer to put their music out there for everyone to hear, resulting in an increasing deep pool of artists for listeners to wade through, but Nussey isn’t worried that the wider availability of music will signal the end for artists making a living in the business.

“It seems like good songs and good music, they stand out,” she states. “It still ends up coming around by word of mouth. That’s how I usually find out about music. Someone says, ‘You’ve got to listen to this.’ Those who have something really special, you end up finding them anyway.” V


Fri, Mar 14 (7:30 pm)
Angie Nussey
With Ben Sures
Queen Alexandra Community Hall, $18

- Vue Weekly

Canada meets Zimbabwe in "A Summer's Evening of Song"
(Oct 2007)

Angie Nussey (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
Angie Nussey, an accomplished independent Canadian singer/songwriter, supported by acclaimed Zimbabwean musician Dudu Manhenga and her band, the Color Blu, performed on October 19, 2007, in Harare, at a benefit show organized by the Canadian Embassy.
Dubbed “A Summer’s Evening of Song,” the fundraising concert raised Z$555 million for women affected by HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the event will be shared between two local non-governmental organizations (NGO), the Women and AIDS Support Network (WASN) and the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN).


Dudu Manhenga (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
“I am impressed that young women artists like Angie and Dudu are not only using their talent for entertainment, but to raise awareness on central issues to the development of all societies. I commend both musicians for their noble and generous work,” said Canada’s envoy to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Ambassador Roxanne Dubé at a pre-concert reception.
“I’m thrilled to be able to perform in Zimbabwe and to contribute to such a good cause,” said Nussey, who recently released her third full-length album, “Little Tragedies.” Nussey has won consecutive awards from the Toronto Independent Music Awards, including best Female Performer, Best Acoustic Act and Best Songwriter among others. Back home, she is involved with various charity organizations involving women and children such as Breast Cancer Research and Save The Children - Canada.

Manhenga, well-known and appreciated from the Zimbabwean public, is also actively involved in the women’s movement and uses her music to advocate for the rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe. “I am passionate about issues affecting women and I will always avail myself to support initiatives that improve the lives of women. I am pleased to collaborate with Angie in this effort to contribute towards enhancing the lives of women, hence 10 percent of my CD sales at the concert will go towards the selected organisations,” she said.


Dudu Manhenga and Angie Nussey perform a collaborative track
Ambassador Dubé said the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, particularly on women and children, required innovative approaches such as music to disseminate vital messages contribution to preventing the spread of the disease and the destigmatization of affected people.
Although adult HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe has declined from 25 percent in previous years to 18 percent in 2006, this figure is still high compared to other countries. According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 18.1 percent of the population of about 11.5 million are infected with HIV.

Women, in particular, have been worst affected by the virus, for various reasons including social and economic inequalities, as well as their biological make up. According to UNAIDS estimates, 58% of Zimbabwean adults living with HIV at the end of 2003 were female. This gender gap is even wider amongst young people where women make up almost 80% of people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with HIV.


Dudu and Angie (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
The performance was organized by the Canadian Embassy with the support of local corporate sponsors. Ambassador Dubé commended the corporate sponsors for their contribution towards the concert.
End - Canadian Embassy (web site)

Canada meets Zimbabwe in "A Summer's Evening of Song"
(Oct 2007)

Angie Nussey (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
Angie Nussey, an accomplished independent Canadian singer/songwriter, supported by acclaimed Zimbabwean musician Dudu Manhenga and her band, the Color Blu, performed on October 19, 2007, in Harare, at a benefit show organized by the Canadian Embassy.
Dubbed “A Summer’s Evening of Song,” the fundraising concert raised Z$555 million for women affected by HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the event will be shared between two local non-governmental organizations (NGO), the Women and AIDS Support Network (WASN) and the Zimbabwe Women’s Resource Centre and Network (ZWRCN).


Dudu Manhenga (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
“I am impressed that young women artists like Angie and Dudu are not only using their talent for entertainment, but to raise awareness on central issues to the development of all societies. I commend both musicians for their noble and generous work,” said Canada’s envoy to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Ambassador Roxanne Dubé at a pre-concert reception.
“I’m thrilled to be able to perform in Zimbabwe and to contribute to such a good cause,” said Nussey, who recently released her third full-length album, “Little Tragedies.” Nussey has won consecutive awards from the Toronto Independent Music Awards, including best Female Performer, Best Acoustic Act and Best Songwriter among others. Back home, she is involved with various charity organizations involving women and children such as Breast Cancer Research and Save The Children - Canada.

Manhenga, well-known and appreciated from the Zimbabwean public, is also actively involved in the women’s movement and uses her music to advocate for the rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe. “I am passionate about issues affecting women and I will always avail myself to support initiatives that improve the lives of women. I am pleased to collaborate with Angie in this effort to contribute towards enhancing the lives of women, hence 10 percent of my CD sales at the concert will go towards the selected organisations,” she said.


Dudu Manhenga and Angie Nussey perform a collaborative track
Ambassador Dubé said the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS, particularly on women and children, required innovative approaches such as music to disseminate vital messages contribution to preventing the spread of the disease and the destigmatization of affected people.
Although adult HIV prevalence in Zimbabwe has declined from 25 percent in previous years to 18 percent in 2006, this figure is still high compared to other countries. According to the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 18.1 percent of the population of about 11.5 million are infected with HIV.

Women, in particular, have been worst affected by the virus, for various reasons including social and economic inequalities, as well as their biological make up. According to UNAIDS estimates, 58% of Zimbabwean adults living with HIV at the end of 2003 were female. This gender gap is even wider amongst young people where women make up almost 80% of people between the ages of 15 and 24 living with HIV.


Dudu and Angie (Picture by Taurai Maduna)
The performance was organized by the Canadian Embassy with the support of local corporate sponsors. Ambassador Dubé commended the corporate sponsors for their contribution towards the concert.
End - Canadian Embassy (web site)