It’s often said that in order to move forward, it’s important to look back on where you came from. For Annie Bosko, it was the sound and feeling that her favorite country songs captured. Couple those with steel, fiddle and clever penmanship and you’ve got a recipe for some good ol’ country tunes, and that’s exactly what Bosko has delivered with her two newest singles, “Boots On” and “Neon Baby.”
Following her touching August release, “Dandelions,” Bosko’s newest efforts range from boot-stompin’ to sensual, offering a modern take on both the classic instrumentation and storytelling that the California native appreciates about the genre.
We chatted with Bosko about both new releases, her creative rejuvenation, exciting new collaborations and more!
Pro Country: You recently signed to Stone Country Records, which is run by industry veterans Benny Brown, Paul Brown and Jason Sellers. What does it mean to you to have the belief in your music from such highly-respected industry members and to join their talented roster of artists?
Annie Bosko: After years of doing the lone wolf indie artist grind, I’m grateful and thrilled to be supported by the Stone Country Records team. Not only are they highly respected, but they have integrity and heart. They are passionate leaders who aren’t afraid to take chances. Working with them has allowed me to climb mountains I once saw standing in the distance. It’s brought my artistry and business to a whole new level.
PC: Your three single releases this year have spurred a creative rejuvenation with your music. How have these songs re-inspired you and helped you present the artist you want to be?
AB: I feel like I’ve returned to my roots, but I’m creating from a place of more experience. I think “Dandelions” shows a new level of depth, spirituality and vulnerability from me as a vocalist and songwriter. The lyrics are poetic and draw a lot of imagery. “Boots On” is fun, sassy and empowering. I’m a 90s country kid, and it was fun incorporating those elements with bluesy guitar riffs and vocal runs. “Neon Baby” is sensual and retro with a modern spin. As a woman, it’s fun to sing and write about those things. I loved showcasing fiddle and steel on these tracks. They are an integral part of the history of country music. When I fell in love with country music as a kid, it went beyond lyrics and melody; it was also a sound and a feeling.
PC: One of your new singles, “Boots On,” is an anthemic, fiddle-laden song for country women. How important was it for you to have a song to represent women and to give them an anthem in that way?
AB: This is a song for the everyday working woman who has been busting her tail all week and now she deserves to blow off some steam. Guys seem to have so many songs about this, and I wanted one for the ladies. I’m actually finding men are really enjoying this song as well; probably because I’m not bashing them [laughs]. In the chorus, it says, “Love their man like crazy, while rockin’ ‘em babies, breaking hearts till the break of dawn.” Women do it all. My mom was at stay-at-home mom of five, and she is the hardest worker I know. Working women come in all forms, and they deserve to be celebrated.
PC: Your second new release, “Neon Baby,” is a loving waltz that’s loaded with steel guitar. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
AB: My longtime friend and collaborator, Bridgette Tatum, called me with the “Neon Baby” idea an hour before our co-write with Jeffrey Steele. Jeff is one of those writers you dream of getting to work with, and he is just the sweetest, coolest guy on the planet.
Bridgette said, “I ain’t gonna be your neon baby” over the phone and we hung up. I thought more on it and a light bulb went off. “I’ll be your neon baby. We don’t have to stay out at a bar. I’ll be the party.” Bridgette called me back and said, “Wait I got it. I’ll be your neon baby.” We were on the same wavelength. We got in the room with Jeff and he played that awesome guitar lick and groove. The song poured out naturally. We wanted something retro and classic, but with a modern spin.
PC: Can you tell us about your recent collaborations?
AB: As of recent, I’ve had the honor of recording duets with a few of my musical heroes, Vince Gill and Dwight Yoakam. Working with my heroes was a dream come true, and I can’t wait for you to hear these songs.
PC: Along with releasing “Boots On” and “Neon Baby,” what do you have planned for the rest of 2023 and going into 2024?
AB: I have exciting performances which will be listed on my website and a full-length album.
*All images by Ford Fairchild*
**”Boots On” and “Neon Baby” are featured on The Best of Pro Country playlist!**
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