Canadian-British singer-songwriter Anne Garr is entering a new phase of her career, one that brings together performance, composition and musical leadership on a larger scale than ever before.
Currently serving as music director, composer and performing artist on Agape Beauty Shop II, a gospel-inspired NYC Off-Broadway stage production now moving into film, Garr is stepping fully into the kind of multidisciplinary role she has been working towards since childhood.
With a background spanning choirs, opera, musical theatre and multilingual performance, Garr’s musical foundation is rooted in both technical training and storytelling. That versatility is now being applied to scoring a narrative-driven project set in Atlanta, drawing on gospel, soul and blues influences while expanding her creative palette. Alongside this work, she is also completing her debut album, a deeply personal project shaped by faith, resilience and songwriting developed during periods of illness and recovery.
In this interview, Anne Garr reflects on earning her place on Agape Beauty Shop II, the challenges of composing for film, her collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Roy Hamilton, and how MN2S support has helped her navigate the business side of an increasingly global career.
You’re taking on multiple roles for AGAPE BEAUTY SHOP II as music director, composer and performer. How did you first become involved in the project?
I became involved with Agape Beauty Shop which is an Off-Broadway Gospel play when the producer/creator of this play put out a casting call for a “Music Director, Music Composer and Performing Artist” (called a triple threat) for this specific project. I decided to send in my EPK and give it a shot, I truly didn’t think I would get it because of my lack of experience on such big projects especially under the title of “Music Director” But I got a call-back about one-and-a-half weeks later and to my surprise was offered the deal. Ever since I was 12 years old, my dream was to compose a score and sing the soundtrack. I’m living that dream and I’m so blessed and thankful to the movie producer for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to do this.
What has it been like shaping the musical identity of a gospel-inspired stage production that’s now moving into film?
Shaping the musical identity of the movie is quite challenging but also a great learning experience. My sister is a music producer and she’s been instrumental in helping me shape the sound that we’re going for. I’m already learning so much from her and as a music producer she brings the skills necessary that I lack. I don’t doubt that together we’re going to find the right sound and the right feel for this movie. I’m also listening to different gospel, blues and soul inspired songs to help better capture the musical tone of Agape Beauty Shop ii which is set in Atlanta, Georgia.
How does composing for a narrative-driven project differ from writing songs for your own artist releases?
When I compose my own music, I’m usually writing songs that are heavily influenced by my Irish/Scottish heritage or songs in French as it’s my first language. With that said, I’m loving composing and exploring the themes of love, sorrow, revenge and faith that make up the themes for Agape Beauty Shop ii. It’s a challenge for sure to compose in musical styles I’m less familiar with but also a rewarding one as I’m learning on the go. Delving into these new musical styles has also given me some fresh new ideas for future releases.
Your background spans choirs, opera and Broadway. How did that training influence your approach to this score?
Yes, my background spans choirs, opera and musical theatre. This early training continues to help me especially when it comes to musical theory, song composition and song delivery. For example: my musical theatre experience taught me storytelling, how to connect directly with the audience and make every lyric and every note personal and immediate. I definitely want to bring that energy and soul into the soundtrack of Agape.
You’re currently working on your debut album. How does that project reflect where you are creatively right now?
The album I’m working on was born out of a season where my faith became an integral part of my life. Living with the debilitating disease of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) for over 10 years now, forced me to refocus my gaze on faith. It’s definitely a central part of my life now and in those moments of extreme pain and uncertainty I look to God to help me through. I remember going through a lot of difficulties in those early sick days and I would write poems and prayers, eventually those prayers became songs and that’s where I found the belief that even within my own physical limitations with God all things are possible.
I escaped the pain through writing and singing and it was in those moments where I felt the most peace and happiness. In this album there’s a mix of covers and original songs. Incidentally a song called “The Song Of Life” which I wrote when my sickness hit me 12 years ago will be featured in my album but also in the movie “Agape Beauty Shop ii”. I hope all the songs from this album and many more to come will give my audiences the same hope, joy and peace that they gave me in my darkest moments.
What was the experience of collaborating with Roy Hamilton like?
Roy Hamilton is a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum winning music producer and I definitely learned so much collaborating with him and the Singer’s Company Inc. a music company that he founded and currently manages. Roy is very much into pop, R&B and Gospel, he’s a multi-talented artist with years of experience having worked with global music superstars, past and present like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber and many others. He’s taught me so much, especially on how to navigate the music industry from contract negotiations, knowing how to spot red flags and the creation of songs from scratch. He’s a great talent, super knowledgeable in all things related to the music industry and I’m so honored to call him a mentor and friend.
Language plays a big role in your work, with performances in multiple languages. Do you see that multilingual approach shaping your future releases?
Yes, language forms a big part in shaping my releases. I sing in seven different languages and I specifically love singing in french since it’s my first language but also in English and Scottish-Gaelic as a nod to my heritage and my Scottish-born grandparents. I’m excited to say I’ll be releasing a version of “The Boatman” an English/Scottish-Gaelic song coming soon. I’m also looking forward to releasing songs in various languages to an international audience in the near future.
With MN2S supporting your digital distribution, how has that support changed the way you approach your career as an independent artist?
I signed with MN2S last year and it’s given me so much more of a global reach as an artist in addition to some practical support, guidance and advice on dealing with contracts and the business side of the industry which can be overwhelming at times. Grateful to my musical team at MN2S who are always ready to offer representation and support when needed. A huge thanks to them.
Looking ahead, how do you see your work across stage, film and recorded music developing over the next few years?
Looking ahead, I hope to continue in film, specifically scoring and performing on soundtracks. I would also love to star in a Broadway play one day. I’m also currently collaborating with a couple new music producers on original songs which I’m really excited to share when the time comes. I’d also love to do some song collabs with various artists such as Andrea Bocelli, crossover group Il Divo, Josh Groban and I would love to duet with country star Jelly Roll and most specifically Michael Bublé and Céline Dion who represent such an important part of Canada’s musical legacy and collaborating with them would be incredibly meaningful to me as a Canadian artist.
As of right now, I’m looking forward to releasing my own composition of ‘Ave Maria’ in Aramaic to be released on Good Friday this year and of course continuing my work on scoring, singing and directing with my film and music team the score and soundtrack for the gospel-inspired NYC off-broadway stage play turned feature length movie.. Agape Beauty Shop II, which we hope will be a great success!