Annette Philip is an Indian vocalist, composer/arranger, recording artist and choir conductor who thrives on experimenting with the human voice. Annette began working in the professional media circuit in New Delhi at the age of seventeen. She has since become an established recording artist, lending her voice to albums, jingles and voice-overs in nine languages, for television and radio. She also finds inspiration in musical theatre; performing, writing, and recording for various productions in India.

After being awarded a full scholarship, supported both by the college and the prestigious Inlaks Foundation in India, Annette attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.  During her time at Berklee, she was also the 2009 recipient of the Sylvia Zunz Memorial Scholarship for her commitment to learning and performing music from the Great American Songbook tradition, as well as a two-time recipient of the Oliver Wagmann Award for outstanding contribution to the vocal department.

Annette graduated in 2009 and received her degree in Professional Music, with courses providing an emphasis on improvisation, composition, and arranging. In 2010, Annette was inducted as a faculty member of the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music, as well as an ensemble director for Berklee’s Education outreach City Music Program. She also founded Berklee's first ever Indian Ensemble, one of the college's largest and most diverse ensembles with over 50 members currently.

I had a chance to listen to Annette at a concert in Berklee and her passion for music is evident in her infectious energy and enthusiasm as she led the ensemble.

 I think from a very young age, I realized that music was my life; it was something that I couldn't do without. I grew up in Delhi till age three and then my parents moved to Singapore. I remember as a child, my mother would let me watch cartoons on Television in the evenings but my interest lay elsewhere. It turns out that apparently I was very enthralled listening to Luciano Pavarotti and the opera. I loved to watch him and would listen with rapt attention to his show. This was when I was three or  four years old and pretended to play the piano. My parents realized that I loved music and sent me for lessons and today  when I look back, I am grateful that they gave me that opportunity. When we moved back to Delhi, I started performing at school and church events.In one of these events, I remember I sang a vocal line and Mr Samuel, our teacher heard it and urged me to take the mike. That is how I discovered singing.

Artists Unlimited, was my first effort at bringing people together through music.I am right now working on four active projects: The Annette Philip Quintet, Women of the World, The Jazz Urbane and 

Artistes Unlimited (AU). AU was a first-of-its-kind platform that sought to promote young artists in a non-competitive environment in the city of New Delhi. We did an experiment in New Delhi  where sixty of us all sang ‘Joyful Joyful’ and that was a great moment. The goal was to create a platform for young musicians to sing together. Till then, music was very competitive. What began as an idea in 2003 has now evolved into India’s largest and most diverse performing arts ensemble, with a rotating line up of over 250 artists.I have always felt that music should be open and inclusive and has a place for everyone. I am happy that more indie bands, voice overs and acapella groups are now active and thriving in Delhi. 

The goal is taking risks and doing what you want. To me,first and foremost I love working with people. Music brings people together. If you can leave your ego at the door and serve the music, that to me is an important attribute. I studied very hard and did well academically, and  was fortunate that I  made a career out of music. There was some reservations initially from my parents but they have supported me all the way. If you have the determination, skill set and invest in yourself there is no turning back. 

You must also consciously think about who you are and what makes you happy. Skill will come with practice and training. I think of myself as a constant learner. In 2006, I wanted to gain more expertise and  came to Berklee to study and understand music. Western music was my area of focus. Now, I'm teaching Berklee's first contemporary Indian vocal ensemble. It's combining concepts of Indian classical music and the Indian tradition in art, along with Western harmonic and arranging concepts. We have students from thirty seven countries all over the world and it is a work in progress. Ultimately that is what music is all about: communication, about seeing the similarities and celebrating the differences. It has given me a lot of positive energy.

My goal is to share our rich, diverse and age old tradition with the music community. Another wish if mine is learn the Carnatic Violin some day.

I have been inspired and influenced by quite a few but one name that I admire is AR Rahman. He is not only an amazing musician but a composer and an innovator, embracing music in all forms and giving a platform to unknown musicians. He also has a childlike approach to music. I remember a video of his  where he was shown the continuum instrument.His curiosity and excitement was palpable. It is so refreshing and inspiring to see that in an artist. I am also thrilled that we will see him in Berklee soon where he will be honored with a doctorate in October.

Ah! ( Laughs)I am currently teaching at Berklee, recording with woman of the world, Jazz Urbane and the Quintet. If  I am happy and content, I find I can manage my time.I do admit I am a workaholic and finding the balance is a work in progress. I try to get some exercise daily. Like any other creative instinct, the inspiration for music can sometimes come at 3am.We must remind ourselves to take care of our mind and body and take  time off to nourish and nurture it.

 I love to Bike. Boston is a friendly city for bicycles, I didn’t know how to bike till last year. I learnt from a lady in Somerville and now I do my groceries and go to  meetings on a bike. 

I love to cook and host people equally. My favorite is of course, the cuisine of Kerala from Avial, Thoran and the whole repertoire; I just have to master making the appam now.

 I am fascinated by ants. I remember once, I held a ant in my palm for two hours when it crawled on me. I think they are industrious and ingenious. 

Firstly the lesson I learnt in the last three years is you have nothing to prove to anyone including yourself. Secondly trust yourself – trust your instinct, trust your body and the signals around you. Trust that your life is going the right way.