Born Anna Stephanie Struijk on June 24, 1986, in Roggel, Netherlands, she began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age. Her influences include classic American singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Carole King, as well as contemporary ones like John Mayer, the Dixie Chicks, and Ryan Adams. In association with the label CNR, she made her full-length album debut with Away from Here in 2005. It was a Top Five hit on the Dutch albums chart and spawned the singles "Away from Here," "The Poetry Man," and "You Versus Me." In addition to its commercial success, Away from Here was critically acclaimed, earning the 20-year-old singer/songwriter the Essent Award, a Zilveren Harp prize, and Best New Artist at the 3FM Awards. In the wake of the album's critical acclaim, Away from Here was re-released in 2006 with a bonus disc featuring several acoustic performances, including a cover of the Queen song "One Year of Love" that was released as a single. Ann reunited with producers Arno Guveau and Tren van Enckevort for her second album, Closer to the Heart (2007). Featuring the singles "Get Away" and "Baby Blue," Closer to the Heart was a Top Ten hit followed a year later by the Changes EP (2008). Her first effort released in association with Universal Music, third album Light Up (2010) found Ann working with Mitchell Froom, a veteran producer best known for his work with Crowded House, Suzanne Vega, and Los Lobos. Light Up reached the Top Five of the albums chart and spawned the singles "What Goes On" and "You Done Me Wrong." ~ Jason Birchmeier