Introducing Ariat Artist Annie Bosko

When you think of country music, Southern California might not be the first place to come to mind. For country musician and Ariat Artist Annie Bosko, it’s where she called home until she made the bold decision at 19 to pursue her music career in Nashville.

Described as having a voice as radiant as California sunshine, Annie was lauded by tastemakers like Rolling Stone Country as an Artist to Watch and is currently celebrating her latest releases, "Boots On" and "Neon Baby.” She’s also our newest Ariat Artist, and we’re thrilled to welcome her into the fold.

Annie's love for Ariat started at a young age when her mother gifted her a pair of Ariat boots. Now, she represents Ariat both on and offstage as an Ariat Artist.

“I feel like I’ve returned to my roots,” she said.

Her latest singles capture Annie’s authentic sound – a blend of her early musical inspiration and influence in Nashville. But even before she embarked on her cross-country road trip to Music City, Annie fell in love with country music during weekend drives on her father's farm. Her early musical days began with singing in church, recording jingles for a local composer, and eventually performing in local bands.

"I’m a smorgasbord of my family’s musical influence,” she said. “My dad’s love for country music definitely rubbed off on me. My mom would carpool a few too many kids in her station-wagon to school and blast The Judds, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion.”

Her siblings also heavily influenced her musical upbringing. “Being the middle of five kids, you hear a lot,” she said. “My older brother loved Garth Brooks and Michael Jackson. My older sister loved Trisha Yearwood and Alanis Morrissette. My little brother and I would spend countless hours singing on a little karaoke machine where he taught me how to belt out the big notes.”

Today, Annie cites artists George Strait and Shania Twain among her greatest influences.

“I fell in love with country music as a kid not only because of the lyrics, melody and storytelling, but, also because of the sound,” she said. “That sound evoked a feeling inside of me that was so strong I drove myself to Nashville at 19 years old to pursue my dreams.”

Since then, her personal musical style has evolved into a unique blend of country, pop, and rock, and her career has been filled with highlights.

“I got to sing with Celine Dion when I was 17 and I was blown away. Her talent is unmatched, but she is also incredibly kind and down-to-earth. She was inspiring to me both professionally and personally,” she said.

Her latest releases mark the culmination of many years spent discovering her authentic musical style. To further stay true to herself, Annie tries to weave messages of empowerment and authenticity into all her music.

“’Boots On’ is fun, sassy and empowering. It’s an anthem celebrating the everyday working woman who wants to blow off some steam at the end of a long week,” she said. “The working woman comes in all forms, and they all deserve to be celebrated. My mom was at stay-at-home mom of five and she is the hardest worker I know.”

In contrast, “Neon Baby” is a romantic, retro, and soulful sing-along country lullaby.

“There are many songs out there or songs where men talk about how they want romance,” she said. “Women want romance too, or at least they like to dream about it. The steel guitar takes it to a dreamy place, and I love the bluesy guitar riffs. Just like her music is reminiscent of those weekend drives, Annie has come full circle in another way—she's now part of the Ariat family.

“This is a dream-come-true partnership,” said Annie. "I can wear Ariat boots everywhere. That's why I love them.”

Whether traveling in black leggings or going out in boyfriend jeans, Annie always throws on a pair of Ariat boots. Among her other favorites are the Heritage R Toe boots in Distressed Ivory, Casanova boots in Blanco, and the Martina boots in Love Song.

With her Ariat boots on, Annie is ready for an exciting few months ahead. In December, she will take the stage to perform the National Anthem to kick off rodeo festivities in Las Vegas. Following that, she is set to perform during the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA on New Year’s Day.

In partnership with Ariat, Annie will continue to captivate audiences with her bright vocals and empowering lyrics, proving that country music is more than just a genre -- it’s a feeling that can be found anywhere, even in Southern California.

Listen to Annie’s latest releases here and keep up with all things Annie on her website.