Singer - songwriter Anne E. DeChant is an accomplished lady. She has appeared at Lilith Fair and as the opening act for Suzanne Vega, Norah Jones, 10,000 Maniacs, Stevie Nicks and Lisa Loeb, among others. Consistently chosen in readers' polls as one of Northeast Ohio's favorite vocalists, her local shows are renowned for their vibrancy. Anne E.'s smile warms the room, and positive energy emanates from her. Her music reflects her beliefs in living a balanced life – particularly where the environment is concerned.

Anne E. says that her respect for the earth started early. “I was raised in Avon Lake, in a time when it was still very reflective of farm life. I grew up in nature, playing in the woods every day. My father was very in tune with nature, and encouraged that in us. If we were off of school for a day, he would take us out for a hike. I was raised with an awareness of ecology and balance.” She says that she was saddened at the loss of these woods to new housing developments and businesses. Her sorrow inspired her to write the song “WWIII,” which appears on her 2000 album “Something of the Soul.” 'This is World War III and it's us against mother nature/We are kicking ass out there/She'll rely on her memory to/tell them all how it was/ ’ ’cause there's a house where the trees used to be…’

Anne E. feels that this tear-down-and-build-more mentality is beginning to make itself felt now more than ever. “Kids aren't able to play outside as easily these days,” she says. “Most kids have to go far from home in order to play in the woods. So more and more, they're just playing video games.”

Encroaching urban sprawl was also the inspiration for her song “Small Town,” which will appear on her upcoming album, due out this spring. One of the lyrics proclaims, 'No strip malls or suburban sprawl/Tomorrow or today.’ Anne E. asserts, “If developers have a chance to tear down woods and build something, they will, and that song very much speaks to that mentality.”

Anne E.'s lyrics have touched a chord with many. She says she is encouraged by the positive feedback she gets from her fans. “I get e-mails and letters, and sometimes people will give me comments at shows, which is nice.” But she also knows from experience that it is not always easy to be the one who is making a stand. “I remember once at a show I introduced a song about the environment, and someone came up to me afterwards and said, 'You know, you don't need to talk on stage. Just do your music.' He was very bitter when he said it. Something I said made him mad.” Undaunted, though, Anne E. draws inspiration from people like Katherine Hepburn, who she considers a positive role model, a maverick and someone who always stuck to her guns.

As a singer and storyteller, Anne E. is in a unique position to bring her message to a generation raised on strip malls and fast food. She says that balance in all aspects of life is the key to happiness. “I don't think anyone is perfectly balanced,” she smiles, “but it's something to strive for.”


Check out Anne E. DeChant's website, www.anneedechant.com, for details on her upcoming shows, and also to order CDs. Her new CD, “Pop the Star,” will be out this spring. Be sure to check her on-line calendar for information about the next Round at the Winchester Open Mic event. You can also call The Winchester at (216) 226-5681. Lyrics in the article are ©2000 & 2003, Anne E. DeChant.