Annie DiRusso joins the Gibson Artist Spotlight program
In line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the annual Gibson Artist Spotlight program will showcase an evolving roster of musicians who will be featured across Gibson’s global and international channels.
The Artist Spotlight program debuted in January 2024 with Austin Sexton and recently added Mona Lindgren, Alex Ritchie, Zach Person, and Devon Thompson to the ranks. It also welcomed Ayoni, The Picturebooks, Camilla PNK, DeWolff, Tigirlily Gold, Santa, The Linda Lindas, The Mysterines, Jaime Wyatt, and now Annie DiRusso.
Annie DiRusso is an up-and-coming indie rock singer-songwriter known for her energetic live performances, melodicism, and emotionally raw lyrics. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, DiRusso blends alternative rock with folk and pop influences. Her music often explores themes of self-discovery, mental health, and relationships, resonating with young audiences navigating similar experiences.
DiRusso gained recognition through a series of singles and EPs, as well as her engaging social media presence, which has helped build a dedicated fanbase. Her sound is characterized by its dynamic shifts between soft, introspective moments and louder, cathartic outbursts.
Annie DiRusso is also known for her live performances, which capture the raw energy of her music. Her shows are dynamic, often swinging from intimate acoustic moments to all-out rock anthems. She has performed in various venues across the U.S., gaining a reputation for authenticity and her connection with audiences.
We caught up with Annie DiRusso to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“Shred town.”
What is your favorite piece of gear?
“I would have to say my OG Kramer! Shred city. It found me at a time when I really needed it on my first tour when my other guitar kept breaking. It has become my everyday guitar; it’s sturdy and does the job well. It has that natural Kramer dirt which is so nice and has absolutely shaped my tone over the years. It also just stays in tune really well. I keep it semi-locked with the Floyd Rose®. It absolutely shreds.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“Hard to narrow to just one—headline shows are so special because I get to be with all the people who have been listening over the years. The New York show at Music Hall of Williamsburg was so incredibly special to me; it was a night of shredding I will never forget. I’ve also opened for so many artists and bands I love, which is always surreal.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“Jeff Rosenstock, Paul McCartney, Addison Rae, and Melissa Etheridge, to name a few. There are so many coming to mind right now, but I just saw Jeff Rosenstock live for the first time last week, and the shred was out of this world.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“It is very cool for me to be a part of the program. Even though I have been playing guitar for 12 years, and it’s such a central part of my project and show, I don’t often consider myself a ‘guitarist.’ I feel like in the last two years, I’ve started to dive into the guitar, shred, and gear world a bit more, so this is really sweet to me.”
What’s next on the horizon for you?
“I have so much new music—more than I’ve ever released before, so much touring, so much fun. I cannot wait. Shred O’clock.”
Find out more about the Gibson Artist Spotlight program and visit the profile for Annie DiRusso.
