Born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1974, An Pierlé's theatrical and operatic piano-based art pop has drawn comparisons to Tori Amos. Pierlé headlined her first solo show during her third year at Antwerp's Studio Herman Teirlinck Art School, where she had enrolled at age 17. In 1996 Pierlé reached the final round of Humo's Rock Rally on the strength of her rendition of Gary Numan's synth pop classic "Are Friends Electric?," which became a Belgian radio hit. In 1998 Pierlé signed to Warner Music Benelux, which released her debut LP, Mud Stories, the following year. Composer/arranger Koen Gisen emerged as Pierlé's collaborator for 2002's Brian Eno-influenced Helium Sunset. A subsequent tour featured a full backing band and orchestra, additions that also shaped 2006's White Velvet. ~ Jason Ankeny