“Andrews has long been one of the most unguarded singer/songwriters in the game and her latest single is a work of utter vulnerability.”—Refinery29
Indie-folk/country singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews has finally graced us with her highly anticipated album, Old Flowers, released by Fat Possum Records on July 24th.
The critically acclaimed musician’s songwriting skills perfectly capture her vulnerability as she deals with the aftermath of a long-term relationship and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Although the 10-track album revolves around heartbreak, the simplicity of Old Flowers brings us back to less chaotic times. With the calming sounds of acoustic guitar on “Burlap String” to the sweet piano melodies on “Guilty” and “Old Flowers”, Andrews conveys her authentic messaging in a hypnotic way.
Three musicians make up the entire album, including vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano performed by Andrews herself, bass, celeste, mellotron, pedal steel, piano, pump organ, wurlitzer, and background vocals performed by Twain’s Mattthew Davidson, and drums and percussion performed by Big Thief’s James Krivchenia.
When discussing the album, Andrews shares, “Old Flowers is about heartbreak. There are a million records and songs about that, but I did not lie when writing these songs. This album is about loving and caring for the person you know you can’t be with. It’s about being afraid to be vulnerable after you’ve been hurt. It’s about a woman who is alone, but okay with that, if it means truth. This was my truth this year—my nine-year relationship ended and I’m a woman alone in the world, but happy to know herself.”
Old Flowers is an album almost everyone can relate to, and by listening to it one can help deal with their own personal story of heartbreak. With a story so raw, no elaborate production is needed to express the genuine emotion behind the lyrics.
Andrew Sarlo (Bon Iver, Big Thief), the album’s producer states, “Before we got to the studio, we agreed to prioritize making this record as cathartic and minimal as possible—focusing on Courtney’s voice and her intention behind the songs. Because of this, the record is all about performance. I believe a great recording is the chemistry between everything during basics and the ability to feel something happening instead of obsessing over the perfect take. Courtney embraced this approach and we ended up with a raw, natural and human record.”
Andrews is no stranger to success- according to a press release, her 2018 album May Your Kindness Remain was “featured on several year-end lists including NPR Music, Variety, Paste, No Depression, The A.V. Club and Rolling Stone, who called it, ‘a vital roadmap of grace, forgiveness and compassion during a year when the demand for such virtues has never been higher.’”
The 29-year old has notable performances including NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series and CBS This Morning. She’s toured with well-known names including The Head and the Heart, Tyler Childers, John Prine, Shakey Graves. Brandi Carlile, and The Tallest Man on Earth. As a nominee for Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2018 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards, Andrews’ singer-songwriter career has only gone upwards.
Critical acclaims for Old Flowers:
“a really beautiful, beautiful new record”—NPR Music
“brings to mind classic Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, but Andrews’ bell-clear voice and fearless message of introspection are unmistakably her own”—Rolling Stone
“tremendously gifted…Andrews sings with serious power”—Stereogum
“Old Flowers is a gorgeous, triumphant album of growth”—Consequence of Sound
“Andrews’ vocals are a beacon”—Under The Radar
“She’s authentic, of the moment and, at the same time, her work is numinous, timeless. Her lyrics are clear and concise and her songwriting structure is traditional, yet sparked with a modern bent.” ★★★★—American Songwriter
“Dolly Parton-esque”—Paste
“an all-around great album that’s full of honesty”—Brooklyn Vegan
“The album is hypnotic, a spell you don’t want broken…Andrews takes the personal and makes it universal. Old Flowers is her, and her generation’s, Blue.”—No Depression
“she summons her songwriting skill, vocal prowess, and musicianship into one career-defining statement…her voice sounds like a transmission from heaven”—Glide
“she turns her discerning eye and capacity for empathy and compassion back on herself in a way that feels both intensely personal and eminently relatable.”—Vinyl Me, Please
“Her voice is the star here…channels the drama of classic country balladeers like Skeeter Davis; with hints of Maria McKee’s power and Neko Case’s
clarity”—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“It’s the break-up record we need in 2020, and it may be the best album of the
year”—Americana Highways
“would easily have fit in on a Laurel Canyon patio during Joni Mitchell’s
heyday”—San Francisco Chronicle
“The album is expertly crafted, well-written and intricately performed throughout…a complete, fully developed work that deserves your active attention.”—RIFF Magazine
To stream/purchase Old Flowers, click HERE.
OLD FLOWERS TRACK LIST
- Burlap String
- Guilty
- If I Told
- Together Or Alone
- Carnival Dream
- Old Flowers
- Break The Spell
- It Must Be Someone Else’s Fault
- How You Get Hurt
- Ships In The Night
