Has the musical year of 2014 been kind to you, what are your highlights?
Yeah, I'd say so. It's been a year of hard work, lots of writing, touring, and studio time. I'd say the highlights were making a record with my best buds and touring in England.
New album and tour early next year, is it time to kick back and relax over the holidays?
Yes! I have this whole month of December off, so I get to spend some time with my gal and my family.
Where are you spending Christmas this year and do you have any traditions for this time of year, that make you think, 'this is Christmas'
We will be going to Dallas, my hometown, this year for Christmas. My family's Christmas tradition is not having a tradition. One time we had Chinese take-out for our Christmas meal. I actually quite enjoy how laid back we are over the holidays.
Where did you record the new album ‘All These Dreams'' and how long did you spend in the studio?
We spent 10 days total recording at The Casino, which is a studio in East Nashville run by Eric Masse.
Was there anything different about the recording process this time around or, ideas you tired out for the first time?
I think this time around the process was more thought out than anything I've done before. The producers (Jordan Lehning and Skylar Wilson) and I put a lot of work into the arrangement of the songs. We also put strings on all but two songs, which was a new and very cool thing to witness in the studio.
Any particular stories around any of the songs on ‘All These Dreams' that you would like to share?
Suwannee County, the last track on the record, was based on a conversation I had with an old man at gas station in Florida about fishing and spirituality... two things that share a common thread, for me at least.
How important do you think it is for new artists in 2015 to find a label and how is life at Loose?
For me, finding a label home at Loose has been gratifying. They have supplied ideas and connections I would never have had before.
You are touring with Justin Townes Earle in January/February. Do you know each other well or, do you normally just get acquainted as the tour progresses?
I got to know Justin when I was "tour managing" Caitlin Rose on some dates she supported. I say "tour managing" because I was really just hanging out. Justin is a super talented guy. I'm looking forward to opening up his shows.
What music did you listen to during school/college days that still send a shiver of greatness down your spine today?
Everyone I discovered and fell in love with during that time of my life are still my all time favorites - Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Jackson Browne, and Leonard Cohen come to mind.
How do you step away from music and is the spark of a new song more likely to occur on or, off the road?
I step away from music by going fishing. To answer the second question, I almost never write on the road. I might gather general ideas, but I'm too distracted to sit down and try and write.
Tour Dates 2015
18 Jan GATESHEAD, Caedmon Hall
19 Jan MANCHESTER, Band on the Wall
21 Jan OSLO, John Dee
23 Jan STOCKHOLM, Sodra Teatern
24 Jan GOTHENBURG, Pustervik
25 Jan MALMO, KB
26 Jan BERLIN, Grüner Salon
28 Jan HAMBURG, Nochtspeicher
29 Jan AMSTERDAM, Paradiso
30 Jan GRONINGEN, Oosterpoort
31 Jan ROTTERDAM, Rotown
01 Feb UTRECHT, Tivoli Vredenburg
03 Feb LEEDS, Brudenell Social Club
04 Feb NOTTINGHAM, Glee Club
05 Feb BRISTOL, The Tunnels
06 Feb LONDON, Union Chapel
Andrew's new album ‘All The Dreams” is released on Loose Records on 26th January 2014
Photo by Melissa Madison Fuller