Vancouver, BC – April 28th, 2020 – The release date for Courtney Marie Andrews’ highly anticipated new album, Old Flowers, has been rescheduled for July 24 on Fat Possum Records (pre-order). Originally set for release on June 5, the new date ensures that independent record stores across the country will have physical copies of the album available at the same time it’s released digitally.
Of the postponement, Andrews shares:
“Unfortunately, I must push back the release of my new record, Old Flowers, to July 24th. In order to protect the safety of its workers, the vinyl manufacturing plant producing my record is temporarily closed for the time being meaning it won’t be possible to meet the original release date. As a lifelong lover of independent record stores, I want to try and make sure people have the opportunity to get it from their favorite local store the same day it is available to stream. During these strange times, I think it’s important we work together, rather than trudge ahead alone and abandon those who have helped artists along the way. I can’t explain to you how much this record means to me personally, and I am so incredibly excited for it to reach your ears soon. It’s just showing up fashionably late, 2020 style. Thank you all for your understanding and support. We are all braving this crazy storm, in different ships, but together. I am continuously inspired by everyone coming together, in so many ways, during this unprecedented time.”
Created in the aftermath of a long-term relationship, Old Flowers features Andrews’ most vulnerable writing to date on ten new songs that chronicle her journey through heartbreak, loneliness and finding herself again after it all. Produced by Andrew Sarlo (Bon Iver, Big Thief), the album was recorded at Sound Space Studio and features only three musicians: Andrews (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano), Twain’s Matthew Davidson (bass, celeste, mellotron, pedal steel, piano, pump organ, wurlitzer, background vocals) and Big Thief’s James Krivchenia (drums, percussion).
Ahead of the release, Andrews has shared two album tracks: “Burlap String” and “If I Told,” of which Stereogumdeclares, “a spare, meditative performance…up front in all of it is Andrews’ voice, wringing beauty out of pain and self-realization,” while Refinery29 proclaims, “Andrews has long been one of the most unguarded singer/songwriters in the game and her latest single is a work of utter vulnerability.”
Of 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.”
Of their intention, Sarlo adds, “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.”
The release of Old Flowers continues a series of breakout years for Andrews following her critically acclaimed 2018 album, May Your Kindness Remain. The album 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.” Additionally, NPR Music proclaimed, “a collection of songs, borne from interactions with others, that strives for healing and empathy in the midst of division and discord” while Stereogum praised, “astonishingly beautiful.”
Since the release, Andrews has performed at NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series and on CBS This Morning, earned an Emerging Artist of the Year nomination at the 2018 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards and has continued to tour toured extensively including shows with Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, The Head and the Heart, John Prine and Shakey Graves.
OLD FLOWERSTRACK LIST
1. Burlap String
2. Guilty
3. If I Told
4. Together Or Alone
5. Carnival Dream
6. Old Flowers
7. Break The Spell
8. It Must Be Someone Else’s Fault
9. How You Get Hurt
10. Ships In The Night
