Courtney Marie Andrews

First night of tour.

I am sitting in Union Washington overlooking the Puget Sound. We played to an amazing crowd last night at Robin Hood.  After a lengthy three hour set, this amazingly sweet couple  approached us about our music. They loved it so much that, after explaining that we’d be sleeping in my van, they insisted on buying us a hotel/cottage right on the Sound. They wouldn’t take no for an answer.  Being on the road often restores my faith in humanity, if it is even just a little bit lost. .  I’m excited to see what is in store for the rest of this journey.

Thank you!

Being a musician doesn’t mean you’re a bum.

For the past 7 years of my life I have dedicated myself completely to music.  I have worked relentlessly on not only writing, playing, and learning, but also working as my own manager.  No, I do not get by, by just playing music. In order to stay afloat I have to work about 25 hours a week. I have done just about everything; buss tables, waitress, bar-tend  teach at daycare, deliver pizzas, telemarketing,  scoop ice cream, cashier at a bakery, barista, salesperson at a music store…  I even tried to sell surveillance cameras for a company once.  That didn’t last long…   There have been points in my music career when I didn’t have to work one of these jobs, and it was a dream come true. But, I am smart enough to know that the music industry is a very unstable work environment. It’s like working at a tip only job. Some nights are great, others you don’t know how you’ll eat. But in between, and sometimes during these jobs, I have been entirely focused on my music.  When there is downtime at my job, I book tours, (which takes hours each day. You try emailing hundreds of people in hopes they’ll like your music enough to book you at their club). When I am not working a soul-sucking part time job, I am working as a full-time musician trying to write songs, or trying to come up with a plan for my next album, or trying to figure out online promo, or trying to organize local shows, or trying to organize band rehearsals. I spend most of my money on music stuff; tours, instruments, CD replication, recording, tour van upkeep. As soon as I make money, I spend it on music. But nonetheless, this is the path I have chosen, and the path that gives me the most fulfillment.  I would have it no other way.  I am in no way complaining. I am just trying to explain to people that I work REALLY HARD! My mind is constantly on. Sometimes people ask me, “How can you be busy? You’re just playing music!? That’s not a real job!” Well, it is one of the most strenuous, and mind wrapping careers out there. Especially if you take it as seriously as some of us do. Anyways, I’ve just needed to get this off of my chest. This is to all of the people who don’t believe there is such thing as a hard working musician!   

With all of this said. I am so excited to continue this journey.  Tours, records, all of it. I’ll never stop!  I’m living my dream. 

-Courtney

I am trying to turn my van into a camper van! It’s time to get creative.  

List of things I’ll need: 
Thick curtains
Cooler
Storage for dry food
Camping shower
Battery powered light for reading at night

It’s been a crazy week!

I have released my new album “On My Page” for the world to hear. http://courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/on-my-page

Though I missed my first flight to Cedar City, Utah, they were able to get me one half an hour later!  I flew down to play record store day at my favorite record store in the whole world, Groovacious. It is owned by the most passionate music-loving/supporting couple, Tim and Lisa!  Being in their store is like stepping into the 60’s.  It’s a home, a hangout; a learning center for music lovers. I am very excited to return this summer for Groovfest. Earlier that day, I was asked to share some sets at Sprindale’s Earth Day Festival.  The backdrop was the one and only Zion National Park. There is no better way to celebrate Earth Day, than to play in a nationally preserved park! 

After all the Southern Utah fun, I flew to my hometown, Phoenix, Arizona, to release my CD at Modified Arts, and to visit family and friends.  My good friends, The Pioneers of Prime Time Tv joined me on a few tunes.  We stayed up late the night before the release so they could learn the songs. It always feels good to reunite with them, and to perform with such good friends.

Now, I am ready to return to the rain for a week or two before my venture down the coast again.  

First song off of “On My Page”

You can now listen to the first song off of my upcoming album, “On My Page.”

http://courtneymarieandrews.bandcamp.com/album/on-my-page

I am so excited to perform release shows for both! April 16th- Seattle, WA - The Triple Door - $12 Advanced - $15 At Door - With Zach Fleury April 23rd - Phoenix, AZ - Modified Arts - $8 Advanced - $10 At Door - With Robing Vining

Eugene.

I took my van down for a show in Eugene over the weekend. It’s a beautiful Northwestern drive from Seattle to Eugene, down I-5. Sometimes you pass a few overly westernized fast food strip malls, but beyond those lays lush farm country. As it passed I dreamt of a simpler life. I imagined living in the country and picking guitar on my porch for the rest of my days. Though, the daydreamer finds solace in their ideas. I am constantly being healed by my daydreams… I had a good selection of music being played in the background, serving as sort of a soundtrack:

Anthology of American Folk Music - The Ballads
The Band - The Band
Jolie Holland - The Living and The Dead

I made it to my show safely, played my songs, then returned home. See you again soon Eugene. I always enjoy your company.

There’s nothing that the road cannot heal.

I am so excited to be back on the open road. Feel free. Feel alive.