Englert is presenting The Iowa City Songwriters Festival (ICSF) that kicks off this Thursday, September 4th. This three-day festival showcases the craft of songwriting, including conference panels and live music productions. You can check out the full festival line up on The Englert Theatre website.
One artist that is making an appearance this weekend is none other than Courtney Marie Andrews. She will not only be performing but also be providing poetry readings and sharing her experience at the conference. SCOPE had the opportunity to interview Andrews, keep reading to learn more about this talented artist as she makes her way back into the Iowa City scene.
1. What first got you into music? Who influenced the creativity you have now?
Annie the Orphan! When I was a little girl I saw the way she transposed her struggles into song, and somehow I knew from that moment that songs could always save me.
My mother, godfather, and grandma were all endlessly creative. They dabbled more in the visual arts, but they showed me a deep appreciation and need for creativity outside of commerce. I create out of necessity. It’s a daily routine.
2. The Iowa City Songwriters Festival is all about artists sharing their knowledge and talent with those interested in the craft of songwriting. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is trying to start out their career?
The advice I would give, is love the craft of songwriting for yourself first. Love it so much that you need to write like you need to drink water or meditate. Do not seek validation so soon. First, impress yourself. When you’ve made something you’re proud of, THEN you can show it to the world. First, you must love it though. This will save you a world of trouble.
3. The music industry is always changing and adapting, what has been something you have had to overcome?
I had to overcome my need for control. There is nothing in our control in the industry. The only thing in our control is the art we create.
4. Talk me through your songwriting process, do you usually start with lyrics, a melody, or a guitar progression? Or does it change depending on what you are writing? Do you imagine the song fully produced or do you primarily focus on the acoustic form?
Everything changes and flows, and nothing is too sacred! Words come? Write a song. Melody comes? Write a song. A guitar part comes? Write a song. It’s better to keep all the doors open.
As far as production, I generally like to immerse myself in every step of the process. When I’m writing a song, I try to focus on that element solely. When the song is done, however, it may change with production decisions.
5. You performed in Iowa City three years ago for the Mission Creek Festival. When the opportunity arose to have a spot at ICSF, what made you want to return to Iowa City?
As a poet and songwriter, it’s incredibly special to be a part of a festival that has both literature and music elements! Iowa City is such a lovely little town, and I love the rich history of writers here.
6. Old Flowers has been praised for its raw honesty. How did that record challenge you emotionally and creatively?
When writing Old Flowers everything in my life had changed. I moved states, went through a breakup, and got my first solo apartment. If anything, that record was one of the least challenging things I have written. The songs kind of just poured out, because I really needed them.
The recording process was challenging and exciting, because it was the beginning of an era of experimentation for me that I’ve continued to explore. This album marked a turning point in making records, and the possibility of sound.
7. What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?
Connecting with people. When a person is healed or moved by music… that’s the biggest reward.
8. You also write poetry. How does that creative outlet differ from songwriting for you?
I always say that my poems feel like little philosophers that float down from the ethers to teach me a lesson, and my songs feel like a late night phone call to a friend.
9. How do you define success for yourself as an artist now compared to when you were first starting out?
Success comes in many forms. When I was younger, I thought success meant recognition. Now, I define success through the work that is created.
10. What can fans see from Courtney Marie Andrews moving forward?
Always more songs, poems, and art! Hopefully a lifetime of it if I’m lucky.
You can catch Andrews at MERGE September 3rd at 6:30 p.m. for a songwriting workshop, the Trumpet Blossom on September 4th at 7:30 p.m., Prairie Lights for a poetry reading on September 5th at 6:00 p.m., Iowa Conservatory for a conference portion on September 6th at 2:00 p.m. and closing her time here at The Englert Theater on September 6th at 7:30 p.m.. Click here for a more detailed itinerary of ICSF.