Photo Credit: Fairlight Hubbard
What do a John Hughes classic, Nashville, and connection have in common? Well, in regards to what follows below, Jill Andrews and her 2023 release, ‘Modern Age,’ which drops on all major music and streaming platforms on August 18th. We discussed all of the above and then some as we dove into the record that finds itself somewhere between the past and the present. All of that and more await below…
Kendra: It’s been a few years since your last release, which happened to drop in March 2020, a month and year that’ll live forever in the trauma center of our minds. Do you ever look back at not just your own release then but all creative endeavors from 2020-21 and think many didn’t get the love they deserved because of the chaos that was going on in the world?
Jill Andrews: Absolutely. It was such a tragedy for our world and all the microcosms within it. There were so many hopes and dreams dashed during that period of time. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. I guess I count myself lucky when I look around at all of the suffering that fell upon so many people. My record may have not gotten the attention I was hoping for but I am so grateful that I was healthy and safe with my family.
Kendra: Now you’re back with ‘Modern Age,’ and this album – I cannot wait for it because the themes and overall vibe of it are things that I am very well-versed in and love; nostalgia and this constant then vs. now ideology. With that, if you had a time machine and could go back and make ‘Modern Age’ the soundtrack for one of your favorite Friday night Blockbuster rentals, which movie from back in the day do you think would match perfectly with your 2023 release?
Jill Andrews: ‘The Breakfast Club’ would have been a dream come true. I loved that movie so much growing up. As a refresher, there are five main characters from very different backgrounds. There is a “princess,” “a brain,” “an outsider, “a jock,” and a “troubled” kid. They all find themselves in detention on a Saturday morning. As the day goes on, they come to find that their similarities are deeper than their differences. This movie actually served as an inspiration for my song “Kids,” which deals with the difficulties of trying to fit in as a teenager. It focuses on how different backgrounds affect how we navigate difficult situations and sends some hope that things will get better.
Kendra: Sticking with the past, do you think you would’ve arranged the album any differently if this was an album dropping in 1996 on cassette?
Jill Andrews: I probably would’ve had longer intros to the songs. People really used to dive into 5 or 6-minute songs; no problem. It feels a little more important these days to get to the heart of songs quicker because skipping to the next song requires so little effort. Lucas Morton, the producer, and I intentionally pulled sounds from the ‘80s era, especially a lot of synths, because it felt appropriate and they are also just so dreamy.
Kendra: You’re exploring a lot on this album, including romance on “Connection.” Do you think that social media has clouded our perceptions of dating and love as a whole?
Jill Andrews: For sure. I think social media has clouded our perceptions in so many ways. We have become so performative as a culture. Truly experiencing moments with our senses feels like such a rarity. We always have our cameras out, ready to record instead. We curate our lives perfectly for everyone to see in pictures instead of being authentic. With dating, much like music, the options are endless, and skipping to the next person is easy and it’s mostly image-driven. There is no accounting for how a person smells, the sound of their voice, or how much they might make you laugh. All that being said, I met my husband on Bumble and that would not have been possible a decade ago. So I am grateful. Sometimes it really works out. It helped that he is a very authentic person and he was looking for something authentic.
Kendra: Let’s try and offer up some help for those looking to connect, well, in Nashville. So where in your city would you recommend people go if they were looking to make meaningful connections?
Jill Andrews: I would probably recommend finding meetup groups that people are interested in. For instance, there is a running club in East Nashville called East Nasty. If you’re into running, this could be a great way to meet your next running partner! ”I have found that when I’m around people with similar interests, conversation flows more naturally. Groups like that are generally safe environments where you are in a group of people as opposed to a one-on-one situation with a stranger. And if all fails, and no meaningful connections happen, there is still a good chance you could learn a new skill that could bring you happiness.
Kendra: Time for a side note – So August is a huge month for me, with so many loved ones’ birthdays being celebrated, so I’d love to know what song you’d dedicate to your loved ones, be it friends, family, or both…
Jill Andrews: “Boundless Love” is the last song on ‘Modern Age.’ This is my love song to the world for all of its endless beauty. One of my greatest hopes for my family is that they always feel loved and cared for. When I look at a perfectly designed flower with its insanely bright petals, it feels like a true gift.
Kendra: Lastly, with ‘Modern Age’ out on August 18th and dates both in the US and the UK already booked, what else can the people out there expect from you as 2023 rolls along?
Jill Andrews: I’m so excited about going back to the U.K. I’ll be playing The Long Road Festival in England alongside other amazing artists like Margo Price, Nickel Creek, Sierra Ferrell, and Aoife O’Donovan in August. I’ll also be heading back there for a full tour through Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales in late September. I’ll also be hitting most of the U.S. during 2023 and 2024. I’ll be playing with a full band for most of it and I’m really looking forward to putting on some really great shows. Beyond that, I’m always writing new songs and playing monthly live streams for my active Patreon community.
