On my stereo this week: ‘Satellite’ by Courtney Marie Andrews.

It’s kind of satisfying to be able to introduce Courtney Marie Andrews as a Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed songwriter. She’s come a long way since her 2016 album Honest Life first brought her to my attention with songs about heartache and homesickness. Since then her ability to continue to write with wistful candour and maybe more importantly stories about humanity and love is still what I enjoy most about her. On the subject of heartache and love Andrews has written her fair share. By her own admission this is something that has been her default emotion when songwriting. More recently Andrews has decided to approach the idea of love songs differently.

“I wanted to look forward, and fall in love with the mystery of someone. Let love in, without questioning or instigating how it might hurt me. Sonically, I wanted to go to space. This kind of love isn’t earthbound,” explained Andrews recently of her new song Satellite in advance of her upcoming album Loose Future.

It’s been strongly hinted that Loose Future (out in October) will become something of a departure from Andrews previous outings. Lyrically and sonically, if Satellite is anything to go by, we are likely to hear more of the eerie ambience of synths and layered vocals on the new album. While changes are inevitable, I bet they won’t be completely wholesale. I believe we will still hear her trademark acoustic guitar including her fondness for steel pedal and or slide guitar as an important component of her folk and Americana sound.

There is already so much optimism directed our way from Andrews. Take for instance the artwork for the new album. Andrews painted the cover (see header image) with an image that symbolises her ‘season of love and all the memories that came with it.’ That said, it easy to hear that air of confidence in her voice on Satellite. I’ve always thought Andrews had an incredible voice and on her latest track she continues to show impeccable control and restraint. And while at times she might sound a little old fashioned, there is no mistaking that she is capable of anything.