Jessica Andrews Grows With New Album
When Jessica Andrews won a singing contest in Tennessee she was guaranteed a few things: applause, affirmation of talent, and time spent in the local recording studio. But for Jessica, the winning streak continued way beyond that demo tape and into the halls of country music stardom.
After two stellar years that saw the release of her debut album Heart-Shaped World, an American Country Music Award for Top New Female Vocalist, and a tour with Faith Hill and Trisha Yearwood, Jessica Andrews is brimming with confidence.
Her second album Who I Am is finished and will be released on February 27th. It's a strong record and if songs like Karma and Who I Am are any indication, success is almost guaranteed. This girl is on a career high.
"I've learned so much in the past two years, I'm like a new person," says Jessica. "And so everything I'm doing now is new—from the types of songs I'm singing on my new album, to the musicians I use for my show, to the way I see the world. And this album is a lucid reflection of all that change."
Where Heart-Shaped World introduced us to a young girl with a great voice, Who I Am is a collection of material to build a career around. But even Jessica has her favorites amongst the twelve songs recorded.
"There's a song on there called Every Time, says Jessica. "It's such a beautiful song and kind of reminds me of the Deana Carter song, Strawberry Wine. It's about someone experiencing love for the first time and the melody is so beautiful. You just get swept up in this song. That's probably my favorite."
The creative surge heard on Who I Am is testament to Jessica's growth as a recording artist. She has always been talented (Trisha and Faith don't ask just anyone to join them on tour) but there is a sense of certainty found on Who I Am. "This is my career," says Jessica. "This is what I do and what I want to do for a very long time. I absolutely love doing it."
Obviously, Jessica Andrews is enjoying herself. Maybe this is because she's finally being accepted for who she is, a teen singer with veteran talent. Two years ago, being anywhere near the same age as LeAnn Rimes was subject to scrutiny but Jessica is now coming into her own. It's exactly as she always hoped it would be.
As Jessica says, "I don't really get compared to people my age anymore. When I first came out a couple years ago people would ask me about it, but now more than ever, people are comparing me to artists like Faith and Shania, which is huge for me."
Jessica Andrews won the ACM Award for Top New Female Vocalist in 2000. An award of that nature does have its perks, increased recognition and album sales, but Jessica knows that a musical career is more than an assortment of statues for the fireplace mantle.
"It's always an honor to be recognized and appreciated by your peers and people in the industry," she says. "It's a great feeling but the bottom line is to make great music and not lose sight of that."
True to her own professional philosophy, the lyrics to her new single Who I Am shows Jessica with a head firmly set on her shoulders:
I am Rosemary's granddaughter/ The spitting image of my father And when the day is done, my mama's still my biggest fan ...It's all a part of me / That's who I am
I've always been involved with my family and my family is part of everything I do," says Jessica.
When Jessica looks into her future she only sees music. That means recording studios, traveling the country playing to fans, and realizing her dreams. "I want to be able to sing and write songs for the rest of my life, I can't imagine doing anything else," she says.
Almost makes you want to enter a talent contest, doesn't it?
Log onto Jessica's official web site at www.jessicaandrews.com.
