Entertainment

Arts Q&A: Courtney Marie Andrews on Randy, Beyonce and Bob

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, singer Courtney Marie Andrews

Just 25 years old, Arizona-born singer-songwriter, Courtney Marie Andrews, already has six solo albums under her belt, as well as having been a backing vocalist for rock band Jimmy Eat World, and lead guitarist for cult Americana star Damien Jurado
Just 25 years old, Arizona-born singer-songwriter, Courtney Marie Andrews, already has six solo albums under her belt, as well as having been a backing vocalist for rock band Jimmy Eat World, and lead guitarist for cult Americana star Damien Jurado Just 25 years old, Arizona-born singer-songwriter, Courtney Marie Andrews, already has six solo albums under her belt, as well as having been a backing vocalist for rock band Jimmy Eat World, and lead guitarist for cult Americana star Damien Jurado

1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?

I started thinking about it as a career pretty young. When I first started, I’d play anywhere that would have me for little to no money. I was starved for the lifestyle. I felt it very intensely, and so I recorded and album and booked my first tour at 16.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

Randy Newman at this outdoor space in Washington State. It started pouring rain, and nearly the entire audience left except for maybe 20 of us who stood at the foot of the stage. It was a magical show and he kept playing until his grand piano started getting wet.

And Beyonce literally slayed the one time I saw her live. She had an all-female band of some of the best players in the industry. Not only did she dance amazingly, but but she sang perfectly too. I was legitimately blown away.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

The Band would be pretty epic, especially if it was The Last Waltz style, where they invite a bunch of amazing guests up. Then Bob Dylan could sing Forever Young.

4. The record you'd take to a desert island?

Hopefully a record that doubles as a flotation device. I’d probably take the Tom Waits' Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, & Bastards box set, since there’s a variety of feelings and vibes. I’m stuck on a desert island, so I’ll be going through a large emotional spectrum.

5. And the book?

Probably some sort of survival tips book, or John Steinbeck's East of Eden.

6. Top three films?

The Blues Brothers, The Truman Show and Moonrise Kingdom.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

I usually stop watching if something is that bad.

8. Favourite authors?

John Steinbeck, Margaret Atwood and Mark Twain.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

I’m terrible at sports teams, but I will admit that when the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl I became a bandwagon fan for a few months.

10. Ideal holiday destination?

Mexico, Peru, or anywhere in South America.

11. Pet hate?

I have no hate for pets; but I’m definitely more of a dog person.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Mexican food or sushi.

Dessert? I scream for ice cream.

Drink? Margarita.

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

She’s a botanist I met in middle school, and we used to go on these crazy adventures growing up. When we're together, we never stop laughing.

14. Is there a God?

Damn. If there is, I don’t think it's something as tangible as person or a being. I believe that we're just these amazing sources of energy that recycle into more amazing energy once we pass.

:: Courtney Marie Andrews plays Space Bangor on August 30 at 7.30pm as part of the Open House Festival. For tickets and full programme visit openhousefestival.com