In 2015, we attended our first Tin Pan South songwriters festival. On our list of shows we had to attend was the round including hit songwriter Kara Dioguardi. Little did we know that we would “meet” one of our new favorite aspiring artists that evening: Ingrid Andress.
Then she reappeared in 2017 when we attended Dioguardi’s round again. Needless to say, we were ecstatic and our sentiments did not change a bit.
You can imagine our excitement when we checked out this year’s Tin Pan South schedule and saw that Andress was not just going to be a special guest — she was going to be a part of the round and we were going to hear many stories and songs by her!
Yesterday, we were among the many members of the music industry who are eager to hear what Andress is working on and to honor this finally discovered gem in a town of young talent. Andress performed five songs at a showcase hosted by Warner Music Nashville, giving those who have not attended a performance by her in the past a chance to witness musical (and comedic) perfection.
Among the songs performed by Andress, with the accompaniment of a guitarist and drummer, were her growing single, “Ladylike,” and the newly released “More Hearts Than Mine.” The audience was enamored during the musical portions and captivated and entertained by Andress’ personality between songs, even when she cracked jokes at its expense.
What we learned yesterday evening is that Ingrid Andress is no longer our little secret. This town has fallen in love with everything about her; the genre is embracing this new powerhouse of a female; and the world is already becoming acquainted with and buzzing about this girl who seems to have appeared overnight.
However, the one thing we can keep in our pockets and grasp tightly to as we lose the simplicity and quiet assurance that we may always see her in an intimate writers’ round is that we knew her way back when. We have gotten to see her blossom over the years and enter this universe of thriving in front of millions of people on late night television. So, while we watch this caterpillar turn into a butterfly and show the world everything we have known she’s had to offer for several years, we will sit back, enjoy the ride from afar, and cling to the memories while creating brand new ones with this soon-to-be superstar.
Congratulations, Ingrid! It couldn’t happen to a more talented and deserving artist!
