Annie Dressner is set to grace the ears of roots music enthusiasts once again with her latest album, I Thought It Would Be Easier, scheduled to release on April 5th via Dharma Records.

With an established presence since her initial solo record in 2011, Dressner continues to win hearts after transitioning from the vibrant cityscape of New York to the UK’s historic Cambridge. Proven to be a resonating voice in the festival and touring scene, her fourth album promises a collection of tracks that delve into the emotional complexities of human existence.

Emotions run deep and wide across the songs in I Thought It Would Be Easier, where Dressner’s pen strikes the core of shared human experiences. From tender reflections on loss and introspective explorations of regret to anthems of enduring friendship, Dressner’s storytelling prowess is as much a signature as her melodies.

This album encapsulates a journey, with each track marking a pivotal moment that beckons listeners to explore the nuanced chapters of life’s unfolding story. It includes the tracks Black and White, Do You Want to Start a Fight, and the haunting After the Storm, which Dressner calls “probably the rawest song on the album”. Drawing on her personal journey and emotions, she hopes her songs provide solace and articulation for those grappling with similar feelings.

Collaborations with respected musicians including Polly Paulusma and David Ford, further enrich the album’s narrative, adding harmonious depth to the introspective soundscape. This latest offering solidifies Dressner’s rising trajectory in the roots music genre, affirming her unique ability to craft songs that resonate with authenticity. Her upcoming UK headline tour in spring 2024 is highly anticipated, with fans and newcomers alike eager for the chance to experience the poignant reflections of the new album live.

You can pre-save the new album here so you don’t miss the release.

Background

Annie Dressner is a singer-songwriter whose heartfelt music and lyrical authenticity resonate with listeners around the world. From her early beginnings to her current successes, let’s delve into the background of Annie Dressner.

Early Life and Influences

Annie Dressner’s musical roots were nurtured in the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the daily ritual of singing alongside her piano-playing father ignited her passion for music. The melodies that filled her home became a cherished part of her everyday life, a tradition she eagerly anticipated.

In the family car, the radio’s tunes would prompt her to craft her lyrics, a testament to her innate love for song. It wasn’t until her high school graduation milestone that she embraced the guitar, teaching herself chords from a Simon & Garfunkel songbook. While songwriting formally began at eighteen, Dressner realized that she had been composing in her own way all along, using her voice to navigate the world of emotions.

Whether in an elevator or any other space, singing was her intuitive means of navigating life’s myriad experiences. She then took her intrinsic talent to the vibrant open mic scene of New York, where she refined her craft and connected with fellow musicians, setting the stage for her future musical endeavors.

Her initial public performances culminated in a solo debut at the renowned venue, The Bitter End, in 2008. This significant milestone heralded the start of numerous partnerships with esteemed musicians in the industry. Adopting her guitar as a constant companion, Annie Dressner’s musical path has since meandered through various landscapes – from the personal spaces of grief and love to the greater realms of human connection.

Discography

• Strangers Who Knew Each Other’s Names (2011)
• East Twenties (2013)
• Broken Into Pieces (2018)
• Coffee At The Corner Bar (2020)
• 48 Hours w/ David Ford (2022)
• 10 Days (Live) w/ David Ford (2023)

Album Overview

Scheduled for release on April 5th, 2024, by Dharma Records, I Thought It Would Be Easier promises an immersive journey through love, friendships, and memories, bound to resonate deeply with listeners seeking comfort and understanding.

Tracklist and Duration

Concept and Themes

I Thought It Would Be Easier strips back layers of the human condition, exploring how we handle the intricate interplay of love and loss. Dressner’s narrative-driven lyrics touch the heart, while her melodies offer solace, reaffirming the album’s potential to resonate on a universal scale. Love is an enduring theme that sincerely overlies the album, while memories are reverently celebrated in tracks like Leather Chair. Emotions run high throughout her storytelling, with the audience meant to feel comforted as they identify with the song’s sincerity.

Collaborations and Production

I Thought It Would Be Easier showcases her solo artistry, enriched by the collaborative spirit she shares with fellow musicians. This album, very much a testament to Dressner’s evolving sound, features a standout contribution from the renowned folk artist David Ford, formerly of Easyworld. The pair co-wrote the emotionally charged After The Storm, which shines as a beacon of rawness and honesty within the collection.

Esteemed songwriter Polly Paulusma, a frequent collaborator, graces the track 18 Years with her backing vocals, adding another layer to the album’s intricate sound mosaic. Boo Hewerdine, known for his work with the 80s band The Bible, lends his Farfisa playing to the mix, while Steven Adams of The Broken Family Band harmonizes with Dressner on Should’ve Seen It Coming.

Instrumentally, Dressner’s record weaves traditional folk with modern touches, striking a timeless and innovative balance. Released under Dharma Records, I Thought It Would Be Easier stands as a pivotal moment in Dressner’s career, offering a set of songs poised to connect with listeners through genuine storytelling and the universal language of music.

Tour Announcements

With the upcoming release of the new album, a meticulous promotional campaign is set to bring her heartfelt narratives to audiences across the UK. Dressner’s infusion of Americana into the folk touring circuit, coupled with intimate storytelling, sets the stage for an alluring Album Launch Tour.

April 2024 Tour Dates:

• 17th – Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld
• 18th – The White Room, Durham
• 19th – The Old Schoolhouse, Robin Hood’s Bay
• 20th – St Mary’s Church, Purley on Thames
• 21st – Kitchen Garden Café, Birmingham
• 24th – The Greystones, Sheffield
• 25th – The Green Note, London
• 26th – Vestry Hall, Cranbrook
• 27th – The Junction, Cambridge
• 28th – The Hive, Shrewsbury

May 2024 Tour Dates:

• 1st – Sound & Art, Worcester
• 2nd – Chapel Arts, Bath
• 3rd – The Pump, Trowbridge
• 4th – The Met, Bury

Final Thoughts

After an early listen to Annie Dressner’s upcoming album, I Thought It Would Be Easier, we are left with a profound sense of connection and reflection. This album, with its profound spectrum of emotions and experiences, serves as a reminder that while life’s journey is often filled with challenges, it is equally abundant with moments of beauty and resilience.

Dressner’s voice, both literal and metaphorical, resonates with the authenticity of someone who has lived each lyric, offering a hand to hold as we navigate our own complex narratives. Whether it be in the hushed reverence of a church in Purley on Thames or the vibrant energy of The Green Note in London, each performance on her UK tour promises to be a sanctuary for the soul, a place where every listener can find a piece of themselves in the stories she weaves.

As we eagerly anticipate the live renditions of these heartfelt songs, we are reminded that through the shared experience of music, we are never truly alone in our struggles or our joys. Annie Dressner’s latest masterpiece is not just a collection of tracks—it is an invitation to embrace the rawness of being human, to find comfort in the echoes of shared understanding, and to emerge with a renewed sense of hope and clarity.

Follow Annie Dressner

• Instagram

• Official Website

• TikTok

• YouTube

You May Also Be Interested In: