Matt Andersen strips it back on new album ‘The Hammer & The Rose'
East Coast singer-songwriter Matt Andersen is embracing a softer sound on his 11th studio album 'The Hammer & The Rose.'
Known for his powerhouse blues vocals and guitar work, the New Brunswick-born musician leans into something more stripped-down on this latest release.
'It was really natural to just sit in a room and play music on a guitar,' Andersen told CTV Atlantic's Katie Kelly. 'Nice and chill. Play the acoustic and sing songs. No headphones or anything like that. We just kept it really pure and simple and that's my comfort zone.'
Recorded live off the floor in Wolfville, N.S., the album features a carefully curated group of musicians, including producer Joshua Van Tassel on drums, Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) on guitar, Christine Bougie on lap steel, Kyle Cunjak on bass, and Aaron Comeau on organ.
Matt Andersen
Singer-songwriter Matt Andersen is pictured. (Source: Matt Andersen)
That low-key energy was inspired by the quiet moments during Andersen's last tour, supporting his JUNO-nominated 2023 album The Big Bottle of Joy.
Andersen says the reception has been strong – both from fans and the industry.
'Yeah, it was pretty amazing,' he said of being featured in Rolling Stone. 'It's one of those things that my parents know what Rolling Stone is. I thought it was cool… your name underneath the Rolling Stone banner – I'm not going to lie.'
Andersen recently wrapped a tour run promoting 'The Hammer & The Rose,' and says it's felt good to share the new material live.
'The Hammer & The Rose' is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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