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In ways both large and small, Andy Grammer is thinking a lot about how to speak his own truth. The concept of honesty—what it means and how to attain it—offers both inspiration and challenge to one of the most successful pop artists to emerge in recent years.
“I’m continually trying to broaden the spectrum of which colors I can paint with,” says Grammer. “And I think being as honest as possible lets you use contrast—pushing boundaries and being self-deprecating allows you to also go for the sweeter things.”
“As someone who likes to write happy, positive songs, I know they can come across too sweet,” he continues. “It’s way easier to write sad songs—you play minor chords and it’s instantly cooler. It takes a lot of effort to make something happy not sound cheesy, but I feel like that’s my life’s work. And right now, in the world, we need love in all forms.”
That spirit certainly informs Grammer’s "Give Love," featuring LunchMoney Lewis, from his upcoming third album, which is set for release in late 2017. "Give Love" follows the success of his platinum hit “Fresh Eyes,” which has racked up over 250 million total streams and became his sixth single certified gold or better.
“There’s a balance between organic and pop sounds,” he says, “I’ve created my own lane where I don't feel constrained to just serve up shiny, super-produced pop tracks." Even without the aid of a specific genre to categorize himself, Grammer’s music was an immediate sensation, as he became the first male pop star in a decade to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio with "Keep Your Head Up" and "Fine By Me," from his 2011 self-titled debut. His second album, Magazines or Novels, featured the triple-platinum smash "Honey, I'm Good," which was one of the best-selling songs of 2015, and the certified gold anthem "Good to be Alive (Hallelujah)."
Grammer claims, though, that he’s not stressed by any big expectations following these supersize hits. “There was way more pressure on the second album—that one almost killed me,” he says. "That felt like, if I didn't get it right on the second album, there might not be a third. But it went well, so there was more freedom this time, which really let me go to different places with the music.”
He points to a song called “Good Parts,” which he’s been performing onstage, as an example of the ways in which he is pushing his writing for the new project. “The idea is that when we share our flaws with each other, that’s what intimacy is—being genuinely vulnerable is how we get closer. So, I’m working on getting my own good parts out, being brave and sharing everything.”
This sense is especially acute for Grammer, who has now welcomed newborn daughter, Louisiana, into his life. “A couple of the tracks definitely speak to how incredible this experience is,” he says. “Everything feels new, you’re re-looking at all the things you’ve seen before. It’s an exciting way of writing a love song—words I thought were becoming boring became interesting again—and it obviously breeds good songs to prioritize things beyond your career.”
Grammer has already written over 100 songs for the record and says he’s “still trying to beat the best we have.” (He points out that "Honey, I'm Good" was the last song he wrote for Magazines or Novels.) He has learned that the struggle and the joy come from digging for those lyrics that express an emotion that is both real and resonant.
“Newton had an "aha moment" when an apple fell on his head which prompted him to suddenly understand exactly what gravity is. He took this thing that we were all dealing with everyday, that hadn't been fully understood or explained yet, and he proved it in writing. Everyone who heard about it must have been like "oh my god totally, I'm dealing with gravity aaall the time too! Literally everyday! I think that every great song has an element of this in it. An "aha moment" that allows us to suddenly understand something more clearly or in a different way. A feeling of uncovering some universal truth that we all deal with. It can be sad, happy, trivial, or profound but if a song has this element in it, then I start getting really excited."
“The hardest part for me to get are words that I think are really worth saying," Grammer continues. "I spend 80 percent of my time on that. I know that I'm going to be singing these words on stage over and over again, so that motivates me to make sure that I'm saying things that I really believe in. But once the lyrics are in line, the rest is usually more fun, more loose- then I can focus on the songs production elements and figure out how I can take a song to the next level and follow where the words are telling me to go with it.”
As he continues stacking up hits in a young career, Andy Grammer has learned some things—but not everything—about what it takes to connect with an audience. “I can’t tell you why a song goes huge, but I do know when you’ve uncovered something that’s true,” he says. “We all have emotions and experiences that are true to us, but in the process of getting that into a song it usually crumbles and falls apart. It's kind of like an emotional game of telephone. Once in a while though, an emotion or feeling makes it all the way through the gauntlet and is still totally intact in the form of a song. When that happens, you know it has a chance to go big."
“And when you do create something great,” he adds, “you get to keep playing it, the song continues to give you what you need, it stands up to the test of time and still reaches people. And that’s the goal.”
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It was the bet covert ever (obviously. I'm my opinion...) all 3 of the lerformances were so much fun and they interacted very well with the audiences and they were all really really really good. I had never heard of parachute or Andrew ripp but after seeing them perform I loved their songs! I have loved andy grammer's music since he first released his album and it was so much fun seeig him live.
Andy and Parachute were amazing live.. The venue was perfect.. I was never a fan of huge concerts.. It made the experience a little more intimate.. The performers were able to communicate more with the audience. I had a great time :)
The show was amazing! I loved every second of it and it was by far the best show I've ever seen!!!!
Andy Grammer put on such a great show. he's a nice guy, he has a great voice he has really cool band members. every single song he sang was so much fun he totally rocked the house. we cannot wait for Andy Grammer to come back to Orange County.
Nothing beats some top name performers rocking their hits in a small venue filled with admirers! Andrew Ripp opened the show with flawless vocals and high energy. Parachute followed and brought the house down with Something to Believe In, Kiss Me Slowly, and more. Andy was true to form (saw him with Train at Riverbend last summer) and delivered a solid set that kept the crowd on their feet (well... there were no chairs, but even if there were, we WOULD have been standing!) and singing along. The only and I mean ONLY downside was the light show for Andy. The tech who did the lights for Andrew Ripp and Parachute was fantastic, however, the tech for Andy Grammer was awful! Low set of spotlights directed straight at the crowd was blinding! I even turned my back to the stage a few times so I could simply enjoy the music without the visual disturbance. Other than that, it was fantastic. Great bargain, super cool venue, ice cold drinks...wonderful night! Thanks!
Great show! Very energetic and fun! Parachute opened and they are a new fav of mine!
Fantastic artists, fantastic line up, fantastic show!!!!!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As always, Andy Grammer was phenomenal! Andrew Ripp and Parachute put on a great show too! They really put it all out there for their last show of the tour. They had a such a great stage presence and very entertaining collaborations and interactions with each other through the night. Also Madison Theater is such a wonderful venue. It can take a big show and make it a very intimate and crow-interactive event.
My friend and I went to see Andy Grammer on May 3rd in Covington, Kentucky. It was the last show of the tour so there were a few pranks and it was just a really fun time. I felt like I was in a room filled with a bunch of friends, screaming the lyrics to songs. Andy really puts on a great show and definitely makes sure that you're having fun! He'll reach out and touch tons of fans' hands during a song, or flip the mic around and just let the crowd sing.. It was an experience I wish I could have seen from the outside as well as experience it first person. If you ever get the opportunity to see Andy Grammer in person, Go. You won't regret it.
Andy Grammar is always entertaining! Never get tired of his songs and they always seem fresh! Loved his version of Thrift Shop and his opening acts! GREAT GREAT!!!!
I went with my sister to this concert and we had a great time! I would definitely go to another one of his shows. Also the groups that played before Andy Grammer went on were very talented. I liked Andrew Ripp and Parachute who performed beforehand. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience.
Entire lineup was fabulous! Andy's songs are so fun and many deliver positive messages, which made this a great show for me and my 13 yr old daughter. I highly recommend that you go see Andy Grammer whenever given the chance.
andy is so enjoyable to see in concert....he's enjoying himself, so you enjoy yourself! such energy!
The concert was AMAZING! I thoroughly enjoyed Andrew Ripp, Parachute, and Andy Grammer! Andy Grammer is a true performer. He has so much energy and personality on stage! I highly recommend going to see him!
We made an impulse purchase of the Andy Grammer Meet & Greet tickets while buying tickets for a completely different concert. I only knew three songs from all three artists and had never attended a performance at the State Theatre. It was an incredibly enjoyable event and engaging performances by all three acts which resulted in my purchasing of the albums. I cannot remember a single concert I have attended where I enjoyed all three acts to include every song sung even though I was unfamiliar with 99% of the music played. That spells talent to me. I would recommend this concert and this venue.
Absolutely perfect concert. Andrew Riff, Parachute, and Andy Grammer were almost always in tune. Great audience participation and high energy performances.
I've been to a lot of concerts in my life, and I've seen a lot of styles. One thing I can not stand is when the artist/band gets up on stage and just sings one song after another, moving very little, and making everyone in the audience uncomfortable. Andy Grammer did nothing of that sort. He engaged the audience: he danced, he talked to us, and even let us sing for parts. He did covers of "Thrift Shop" and "Ho Hey" which were really well done, as well as giving us a sneak peek at some of his songs from his next album.
The space was great! And he played all the favorites! Even a few popular songs that were really well done! I'm so happy I went! And such a steal for just 30$ so I definitely will be seeing him again! And being paired up with parachute just made it soooo much better! Two of my favorite bands together just made my night :)) highly recommend anyone to go you won't be disappointed!
Andrew Ripp from Nashville opened up the show, played an unbelievable acoustic set all by himself! Very impressive! Parachute rocked, closed their set inviting Andrew Ripp on stage for their rendition of The Spencer Davis Group "Gimmie some loving" Andy Grammer was amazing! Played for just over an hour, played all his hits and several covers. Favorite was cover of Macklemore Thrift Shop. Would go see them again.
