Introduction
Crown and Andrews is an American indie rock duo formed in 2010 in the city of Asheville, North Carolina. The partnership consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Brandon Crown and bassist, backing vocalist, and producer Michael Andrews. The group is known for its blend of folk-inspired melodies, intricate guitar work, and socially conscious lyrics. Over a decade of active recording and touring, Crown and Andrews have released five studio albums, one live album, and several EPs, achieving a modest but dedicated following within the indie music scene.
History and Background
Formation
In early 2010, Brandon Crown, who had previously performed in a local punk band, met Michael Andrews at a regional songwriting workshop in Asheville. Both musicians were drawn to each other’s songwriting sensibilities and decided to collaborate. The duo officially formed in May 2010, choosing the name Crown and Andrews to reflect their individual surnames and signify the partnership between two distinct creative voices.
Early Career (2010–2012)
During the initial years, the pair focused on honing their live sound, performing at venues across the Southeast. Their early repertoire included original compositions and covers of folk standards. In 2011, they self-released the EP Hollow Hills, which showcased their lo‑fi production aesthetic and garnered local radio play. The EP’s lead track, “Riverbend,” was noted for its acoustic-driven arrangement and heartfelt lyricism.
Breakthrough and First Studio Album (2013–2014)
Capitalizing on the attention from Hollow Hills, Crown and Andrews secured a contract with the independent label Blue Cedar Records in 2012. Their debut full-length album, Threads of the Past, was released in March 2013. The album featured a mix of up-tempo tracks and slower ballads, highlighting the duo’s versatility. Notable tracks included “Morning Dew” and “Shadows on the Wall,” both of which received critical acclaim for their melodic complexity.
Growth and Subsequent Releases (2015–2017)
In 2015, Crown and Andrews released the EP Sunlit Paths, which experimented with electric guitar textures and incorporated subtle electronic elements. Their second studio album, Echoes in the Fog, followed in 2016. The album expanded their sonic palette with richer instrumentation, including string arrangements and horn sections. It was praised for its thematic cohesion, dealing with themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time.
Live Performance and Touring (2018–2019)
Between 2018 and 2019, the duo embarked on a nationwide tour, opening for several established indie acts such as The National and Fleet Foxes. They also performed at major festivals, including South by Southwest and Lollapalooza, where they were noted for their engaging stage presence and dynamic instrumentation. The tour solidified their reputation as a compelling live act and broadened their audience base.
Recent Work (2020–Present)
In response to the global pandemic, Crown and Andrews shifted focus to online engagement, releasing a series of acoustic sessions and streaming live performances on social media platforms. Their third studio album, Quiet Fire, was recorded remotely and released in 2021, achieving streaming milestones on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. In 2023, the duo announced a forthcoming live album, capturing recordings from their 2019 tour, to be released in early 2024.
Members
Brandon Crown
Brandon Crown serves as the lead vocalist and primary guitarist for the duo. Born in 1988 in Asheville, Crown developed an interest in music during his adolescence, playing in various local bands before co‑forming Crown and Andrews. His songwriting often incorporates storytelling techniques drawn from folk traditions and contemporary pop narratives.
Michael Andrews
Michael Andrews handles bass duties, provides backing vocals, and manages production responsibilities. He has a background in electronic music production, which informs the duo’s occasional use of synthesized textures. Andrews is also responsible for the arrangement and mixing of the duo’s recordings.
Musical Style and Influences
Genre
The duo’s music is predominantly classified as indie rock with strong folk and Americana influences. Over time, they have integrated elements of pop, electronic, and world music, resulting in a hybrid sound that appeals to a diverse audience.
Instrumentation
Key instruments used by Crown and Andrews include acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. The duo frequently employs layering techniques, combining acoustic strumming patterns with electric riffs and ambient synthesizer pads. Live performances sometimes feature additional musicians, such as a violinist or drummer, to enrich the sonic texture.
Lyric Themes
Lyrics written by Crown and Andrews often explore personal introspection, social commentary, and environmental awareness. Themes of memory, place, and the human experience recur throughout their catalog. The duo’s songwriting also reflects a commitment to authenticity and emotional resonance.
Influences
The duo cites a range of artists as influences, including The Lumineers, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Avett Brothers. Additionally, they draw inspiration from classic folk musicians such as Bob Dylan and contemporary pop producers like Ryan Tedder. These influences manifest in their melodic construction, harmonic choices, and lyrical storytelling.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Threads of the Past (2013)
- Echoes in the Fog (2016)
- Quiet Fire (2021)
Extended Plays
- Hollow Hills (2011)
- Sunlit Paths (2015)
Live Albums
- Live at the Ash (2024) – forthcoming
Reception and Impact
Critical Acclaim
Throughout their career, Crown and Andrews have received favorable reviews from music critics. Reviewers have highlighted their lyrical depth, melodic craftsmanship, and the duo’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. Publications such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and NME have featured the duo in various articles, praising their authenticity and musical evolution.
Chart Performance
While not achieving mainstream commercial success, the duo’s releases have charted within the indie and folk categories. For instance, Echoes in the Fog entered the Billboard Folk Albums chart at number 12 in 2016, and Quiet Fire reached number 5 on the Independent Albums chart in 2021.
Influence on Emerging Artists
Crown and Andrews are regarded as a model for indie musicians navigating the contemporary music industry. Their approach to self‑production, online engagement, and community building has inspired several up‑and‑coming artists in the Southern United States. Interviews with emerging musicians frequently reference Crown and Andrews as a source of inspiration for blending traditional songwriting with modern production techniques.
Touring History
North American Tours
From 2014 to 2019, the duo performed on multiple North American tours, sharing stages with acts such as The National, Fleet Foxes, and The Head and the Heart. Their 2019 “Quiet Nights” tour covered over 30 cities, including venues such as the Bluebird Café in Nashville and the Fillmore in San Francisco.
International Appearances
In 2017, Crown and Andrews performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, marking their first appearance outside the United States. They also headlined a small tour in the United Kingdom in 2018, playing venues in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Festival Participation
The duo has appeared at several notable festivals, including South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Their festival sets are characterized by energetic live arrangements and audience interaction.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Collaborative Works
Beyond their duo work, Crown and Andrews have collaborated with a number of artists. Notable collaborations include a duet with folk singer Maya Lin on the track “Echoes in the Night” (2015), and a feature on producer Daniel Lee’s electronic track “Midnight Horizon” (2018). These collaborations showcase the duo’s versatility and openness to genre-crossing experiments.
Side Projects
Both members have pursued side projects. Brandon Crown released a solo acoustic album, Sunset Roads, in 2019, focusing on stripped‑down arrangements. Michael Andrews produced an indie pop single for emerging artist Lily Thompson, titled “Starlight,” in 2020. These endeavors illustrate the members’ individual artistic interests while complementing the duo’s output.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Environmental Initiatives
Crown and Andrews have shown a commitment to environmental causes. They participated in the 2018 “Songs for the Earth” concert series, with proceeds directed to the Sierra Club. Additionally, the duo incorporated a portion of album sales into a partnership with the American Rivers organization, supporting conservation projects across the Southern United States.
Community Outreach
In 2020, the duo launched a series of virtual songwriting workshops for high school students, focusing on lyric writing and music production. The workshops were available at no cost and received positive feedback from participants. This initiative exemplifies the duo’s dedication to fostering musical education and creativity.
Discography Details
- Threads of the Past (2013) – 12 tracks, produced by Michael Andrews, featuring guest vocalist Maya Lin on track 7.
- Echoes in the Fog (2016) – 10 tracks, co-produced with engineer Daniel Lee, includes string arrangements by violinist Sarah Park.
- Quiet Fire (2021) – 11 tracks, recorded remotely, featuring a collaboration with electronic artist Lily Thompson on track 3.
- Hollow Hills (2011) – EP, 4 tracks, self-produced, initial release on Bandcamp.
- Sunlit Paths (2015) – EP, 5 tracks, featuring a mixture of acoustic and electric instrumentation.
Future Projects
As of early 2024, Crown and Andrews are preparing to release a live album capturing performances from their 2019 tour. They have also announced a joint songwriting residency at the Asheville Music Institute, scheduled for late 2024. These projects indicate a continued focus on live performance and community engagement.
External Links
Official website: crownandrews.com
Bandcamp page: crownandrews.bandcamp.com
Spotify artist page: Spotify
Apple Music artist page: Apple Music
Categories
- American folk rock groups
- Indie rock music groups
- Music of Asheville, North Carolina
- American musical duos
- 2024 music releases
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