Ingrid Andress

“In order to write a song that is timeless, you need a real story and a real perspective that is uniquely your own,” country singer Ingrid Andress tells Apple Music. Andress’ long road to recognition is a story worthy of one of her own songs. Although her debut full-length, Lady Like, was released in 2020, Andress’ music career began in earnest more than 10 years prior. Born in Michigan in 1991 and raised in Colorado, the Apple Music Up Next honouree developed a love of music as a child and put her nose to the grindstone in school—learning multiple instruments and participating in choir competitions—and eventually found her way to the Berklee College of Music. Her a cappella pursuits led to performances on NBC’s The Sing-Off, and after graduating from Berklee she hightailed it to Nashville and started a songwriting career, penning tunes for artists like Charli XCX and Sam Hunt. While the results of her vocal studies shine in all her songs—her silky voice is spotlit on ”The Stranger (Reimagined)”—her songwriting chops shine just as bright. Lady Like’s hit first single, “More Hearts Than Mine”, soulfully addresses the complexity of a relationship—and the fallout its end could bring—with Andress’ unique perspective, which is informed by both vulnerability and self-assuredness.