Andrea Paquin
Bristol, Connecticut, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Although it’s what you choose to see features only 6 tracks, Andrea Paquin’s new EP has the power to captivate listeners. While some might argue that Paquin’s sound is too similar to female alternative artists that pre-date her, the singer-songwriter has composed an album that very much serves as an audible personal journey. Charming lyrics intertwined with soft and, sometimes, melancholy acoustic guitar channel her obvious influences. One of the best parallels has to be Joni Mitchell, and maybe even some Carly Simon. Like her influences, Paquin’s sound is some what weathered, but ultimately offers a serene and wistful listen. - Kate Gamble
Although it’s what you choose to see features only 6 tracks, Andrea Paquin’s new EP has the power to captivate listeners. While some might argue that Paquin’s sound is too similar to female alternative artists that pre-date her, the singer-songwriter has composed an album that very much serves as an audible personal journey. Charming lyrics intertwined with soft and, sometimes, melancholy acoustic guitar channel her obvious influences. One of the best parallels has to be Joni Mitchell, and maybe even some Carly Simon. Like her influences, Paquin’s sound is some what weathered, but ultimately offers a serene and wistful listen. - Kate Gamble
Delicate acoustic harmonies and lighthearted romanticism define the sound of Andrea Paquin’s latest release. On Listen, the folk singer glides through an array of intimate, poppy anthems with breezy sensibility. Taking influences from alternative artists Indigo Girls and Kate Bush, Paquin’s simple folk arrangements would be at home with the Lilith Fair generation of musicians.
From the album’s onset, Paquin tugs at the heartstrings of her listeners and the rich, cozy humility of her voice goes down like red wine over good conversation. Opening the album, the soft-spoken ambiance of “I’m Not Going Back” brings about nostalgia of peering out the kitchen window on a blustery evening. On the up-tempo “Letting You Go,” soft murmurs of accordion mingle with gritty banjo into an Appalachian bluegrass swing. Though most of Listen is laced with sweet-tempered warmth, edgier timbres come through in the electric guitar swells of “Leader” and lyrical sarcasm of “Money”: “Let me be the one to shelf / The weight of money that we don’t have / You can keep it all and go to hell.” The dreary protest march of “Freedom” provides haunting counter harmonies on violin and Santana-style guitar licks.
The pop candor of Listen maintains strong personality and soul, making it a worthwhile album for any nu-folk music listener. (Magpie)
www.myspace.com/andreapaquin
-Nathalie Levey
- Nathalie Levey
Holy Lilith Fair. I’m thirty seconds into the album’s opening track, “End of Me,” and my head is already flooded with thoughts of Sarah McLaughlin, Amy Mann, and Natalie Merchant among others. Am I stereotyping? Not really. Much of Listen is entrenched in the mold of many a ’90s female adult alternative rocker in the vein of Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and most notably Melissa Ethridge, with whom Paquin shares a noticeably similar vocal delivery. Sweet and subtle, Listen is undoubtedly a peaceful, lilting and sometimes, as in the case of “Over My Shoulder,” psychedelic trippy piece of lighthearted mood music. Paquin throws a nice curveball in the middle of the record with “Leader,” a souped up rocker in which the singer goes all Juliana Hatfield on us. But for the most part, fans of the folk rock variety should find this a good, uh, well, listen.
Ryan Bray - The Noise
- Ryan Bray
Discography
"Listen" - 2007
"It's What You Choose to See" - 2009
"Can You Hear Me?" - coming spring 2013
Photos
Bio
Andrea knew at a very young age that music touched her soul. After years of begging, she finally got a guitar. She taught herself “Helpless” by Crosby Stills Nash and Young, and played it over and over again until she perfected it…..this is where her musical journey began. She taught herself how to play the guitar, bass, harmonica, and how to sing. She played bass and sang harmonies in a band “The Everyday Visuals”, while at the same time writing and performing her original music. She left the band after 10 years, but continued writing and performing her music. She has to date recorded 3 albums, with the 4th album “Can You Hear Me?” currently being recorded, and due for release in spring 2013. Her music embodies the term “Folk Rock”. Her songs tell vivid stories using clever, memorable melodies and harmonies along with captivating lyrics. And her sound has been compared to that of The Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, and Joni Mitchell. Nathalie Levey of the Northeast Performer Magazine says “Paquin tugs at the heartstrings of her listeners and the rich, cozy humility of her voice goes down like red wine over good conversation.” Andrea feels fortunate to have played all over the Northeast sharing many stages with talented musicians including Melissa Ferrick, Chris Pureka, Zoe Lewis, Edie Carey, Anne Heaton, Howie Day and Blessed Union of Souls. She has performed at colleges and festivals throughout the country. She performed at Pride in North Hampton MA, Fresno CA, Boston MA, and NH. She has also performed at Raise the Roof Women’s Music Festival in Ontario. And she was a finalist in the CT Folk Festival songwriting competition 2011. In addition to her passion for music, Andrea also has a passion for serving others. She has also dedicated most of her life to working with and for people with developmental disabilities. Andrea volunteers much of her time performing at benefit concerts that help raise awareness about people with developmental disabilities. Volunteering is very important to Andrea and she continues to donate her time as often as she can. She has also done benefits for domestic violence, MADD, SADD, and Go Green Benefits. Andrea enjoys using her musical gifts in an effort to help others. For more information and to hear Andrea’s music you can visit www.andreapaquin.com.
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