Ingrid Andress Returns With National Anthem Performance & New Single

/by

Ingrid Andress has stepped back into the spotlight with a restorative national anthem performance at the Colorado Avalanche game in her home state on Friday night (Feb. 28). Additionally, her new single “Footprints,” released today (March 3) via Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records.

When Andress initially wrote the simple piano ballad for her younger siblings, she never planned to release it to the public. The heartfelt track, both bittersweet and hopeful, moves between honest self-reflection and tender storytelling as Andress shares comforting words to help others navigate tough times.

“This song means so much to me that I didn’t think I’d ever put it out, and now it resonates with me even more than when I wrote it,” shares Andress. “I was the first sibling to venture out on my own and pursue my dreams, and I think it’s my role as an older sister to encourage them to do the same. I want them to learn from my mistakes, and to know that you can mess up and still keep moving forward. It doesn’t feel great to fail, but it can end up making you stronger.”

“Footprints” marks Andress’ first new music since her critically acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Good Person. The release comes after an altering year for Andress, which included a National Anthem performance followed by a stint in rehab. The experience deeply changed her outlook on her career.

“It felt like the Band-Aid had been ripped off and I’d lost the fear of making my lyrics very specific to my experience,” she explains. “Instead of trying to write songs that everyone can hear themselves in, I wanted to get back to being radically honest and really let my voice come through. It’s so much more fulfilling, and I don’t feel like I’m hiding anymore.”

Her return to the spotlight is driven by a newfound confidence, recently inspiring her to take another shot at performing “The Star Spangled Banner” live. Variety praised Andress for “singing it again, and getting it right this time.”

“Footprints” offers a look into what is ahead from Andress, who teamed up with longtime collaborator Sam Ellis to produce the track and Michael Pollack to write it. As she prepares to release her most introspective work to date, Andress hopes to inspire others to embrace moments of thoughtful self-reflection. “I hope my new music encourages people to slow down and carve out time to reconnect with where they began, who they are, and who they want to become,” she adds.

Madison Hahnen
Latest posts by Madison Hahnen (see all)