"How Can I Say This"
The new solo project from Annie Capps
“… finding a way to speak about the hard things in her life – and in the lives of others, … [Capps] has done so in the most eloquent and moving way.”
– Mike Davies, FolkRadio UK
“Capps says that the album was about finding a way to speak about the hard things in her life – and in the lives of others … it’s clear she has done so in the most eloquent and moving way. ”
“A Must/Indispensible! … Don’t miss one of the great records of the year”
“I’ll wager a hundred to one that if she tours alone in the UK, folk audiences would listen to her mind-nourishing material, embrace her and come to her shows again and again. FolkWales verdict: Thumbs up! ”
Let’s see. How can I say this?
As a songwriter, it’s a frequent question that comes up during the process. How can I say this better? How can I say this differently? And as a human interacting with other humans, it feels like a question I’ve been asking all my life. How can I say the hard things? How can I say what I’m feeling? How can I say my truth? How can I say “no”?
I know I’m not alone, though sometimes it may have felt that way.
With “How Can I Say This”, I believe I’ve finally found a way to say some of those hard things.
If you’re meeting me for the first time, my name is Annie Capps and I’m a singer-songwriter based in Chelsea, Michigan. I’m probably best known for a long performing career with my partner in life and music, Rod Capps. Together we’ve released 8 studio recordings of mostly original material and we will most surely continue to make more together.
But not this one.
Like many performing artists, the forced isolation of the pandemic provided the opportunity for reflection and a bit of soul-searching. I am blessed with a mighty batch of songwriting angels who encourage and inspire me to write in a more deliberate way rather than waiting for the muse, who was often very coy with me.
The songs that started bubbling up found me excavating in the way back times of my life. They represent a reckoning of sorts, a closer look into painful memories that didn’t feel safe to explore.
I am constantly reminded that vulnerability is a super-power. Vulnerability is the dominant theme running through the album. The songs explore topics of shame, learning, forgiveness, grief, self-discovery, and strength. Collectively, they represent a love letter to my younger self. And maybe yours too? I truly hope with all my heart that you’ll hear yourself in one or many of these songs.
These songs showed up right when they were supposed to and I couldn’t be more proud of the way they’ve come to life, thanks to an extraordinary community of nearly 40 women who joined me on this journey.
I’m honored to feature Sav Buist and Katie Larson (The Accidentals), Annie Bacon, Jamie Baker, Robin Lee Berry, Jenny Bienemann, Dizzy Burnett, Edie Carey, Louise Mosrie Coombe, Sue Demel & Deb Lader (Sons of the Never Wrong), Kitty Donohoe, Tracy Grammer, Maggie Heeren, Anne Heaton, Lara Herscovitch, Judy Insley, Jan Krist, Carolyn Koebel (AnDro), Audra Kubat, Catherine Miles (Miles & Mafale), CJ Milroy (The Milroys), Diane Perry, Heather Pierson, Cheryl Prashker (Runa), Christine Schinker, Emily Slomovits, Suzie Vinnick, Telisha Williams (Wild Ponies), Erin Zindle (The Ragbirds), and many more who, along with a few of the aforementioned, joined the “Crowded” chorus including Judy Banker, Ruth Bloomquist, Jennifer Buehrer, Lauren Crane, Kristi Davis, Allison Downey, Sue Fink, Sue Gillis, Mallory Graham, Sophia Hanifi, Jill Jack, Amy Petty, Linden Thoburn, Sharon Tse, Kathy Wieland, and more …
When I look at the list I still get choked up. They are my heroes – all admirable in their own artistic worlds. Their voices and instruments were magically captured in their homes or local studio from California to Toronto, then delivered to me in Michigan, where they were expertly mixed at La Luna Recording & Sound in Kalamazoo, Michigan – first by Cynthea Kelley who got the mix off to a great start then fully materializing under the artistry of Maggie Heeren.
I’m just so friggin’ grateful.
“A major force in the midwest folk/roots music community as a songwriter/performer, but also as a mentor and support to fellow music creators, Annie Capps has been playing her signature melodic and lyrically powerful songs to packed rooms for years. This new solo project throws the door wide open to Annie’s singular artistic vision. With poignant, powerful lyrics and vocals, lush instrumental and harmony arrangements, and a pull-no-punches message that is both deeply personal and universal, Annie takes us on a compelling journey of emotional spaces that are familiar to many and yet often unspoken.”
Radio promotion by Kari Estrin Mgmt/Consulting
Email: kari@kariestrin.com
Web: https://kariestrin.com
UK/EUROPE PUBLICITY
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U.S. PR – NoVo Mgmt & Publicity
Email: August@Novo.net
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Request preview copy by email to publicity@anniecapps.com
“The lyrical brilliance of Annie Capps is on full display with this collection of tender, emotionally resonant, and absorbing songs. They are so personal, and yet they feel like they’re my stories too, because she finds the universal in the exquisite detail and holds it in her hand for us to admire or investigate together.”
“Of all the songs written to a Haiku Milieu, “How can I say this” is one of my very favorites. It’s fun to sing while distilling a complex situation to its emotional center with grace and dignity for all involved, even the listener. Quite a feat.”
“I’ve known and admired Annie Capps for years, and this is an inspiring deep dive into some dark corners that some are too fearful to go. Annie is brave, and as a result, this project is beautifully vulnerable and connected. I’m honored to be a part of it!”
“Annie Capps makes music that is half magic, half love. Her voice sparkles and invites us in to each song. Each track is a surprise of conversation, thoughtful discovery, and warmly crafted prose. I am grateful that her writing is in the world, her songs are in my heart, and her voice is here to guide us.”