The first review of Never Done!

The first review of Never Done!

It would not be an over statement to say it’s nearly impossible to get an album reviewed these days without paying a very large sum of money to a publicist. And what exactly does this review DO for us? Well, besides putting our album and our names in front of a few thousand people who might read the webzine in question, not much. These reviews do provide legit quotable praise that we can use on our promotional materials – “The album is full of accurate observations about the whirl of modern life and the choices we have within it. All in all a provocative and replayable album.” and that may or may not make any difference to how the intended audience (another reviewer, a venue booker, a fan) might respond. It’s not easy to stand out in the cerrrrowded sea of new music coming at us from all angles. Like any artist who creates music, we just want to share it with as many people was we can. So despite what may seem like a cynacle view of this, we are very pleased to have our first review of Never Done out there. Many thanks to Americana Highways’ Liz Cady for taking the time to listen and write this very kind review. https://americanahighways.org/2026/04/01/review-annie-and-rod-capps-never-done/ 

“Never Done” Is DONE!

“Never Done” Is DONE!

A year in the making, our new album “Never Done” features 10 original songs that combine themes of nostalgia and personal growth, with plenty of heart-felt realness, charming self-awareness, and a dusting of humor, reflecting the Capps’ hope that maybe we really do get better with age as long as we keep working, learning and evolving. 

New Video

New Video

We had a blast performing at Dogtown Studios for an audience of one camera man who single shot three songs of ours that we’ll be sharing over the course of a few months. Robby Fischer is the owner of Dogtown Studio in Grand Rapids and his set up is really special. Which makes sense because he’s a special guy. Incredibly sweet and so comfortable to work with.

We didn’t know what to expect but couldn’t be more pleased with our results. The photos included in the post are stills from the video so that should tell you something about the quality.

We filmed “Thread“, “Out of Mind” and “Honey, Sugar, Baby, Mine”. 

(If they’re linked, we’ve posted them so click on through to watch). 

The Spirit of Folk? Me?

The Spirit of Folk? Me?

Last weekend (although it feels like a month ago already) the Folk Alliance International honored me with one of 4 “Spirit of Folk” awards.

Rod and I drove to Montreal for the conference so I could accept this award in person. They only gave me 60 seconds for remarks. Not complaining. That’s a good thing. I STILL don’t have the words to express how honored and grateful I am. The surreal feeling of walking up on a stage to accept an award after someone* has just told a hotel ballroom full of “folkies” (many heroes of mine) – most of whom have never heard my name – why I deserve a Spirit of Folk award, was … well… it’s kinda how I would imagine attending my own funeral would feel. Most people don’t get to hear that kind of praise in such a big way during their lifetime. Gobsmacked.

*Oh and um… that “someone” was Fiona Whelan Prine. Gobsmacked x10.

Honestly, I don’t know what to do with all of it. Of course I don’t feel worthy. Of course my mind flips to the thousands of volunteers and hard working folks behind the scenes who rarely get more than a pat on the back.

I don’t mean to dismiss this award at all. Nor discount the judgment of those who felt me worthy of it. Just the opposite. I want nothing more than to deserve it. The truth is, I feel like I have a LOT of work left to do and I will do my best to eventually live up to all the kind words. 

Life in Michigan

Life in Michigan

The North Star Lounge in Ann Arbor was the scene of an invigorating evening of daredevil Americana music thanks to the exceptionally talented Annie and Rod Capps Quartet.” – Chuck Marshall, Life in Michigan

Kinda gobsmacked by this awesome review of our North Star Lounge show. We jumped off the proverbial songwriting diving board into the deep end with a bunch of songs we barely knew but wanted to “road test”. By all reports, they stood up to our loyal friends and fans’ standards. Far from perfectly delivered, but there was no denying the passion and well-seasoned professionalism. I love the metaphors Chuck Marshall of Life in Michigan used in his review.

https://lifeinmichigan.com/annie-and-rod-capps-quartet-at-the-north-star-lounge/ 

Holiday Season

Holiday Season

 

The holiday season comes with a lot of conflicting emotions for me. The older I get, the less I enjoy large boisterous gatherings (unless I’m on stage!!) and the more I crave quiet peaceful days at home with no obligations looming over me so I can lounge around in my comfy clothes, read a book or watch a mindless t.v. show. THAT’s what I look forward to. The Down Time. I tend to feel an unusual sense of calm, which is hard to reconcile amidst the insane traffic and louder sales pitches cluttering the TVs, phones, and inboxes. Who knows what the coming year will bring so my plan is to revel in what’s left of 2024 by tuning out the politics and focusing on the people I love. I don’t buy into the commercial Christmas crap and would be happier if the gift-giving part of our traditions were left behind so we could find other ways to show each other how much we love and appreciate them. Not to be all Scroogy but gifts from well-meaning friends and family rarely hit the mark and the enthusiasm of the recipient is usually an act to make the giver feel good. So what’s wrong with that? If it makes your friend or loved one happy to give you a gift and you mean enough to them that they’re willing to spend their hard-earned money on you, it’s your job to accept that gift graciously and if said gift ends up haunting the various surfaces of the house you’re trying desperately to declutter until you finally swallow the guilt and donate it to Good Will hoping it’ll find a home with someone who would actually use or enjoy it, that’s just how it goes. It doesn’t matter that those who truly know you, also know how uncomfortable it feels to be given a gift when you can’t or choose not to reciprocate. 

Dear Abby, Should I tell my friend to stop buying me gifts? Answer: Maybe the best gift you can give them is to LET THEM buy you a gift. If it makes them happy.

I was chatting with my mom the other day about the self-imposed pressure to buy “the right” gift for someone and how much we used to agonize over those decisions. We’ve long since outgrown the exuberant anticipation of Christmas mornings around the tree tearing into packages filled with shiny new objects chosen “by Santa” from a list we labored over. The thing is, I remember getting so much joy out of watching my siblings open presents that I had picked out for them. So, yeah, I get that by saying “no presents this year” we deprive our loved ones of that joy.  As I said, conflicting emotions. I guess the answer is to drop the expectations and just appreciate… all of it.

Big love and happy holidays from us!