Kristin Andreassen

Kristin Andreassen is a singer, songwriter and percussive dancer who combines those skills in musical performances that are both “inventive” (The New Yorker) and “haunting” (NPR’s Folk Alley). Before embarking on her solo career, Andreassen toured and recorded with the stringband Uncle Earl (incl. Abigail Washburn, Rayna Gellert, KC Groves) and the "folk noir” trio Sometymes Why (incl. Aoife O'Donovan & Ruth Ungar). She also toured as a clogger and dance teacher with Maryland’s Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble.

Andreassen’s first, award-winning solo album, Kiss Me Hello (2007), launched her career with its playful collection of recordings. Her single "Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes” became a #1 hit children’s song, earning her a featured spot on NPR's A Prairie Home Companion. The song continues to be covered by artists of all ages, from actress Tyne Daly to high school marching bands across the country.

With her 2015 studio album debut Gondolier, Andreassen emerged into the folk scene and began touring under her own name. Setting a new, more visceral tone for Andreassen, the album received critical acclaim and her live shows that followed made Top 10 lists at Pop Matters and NPR’s Mountain Stage.

Andreassen actively tours both independently and as a member of Uncle Earl since the band’s reunion in 2014. She has also had the privilege of collaborating, recording and touring with a wide range of acts including John Paul Jones, Dirk Powell, Jeffrey Lewis, Mark Schatz, Noam Pikelny & Chris Eldridge (of Punch Brothers), Black Prairie, Alec Spiegelman (of Cuddle Magic), Jefferson Hamer, Dawn Landes, Lucius, and other marvelous artists ranging from folk to anti-folk with diversions in pop and punk along the way. As the founder of the musical organization Miles of Music (est. 2011), Andreassen also continues her work as co-director and host of its three annual music retreats in Brooklyn, Boston and New Hampshire. When called upon to do so, Andreassen also loves calling square dances.

A 5th generation Oregonian, Andreassen currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.