Andy Zipf

Since late 2018, I have been working on my tenth album, “How to Make A Paper Airplane”. It began in stolen hours with borrowed microphones, and went much farther than I thought it ever would. I am so happy to tell you -- THE RECORD IS DONE! It will be released on all digital platforms March 11, 2022, but you can experience it NOW through my Patreon.
I would like to share each song, and the story of creating the record with you. Whether you are a new listener, or a long time supporter, I believe you will find some part of your story in mine. I write to process the world around me. The bookends of this album are the birth of my son and the death of my father...I tried to make some beauty from it all. Would you join me in creating?

 ANDY ZIPF RELEASES NEW SINGLE “DID YOU KNOW I WAS A GHOST” FROM HIS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM

HOW TO MAKE A PAPER AIRPLANE COMING MARCH 11, 2022. 

NEW TOUR BOOKING NOW

Singer songwriter Andy Zipf may not actually be a ghost, as he suggests in the lead single from his upcoming album, How To Make A Paper Airplane. But if all ghosts brought the kind of graceful, thoughtful, and subtly textured sounds as Zipf, being haunted might become the next big thing. With twenty years’ experience to draw upon, and a backing ensemble that includes musicians who have played with some of the most respected artists in the Americana, indie folk, and “Triple-A” scenes, Zipf’s tenth album is his strongest yet. It releases on all digital platforms on March 11th. 

Zipf’s music has been featured on ABC, MTV, VHI and other TV/film outlets. He has been favorably reviewed in PASTE, American Songwriter, The Washington Post, Popdose, Atwood Magazine, and other publications. After establishing himself in the Pennsylvania / Northern Virginia area as a member of various bands and as a solo artist, and having released nine albums or EPs either independently or via indie labels, Zipf relocated to Jacksonville Florida to serve as a Director of Music and artist in residence and to craft the album of his dreams. Little did he know that a worldwide pandemic would complicate those plans immeasurably. 

Once his latest batch of songs was ready, Zipf sent simple acoustic recordings to his long-time producer Matt Williams. Although he had initially planned to release the project as a solo acoustic affair, Williams heard more. He sent the songs to drummer and percussionist Jay Bellerose (T Bone Burnett, Robert Plant & Allison Krauss, Over The Rhine,) and bassist Jennifer Condos (Ray LaMontagne, Stevie Nicks, Sam Phillips.) Zipf and Williams travelled to Los Angeles to meet with Bellerose and Condos to gauge their interest. “When I met Jay and Jen,” Zipf recalls, “they were so kind and unpretentious. They had listened to the songs and had really specific comments about the lyrics and musical sections. They said they would love to play on the record. I couldn’t believe it.” 

After being awarded a grant to help cover the cost of traveling to Los Angeles to record with Bellerose and Condos, Zipf and Williams booked the sessions for March, 2020. Then the world shut down. “I was crushed,” Zipf admits, “but I immediately pivoted back to the idea that this was going to be a home-recorded acoustic project. Matt, however, started working on an alternate plan. Much to my surprise, Jay and Jen agreed to record their parts at home and we were back on!” Williams also pulled in Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Andrew Bird,) to add Mellotron, organ, and piano parts. Nashville’s Dennis Crouch (Emmylou Harris, John Fogerty) added some final upright bass tracks from his studio, and then Williams mixed it all together. “In a way,” Zipf adds, “this album became more than I could have imagined because of the pandemic shutdown. These world-class musicians, all A-listers, listened deeply and contributed beautiful, thoughtful, parts. I’m so glad Matt had a vision for this that exceeded mine, and that recording technology and electronic transfers of parts allowed us to create something in isolation that is so emotionally connected.” 

With tracking and mixing mostly done, and the completion of the project in sight, Zipf received a shocking call from his family back in Pennsylvania. His father had suffered a brain hemorrhage  that would eventually prove fatal. Although he was able to get back home in time to hold his father’s hand and sing him some songs before he passed, the experience was devastating. Andy had recently gotten a voicemail from his father checking on the progress of the album, which he was greatly anticipating. When he returned to Florida Zipf wrote one final song, “You Won’t Need Your Glasses Anymore,” for his dad. Although he assumed it would end up being a simple guitar / vocal recording, when Williams sent the basic track to Bellerose, Condos and Chester, they immediately added gorgeous, sensitive contributions to the track. “They didn’t have to do that,” Zipf adds. “What a gift.” 

The final project certainly transcends the sum of its parts. Balancing detailed reflections on everything from the simple joy of making a paper airplane for his toddler son, to the sounds generated by the life-support systems that kept his father’s body alive, How To Make A Paper Airplane tracks a man’s inner journey to adulthood. Zipf recognizes his need for the leadership, instruction, and inspiration his father offered him, and how he passes that along to his young son. He considers how all of that might be of value to others in these trying times. “My dad was a great listener,” he adds. “Sometimes I was almost embarrassed at how interested he was in people’s stories. He could find commonality with almost anyone. That’s what I am trying to do with my songs – to find a connection. Sometimes that means not ignoring the difficult things, like loss, doubt, and fear. Along with moments of real joy, those are all places we can connect.”

How To Make A Paper Airplane releases March 11th on all digital platforms. The lead single, “Did You Know I Was a Ghost” is available now. Zipf is currently booking performances for the rest of 2022. 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: (zipfmgmt@gmail.com/ 703-599-2112)

BOOKING INQUIRIES: (andyzipfbooking@gmail.com / 703-599-2112)

“There is no denying the inherent beauty and strength of Zipf’s songwriting.” (Atwood Magazine)

“Throughout the course of his career, Andy Zipf has always been known for his authentic lyrical approach but it wasn't until this album, How to Make a Paper Airplane, that the veteran artist…refused to hold back.” (Analogue Magazine)

“Smartly written tunes” (The Washington Post)

“He writes…with a Paul Simon heart and soul…and despite the sentiment of wonder and of resigned effort, it comes off feeling as if this too will work out if treated like a marathon. The slow and steady finishes the race and in the completion, there's an awful lot of winning.” (Daytrotter)

“One of the most immediately enveloping albums I’ve heard in years. Zipf’s lyrical specificity creates an emotionally impressionistic atmosphere, and the musical accoutrements offered by Jay Bellerose, Jennifer Condos, Dennis Crouch, and Tyler Chester are tasteful, rich, and perfectly restrained. This is going to be a hard album to beat when it comes time to consider my favorites of 2022.” (John J. Thompson; TrueTunes.com)