Spotlight: Four Chords and The Truth

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🔦 Spotlight: Four Chords and The Truth — A Conversation with Andrea England

From Nashville’s revered Bluebird Café to intimate stages across Canada, Andrea England has cultivated a space where songwriting reigns supreme. As the visionary behind Four Chords and The Truth, she curates a unique concert series that brings award-winning songwriters into the spotlight, showcasing the raw storytelling and artistry behind the hits. In this exclusive interview, Andrea shares the inspiration behind the series, its evolution, and what fans can expect next. Whether you’re a songwriter, music lover, or just discovering the magic of songwriter circles, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into one of Canada’s most cherished musical gatherings.

Hello again! Last time we had a chat was almost exactly 2 years ago! How has the first half of 2025 been?

Hi! Well, It’s sure been super busy, mostly because I put on an extra Four Chords and the Truth show in February at TD Music Hall – a fundraiser to support Canadian Musicians impacted by the L.A. Fires. It added a lot to my schedule, but was so worth it because, together with 15 songwriters who volunteered their time and talent, and help from some generous sponsors, we raised over $10,000 in an evening to support Unison’s new Natural Disaster Relief Program!

We are coming up to this year’s edition of Four Chords and The Truth. How excited are you for this year?

Since it’s FCATT’s 10th anniversary year, I’d say my excitement is a 10 out of 10!

What do you think attendees can expect this year?

More great featured songwriters, more great surprise guests, and some exciting new partnerships!

We know putting together an event like this is a huge undertaking, so we are curious if anything has gotten easier or harder for organizing?

TD Music Hall is a great venue – beautiful sound, great front of house and backstage facilities, and wonderful staff. Now that I’ve done six shows there, show day has gotten easier; but curation isn’t a thing that gets easier, as every line up is like putting a new band together.

This year’s line up looks great! People are always curious how you narrow down selections for things like this?

Thanks! I don’t send a bunch of offers out for each show; on the contrary, I book it one seat at a time and every seat influences the next seat I book.

What do you think each of the artists will add to the overall event that is unique to them?

They are all so unique, and so authentic, that whatever they do – individually or collectively – will be compelling.

What have you learned about yourself that was unexpected when putting together this amazing event over the years?

That I’m following in my Mom’s footsteps: she was a community concert organizer, and a big part of my life now is as a community concert organizer. I didn’t see it coming; but in hindsight, it all makes perfect sense.

What is the proudest moment that comes to mind?

Bruce Guthro asked me to sing his song about songwriting, “The Songsmith” at Stan Rogers Folk Fest in 2023. It was Bruce who originally brought the songwriters’ circle to Canada, and I considered him a mentor, and an inspiration; so that felt a seal of approval – and his blessing meant a lot to me. I was proud to be able to honour his memory at Four Chords and the Truth by singing that same song with The Hello Darlin’s at our Fall FCATT to tribute him shortly after he passed away. We also lit a candle for him that night, and I like to think he would have been pleased.

If you had the power to push forward something to change the music industry, what would it be and why?

I would normalize session fees for non-performing songwriters and creators, which could lead to a living wage.

If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t be shy: sing!

Who plays you in the movie of your life if you’re in charge of casting?

Hmmmm. Reese Witherspoon, but only if she also produces. Everything Hello Sunshine does turns out great!

What is the most underrated salad dressing?

Vinaigrette

What are some of the future milestones you are looking to hit?

I’d like to take Four Chords and the Truth on the road nationally and internationally again; and just keep on keepin’ on here in Toronto at TDMH as well!

Last but not least, are you happy?

I am happy, thank you for asking. I hope you are too.

Spotlight: Four Chords and The Truth is a wrap and on its 10th year this amazing event is going no where anytime soon.

Big thanks to Andrea England for taking the time to chat!

Stay connected right here! We cant wait for the next chapter

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