I listen to Derek Webb, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, David Gray, Joni Mitchell, Damien Rice, U2, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Thad Cockrell, Tom Waits, Feist, Daniel Lanois, The Eagles, Ryan Adams, Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, Waterdeep, Wilco, Neil Finn, Crowded House, The Band, Buddy and Julie Miller, Patty Griffin, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, Bleu, Sufjan Stephens, Paul Simon and so many others that I can't think of just now...but it's a start.
PASTE Magazine gives "Gravity | Love" 4 Stars! "A songwriter's songwriter, McCracken doesn't feel the need to personally grace her album covers, nods to her religious faith in subtle lyrical turns, and proves she's capable of creating Americana to rival recent outings from Tom Petty of The Jayhawks, especially on "Gravity," "Traincar" and "Portadown Station" - the songs anchoring her new album." -Andrew Barles (PASTE Magazine)
"Gravity | Love is girl-pop meets folk-rock. Sandra McCracken's latest release could almost be categorized in the same vein as the Go-Gos or the Bangles, but with a mellower, rootsy vibe. It's hard to pick a faorite because they're all so distinct - you'll just have to decide for yourself." - Performing Songwriter Magazine
"Sandra McCracken's cloud-splitting voice will be my undoing. And it doesn't hurt that her writing marries the pop acumen off Lennon/McCartney to the lyrical heft of Julie Miller. If I wrote down all the superlatives I'm tempted to write down, you'd question my credibility." -Jason Killingsworth Music Editor, Paste Magazine
"Sandra McCracken is adept at writing songs that span the abstract and the tangible - songs that beg for repeated listens and imaginative reinterpretations." - American Songwriter Magazine
Hello Sandra, We hope motherhood is treating you well! Also, can't wait to get a copy of the Ampersand EP. You and Derek sound so good together. Blessings, Benjamin & Mia
I just noticed that you like Steve Earle. I was wondering if you had ever heard his, Justin Townes Earle. He plays very good claw hammer. If not, check him out, I think you may like it.
Hi Sandra!! Just wanted to let you know we think you are an incredible talent..your songwriting is so heartfelt and you have a gorgeous voice..we love the song "Higher Ground" that you co-wrote with Chris P. so much that we just had to record a version of it...let us know if you'd like to hear a copy and we'll send it to you, OK? all the very best, Vanessa & Roger.
Sandra, I love the pieces I have heard so far on the new album. I love that you and Derek finally got together for this. Great new picture. Motherhood looks to agree with you.
Sandra, The songs on the new EP are some of the most touching, honest, and lovely lyrics I've ever heard. The talent that you and Derek possess continually amazes me. I've been a fan of both of you and your husband for a long time, and I can assure you that I will be a fan forever. Thanks for making such heartfelt music...come back to FL soon!
Wanted to drop by and say what's up! Hope things are going well for you. Keep in touch and come by and say hello sometime. We are also on itunes now so add us to your rotation! Have a great day!
You and Derek truly bless me with your faith and music! If you are ever in my area please let me bless you with photography! Thanks for what you do Misty
Hi Sandra, thank you for adding me and I hope we can be good friends. Don't be a stranger. Oh by the way...Love your music. Keep up the good work!....Tony
Hey Sandra, my wife and I heard you and Derek at the Knitting Factory this week. Thanks for playing a great show. That was fun hearing you play with Bleu!
The Last Straw will be rockin' Windows on the Cumberland this Friday night for the Summer Camp Talent Search. The winner of this event will go on to play one of the largest festivals of the Summer in Illinois. Since this is a competition based on the crowd vote, we could use your help! We take the stage around 11:00 p.m. and will bring the heat for a strong 45 minute set. Come support your favorite Rock N Roll band for this very special event!
Wow, Sandra... I have "Ten Thousand Angels" as my profile song, and it's so beautiful. My friend Eric interviewed Derek for Revue Magazine recently, and it was then that I discovered you actually wrote the song. What a gift you have, and what a gift you give! Can't wait for the show to come to Grand Rapids!! Grace and Peace, ~Allie
Sandra, I've seen you twice with Derek now (once on the Christmas tour in Huntsville, another time in Naperville, IL) but I've never gotten the chance to meet you! Every time I see Derek, though, I think I bore him with questions about if you liked working with Hanson, haha.
Actually, you and Derek both played at my husband's church a few years ago in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama (but I didn't know BJ yet). I hear the show was great.
Hopefully I'll get to meet you one of these days. Keep doing what you're doing. :-) I love The Builder and The A
