Theresa Andersson

Theresa Andersson

Originally from Sweden, Theresa Andersson came to New Orleans in 1990 to play violin with singer-songwriter and fellow Swede, Anders Osborne. Nine years later, she left the band. Since then, Theresa has performed and recorded with several legendary New Orleans Musicians, including Allen Toussaint, The Neville Brothers, The Meters and Betty Harris. Clearly influenced by her musical peers, Theresa cites the New Orleans rhythmic sensibility as being a critical part of her sound.

Hummingbird, Go!

Theresa’s idea for her most recent release was borne while touring Sweden, when she met with producer Tobias Froberg. With little prodding, like-minded Tobias flew to New Orleans in the fall of 2007, where the two recorded Hummingbird, Go! in Theresa’s kitchen. Theresa played most of the instruments on the album, with exception on two duets: one with legendary New Orleans producer Allen Toussaint, and the other with Norwegian Singer Ane Brun. The album was mixed by Linus Larsson (Peter, Bjorn and John, Mercury Rev).

One-Woman Show

Inspired by a one-man-puppet-show (Blair Thomas, Chicago), in which the puppeteer played multiple characters and the drums, Theresa overcame the financial impracticality of touring Europe with a band by learning to play with a loop pedal. She began by looping just her violin, voice, and guitar. But, wanting to create a richer sound live, Theresa began thinking about adding another loop pedal and more instruments. As a result, Theresa currently travels with two loop pedals, which she uses simultaneously, along with her record player, drums, dulcimer, guitar, and violin.

YouTube Success

Theresa’s do-it-yourself video for her song “Na Na Na” has become a YouTube sensation, garnering nearly 1 million views and counting. Originally shot as a promotional video to help music venues understand how she would be touring, the video went viral during the summer of 2008. Theresa filmed the video, and a second one for her song “Birds Fly Away”, in the same kitchen where she recorded her album Hummingbird, Go!

Discography

• Hummingbird, Go! (2008)
• I the River EP (2007)
• Theresa Andersson (2006)
• Shine (2004)
• Vibes (1996)

Compilations

• A Love Song for Bobby Long by Various Artists - Soundtracks - (2005)
• When The Saints Go Marching In by Preservation Hall Jazz Band - (2006)

Filmography

• New Orleans Music in Exile (2006)
• The Strat Pack: Live in Concert (2004)
• A Love Song for Bobby Long (2004)
• The Brooke Ellison Story (2004)
• Infidelity (2004)