Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Anna Burch

Anna Burch at Underground Arts | Photo by Eric Schuman for WXPN

For this Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session, we’re joined by an artist whose solo debut is certain to be one of 2018’s best releases. Until earlier this year, Anna Burch was a member of the celebrated folk-rock band Frontier Ruckus. Her solo debut, Quit The Curse, which was released earlier this year, marks a musical change of pace for the Detroit-based singer. Operating in a retro-leaning but still forward thinking rock combo, Burch’s lyrically stimulating songs are strong, funny and effortlessly catchy. Joined by guitarist Paul Cherry, drummer Matt Rickle and bassist Lauren Mott, Burch stopped by during her tour with Ezra Furman to perform songs from Quit The Curse in our studio.

First up is “2 Cool 2 Care,” which also serves as the album’s opener. A showcase for Burch’s smooth and breezy vocals, the song incorporates some lyrics (and harmonies) from Tommy James & The Shondells’ 1968 hit “Crimson and Clover.” Next up is “Asking 4 A Friend,” which Anna describes as being about a relationship with a drug dealer. The song has a slightly menacing tone that complements lyrics about the false sense of friendliness one might experience in such a transaction-based situation. An exclusive bonus performance of “Yeah You Know” follows, with lyrics combining a long-distance relationship with the nomadic lifestyle of a touring musician. Wrapping up the session is “Tea-Soaked Letter,” an effervescent song that brings back those head-rush feelings of new affection.

Listen to Anna Burch’s Indie Rock Hit Parade session below and see some photos from the studio: