Ingrid Andress On the Inspiration Behind Remaking ‘On the Road Again’

The revamped classic will benefit music industry pros.

Written by Chris Parton
Ingrid Andress On the Inspiration Behind Remaking ‘On the Road Again’
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 10: Ingrid Andress performs at All for the Hall: Under the Influence Benefiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum at Bridgestone Arena on February 10, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

Rising talent Ingrid Andress was just part of the star-studded remake of Willie Nelson’s iconic “On the Road Again,” and she recently opened up about the honor — as well as its big-hearted inspiration.

Calling in to New York City’s 94.7 WNSH/RADIO.com, Andress first talked about being featured alongside all ten of this year’s ACM New Artist of the Year nominees. She was joined by Gabby BarrettJordan DavisRussell DickersonLindsay EllRiley GreenCaylee HammackCody JohnsonTenille Townes and Morgan Wallen, and Andress said the hardest part was just getting everybody in there.

“Everybody had like two lines, maybe,” Andress said. “And I was like ‘Honestly, you can just put me in once and I’m fine!'”

But despite showcasing the wide ranging vocal talent of this year’s ACM New Artist class, the track was also meant to benefit those in the music industry struggling as life “on the road” remains shut down. Proceeds from the single will be donated to the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund.

“I feel like helping in anyway possible is good, because everyone is struggling in some way and not being on the road is affecting a lot of people and their livelihood,” Andress explained. “For certain people that’s their whole life, so to not be able to do that is tough. And just helping in any way we can is important.”

It’s not just the artists who are in a tough spot, she went on. There are literally hundreds of people employed by each concert, doing things most fans will never see — and that’s by design.

“There’s so much that goes into a live show,” Andress said. “The goal is to have fans not be aware of how much work it is, that is our job to be like ‘We just want you to have a good time.’ But there is so much that goes on behind the scenes as far as the people setting up the lights and stuff. It’s such a huge ordeal.”

Now that the new version of “On the Road” has arrived, winners for ACM Awards Male and Female New Artist are set to be announced soon. And after a months-long wait, the 55th ACM Awards will air live from Nashville on CBS September 16, hosted by Keith Urban. Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine” is out now.