In an era filled with constant noise and political division, folk singer-songwriter Andrea von Kampen is on the path to finding connection through music. She has not only built her career not just on melodies, but also by creating a space where listeners can feel understood, reflective and less alone.
In between the United States and United Kingdom legs of her “Songs for Hope and Change” tour, she hopes she has provided, “some respite and community with like-minded thoughts and songs.” The U.S. leg of the tour ran from March 13 through March 22, with stops in cities including New York City; Exeter, New Hampshire; South Burlington, Vermont; Putney, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, New York. She plans to continue the tour in the U.K. throughout August.
Amid deep political division in the U.S., von Kampen is using her music to address issues like climate change and gun control, turning her performances into a space for reflection, shared awareness and engagement.
“I think people feel very hopeless right now,” von Kampen said. “But our collective power for change is stronger than we realize. Music can be such a powerful tool in that.”
“[People] debate politics, but [they] feel music,” said Tracy Lamourie, founder and managing editor of Lamourie Media. “A song resonates in a way that a political lecture never will.”
On stage, von Kampen finds that this community-oriented connection feels tangible.
“Seeing the music be enjoyed by actual humans in real time is so special,” von Kampen said.
With music being taken in through social media and streaming services, live performances from the artists can offer something rare.
“That real connection is something that’s getting harder and harder to find,” von Kampen said, naming it one of the most rewarding parts of touring.
Her desire to build a sense of community through her music can be traced back to her upbringing in a small town outside of Lincoln, Nebraska. Musical talent was not uncommon in the von Kampen household: the artist’s father was a college choir director, her mother a flutist and her three siblings were all musically inclined.
“Music was sort of the family business,” von Kampen said.
While her childhood home was filled with jazz, classical and choral music, von Kampen found her voice in something else.
“What came naturally was folk and it worked really well for my voice,” von Kampen said.
James Fleege, an audio engineer who has worked with von Kampen for over five years, notes that the production is what makes her music stand out.
“I like capturing real instruments, there’s a real person playing the guitar, a real person playing the piano,” Fleege said. “It’s more stripped down … more organic.”
That organic quality is what helps to showcase von Kampen’s songs’ emotional honesty. When producing a song, Fleege makes sure to focus on preserving the feeling of the performance.
“It doesn’t have to be this super polished sort of sound,” Fleege said. “Embracing some of that organic element … can help bring those songs to life.”
In von Kampen’s recent work, this approach shines through, as her music explores more political themes surrounding gun control and climate change.
“I felt like it was irresponsible not to start speaking out,” von Kampen said. “If you’re a thinking, feeling person, it’s unwise not to be speaking out at this point.”
In 2025, von Kampen released an EP titled “Before I Buy A Gun.” The title track was inspired by a conversation with a friend who suggested that, given the current political climate, they might consider owning a gun for protection. The idea initially caught von Kampen off guard, especially as she viewed the friend as politically progressive. The moment showed von Kampen how deeply fear had arisen for her friends to consider gun ownership.
“There has to be a better way to protect ourselves,” von Kampen said. “Being integrated in your community, that’s what builds resilience.”
The recording process for the song reflected this sentiment.
“We started that song with just [von Kampen] in a room by herself singing the lead vocal … one take all the way through,” Fleege said. “That’s the vocal that’s on the record.”
The instruments in the record were added after vocals but supported the intimate and meaningful emotions within the initial performance.
Lamourie says music is uniquely effective when it comes to translating more complex political issues into something personable and relatable.
“It [brings] big issues to a human level,” Lamourie said.
The invitation to listeners to learn and reflect on issues is a core factor in von Kampen’s work. Wherever she’s performing, she wants to make sure she leaves an impact.
“I hope people leave [my shows] feeling a little lighter,” von Kampen said. “Like when you finish a good book, you have a little glow in your heart for a few days.”
