It’s been two and a half years since Andrea Ramolo released her first indie album Thank You for the Ride.

And it definitely HAS been a ride — Andrea has criss-crossed Canada playing more than 400 shows since that record was launched.

And now the ride is going to get faster, harder and louder with the release of her new Tim Thorney-produced CD, The Shadows and the Cracks. The CD was granted support by FACTOR, is being released on Thorniac Records, and being distributed by MDM/Universal Music Canada.

The album demonstrates a sensitivity and strength, with honest tales of love, longing, sorrow, and human relationships - many of them inspired by “the ride.” Andrea’s gritty voice — softened occasionally by the vulnerability that comes from road-weariness and the distance from friends and family — is both unique and memorable; some of the best session players in Canada provide powerful support.

Live in the van, meet the fans, sing the songs

For the past two years, Andrea’s home has been her van and the road has been her destination. Playing shows from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island and up to the Yukon certainly warrants Andrea her reputation as one of Canada’s most tireless road warriors.

Growing up in suburban Toronto with Italian parents, Andrea learned the values of hard work and fortitude. In fact, she’s a young woman with both determination and ambition — and a background with spells as both a high school teacher, professional dancer, and actress. She’s mastered the intricacies of the music industry — she has single-handedly booked every one of her tour dates, and supervises every aspect of her career.

Musically, she’s been described as the antidote to too much Joni Mitchell, a tougher Dolly Parton a sexier Janis Joplin, but she has a soulful and sultry sound that’s all her own. There is an intimacy in her music that is both candid and unapologetic. Her beautifully woven narratives and raw delivery pull you in, force you to smile, break your heart, and mend it all over again. She’s a born performer and has been described as fearless, emotional, and confident. And you may even catch her tap dancing at one of her live shows.

Her ”one-man band,” Jason Skiendziel, has been a major part of the ride as accompanist, companion and alternate driver; he plays bass, mandolin and several other instruments as well. For the album release tour, Andrea has added drummer Josh Turnbull and lead guitarist Sean Pinchin to the mix. And come summer, Andrea and her “one-man band” will take their innovative duo show and travel east, west, and up to the Yukon once again playing festivals, outdoor events, concert halls, and anywhere else that will have them.

Andrea has lent her vocal talents to recordings for Martha and the Muffins, Cindy Doire, and The Strip and has shared the stage with some of Canada’s best roots musicians. In 2009, she won the Toronto Exclusive Magazine awards for Best Female Folk Artist, Best Folk Album, and Best Blues Song. She was a guest speaker at the 2009 Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference in Ottawa on how independent artists can book their own tours; showcased at the American Folk Alliance via the Sweet Beaver Suite in Memphis; and recently returned from a successful U.S tour.

Meanwhile, her FORD Econoline is gassed up and ready to go.

Andrea Ramolo is on the road again and is gracious to the Canada Arts Council for their financial support in helping to fund the tour.

Andrea's new album The Shadows and the Cracks hits iTunes today April 12th!! Check it out! itunes.apple.com/ca/album/the-shadows-and-the-cracks/id424792819