Andy Tongren Can’t Seem to Forget “Franconia,” and Neither Can We

Andy Tongren of Young Rising Sons remains authentic in his solo career, leaving his mark on listeners everywhere with “Franconia.”

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Stream: “Franconia” – Andy Tongren

Best known as the frontman of New Jersey pop-rock band Young Rising Sons, Andy Tongren has reintroduced himself this summer as an indie folk solo artist.

Stepping into a new role requires a discovery for purpose – the reason why a person creates. As an optimist, Tongren finds himself looking at the bright side when life strikes him down. His infectious positivity encourages fans to appreciate their surroundings.

“I really do try and find the silver lining any way I can,” the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter tells Atwood Magazine. “At my core, I feel like there’s nothing else I can do.”

Franconia - Andy Tongren — Franconia – Andy Tongren

His first two solo releases resemble his optimistic energy in a heartfelt approach. May’s debut single “So Good” is an example of this exact ideology. “It’s funny – it kind of came from a dark place,” Tongren admits. “I’m living in a cold, dark basement on the outskirts of Bushwick, trying to get by day to day…Winter was starting and I think I just wanted to feel a little bit of warmth.”

In his sophomore solo release, Tongren takes listeners on a trip to “Franconia,” a town in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Amongst all the scenery, he uses Franconia as a metaphor relating to all of life’s beauties.

“‘Franconia’ is about falling in love – with a person, a place, or both all at once. It’s the sudden, undeniable pull that feels destined,” Tongren explains. “Over time, Franconia becomes more than just a place – it becomes a state of mind, a memory, a metaphor for how certain people and places leave their mark on you.”

Everyone has their own Franconia – a place that is burned into their brain forever. Whether that is a physical place, a place in time, or the place a person has in your heart. Whatever it may be, Franconia is a picture of freedom, a space away from the worries in the world. Sometimes all a person can do is look back on their Franconia to remind them of what true happiness feels like.

Like the tracks on some worn down train
Ain’t scared of death
but i’m so scared of change
But it felt heaven sent
when those clouds came and went
And made way for the sun on your face
Yeah, I’ve fallen in love with this place

Discovering the captivating aspects in life is bittersweet, wanting nothing more than to be frozen in time. Although everything in life passes, memories are never ending, and the memory of Franconia will forever replay in Tongren’s head.

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