I can’t remember what first drew me to music….. I guess no-one really can. All I know is that ever since I can remember, I have loved listening to, singing and writing songs.
Whilst I’ve always been a social person with amazing parents and friends, I need time on my own too. I am an only child which, perhaps, means that I’ve been used to my own company since an early age. It’s not that I’ve ever been bored or left on my own either at home or school, I just filled a lot of my after school time during my early teens writing songs on my own.
I started to learn the piano aged nine and never looked back. I trained classically through my grades during school age but this was never my true passion. Whenever possible, I would skip piano practise and mess around with whatever keyboard I was fortunate enough to have at the time. Looking back at some of the lyrics and melodies that were flowing from my mind at that time is really quite funny and often cringe worthy, but this time was my apprenticeship I guess.
I wouldn’t say for a moment that I am ever happy with a song that I’ve written for longer than a few weeks. It’s a funny thing really – you write some ditties in fifteen minutes and others take days, simply because you believe there is almost a song in a particular idea and it’s worth spending the time to find it! I write more on guitar right now than piano, which is strange….. I can’t really play the guitar!
I am now very fortunate in my song writing, in that, I have the help of some fantastic musicians to bring the songs to life. Whenever I have a strong idea coming through, it more often than not ends up with me driving over to Rhythm Studios, where my good friend and musician Paul Johnston, who owns the business, helps me bring the song through what is sometimes a long process of constant changes until we finally reach a finished track.
Like so many performers, I am constantly trying to move forward by making our gigs better to watch and writing new material to keep things fresh. We have toured around Nashville three times during 2007/8 and had the most fantastic time in Tennessee. We have performed at the huge festival in Lodz, Poland and recently played some fantastic acoustic venues, supporting the likes of Jon Allen. Whether it be a small local gig to 150 people, or more prestigious venues such as the 100 Club in London, I regard each venue as an extremely important part in honing a craft and it’s such a privilege to be able to play these gigs with such a great backing from the band.
As we move toward 2010, I am writing more than ever right now and I’m excited about our next release in the New Year. We will be playing more live gigs and promoting the new release – so please come out and say hi!
REVIEW:
Andrew James is a singer and songwriter—but the term “singer/songwriter” does not do him justice. The British tunesmith has more of a rock edge than we normally associate with the singer/songwriter subgenre, but his pop-friendly hooks and graceful piano work keep the songs grounded. While his extremely talented supporting players rock behind him, he lets loose with rich, soulful vocals that glide across his sweeping melodies. He has an impressive vocal range, effortlessly switching from a smooth falsetto to a full-bodied baritone. When he makes a vocal downward swoop, as on the chorus of “Scared To Fall Down,” he takes you down the spiral staircase with him. James’ songs paint a picture of a man who has fought personal demons, doomed relationships, and an utter lack of control over the state of his world—yet he has overcome all of those things and finally found salvation. The lyrics are sometimes loaded with multiple meanings. Is “I Can’t Fight” about drug addiction, alcoholism, or unrequited love? One could simply ask him, but part of the song’s appeal is that it leaves the listener guessing. And with beguiling couplings like “Feel like I could lie undetected/Feel like I could die unprotected” (from “Safe As Houses”), James is sure to pull you into his world and keep you in his grasp until he’s sure you’ve got his message. At first listen he may remind you of David Gray, but it soon becomes clear that Andrew James is a talent all his own. Don’t miss out on him.
Stopping by to wish you a fantastic week!!! Hope all is going great with you!!! Check out my newest single Whipping Post on Texas radio NOW!!! Love, ~Susan Hickman www.susanhickman.com www.reverbnation.com/susanhickman www.twitter.com/susanhickman
Just had a listen to SBYD and very impressed mate. A bit darker and edgier than the last batch of material - crying out for good guitar solo though! ;)
Good work, and thanks for coming down to the Jazz Cafe ealier in the month. Was great to see you there, even if we didn't get to chat.
I get it about the name. Smart move, except that you may lose some already-attained mileage. But maybe not. :) Btw, I changed some of my security settings, so maybe that was the problem. Hope all is well! Funny photo of you and Paul--what was that nickname you and Derek gave him...? I couldn't remember it, so I had to make up a lesser one of my own. Hi to all! Jane
Annndddyyy! Hey, there's some good-looking dude named Drew Smith that's masquerading as you. Saw 'im on a photo with that Don Juan Johnston dressed like penguins. Don Juan was looking a little long in the jaw. Is that Drew Smith anywhere as good a singer as you are??? Why aren't you on American Idol? YOu could've sung circles around the best ones I saw on TV last night!! Hope y'all are well. I'm getting better. Saw Josh and Rob this weekend--fun! Jane
Hey Andrew! Hope you're doing swell over on your side of the earth! I have a new little experimental track up on my page with some funny hip hop noises. Check it out when you can. Tell everyone I said hey and hope to hear from you soon! Bo says hey as well! By the way he got a new drumset thats just amazing. See ya!
Online!
