Interview With…
Kyle Andrews
Kyle Andrews has been garnering much recognition throughout the country with his stripped-down, yet fresh, sound and storytelling songs. His latest album, Amos in Ohio, features a depth and character (and quirky sense of humor) all it’s own.
1. Let’s go back to the beginning. I read the story on your website about your mother recording books on tape to read to you while she was in the hospital. This, in turn, caused you to write and record your own songs. When you were doing this, did you have a feeling that you would be doing this as an adult or was it just something fun to do to pass the time as a child? I had a pretty wild imagination but I didn't think in terms of doing this as a career. I wanted to be a basketball player or a baseball player. I'm usually at my most creative when I can just forget about reality, about who will hear what I'm making, and I just play. 2. Coming from Chicago, what was it like to see the popularity of Smashing Pumpkins surge and were they inspirational to you? I grew into a pop culture / musical awareness around junior high, which for me was the heyday of Q101 "alternative" music. So, Smashing Pumpkins didn't really hit my radar until they hit the rest of mainstream media and the rest of the world’s radar. But once they did, I definitely took pride in them being from Chicago. I still do, I can’t wait for the new Pumpkins record. Billy Corgan is an egomaniacal genius. His passion is very inspirational. I love people who believe in music, who think it is the most important thing ever.
3. Your songs sound very personal and the delivery in some of them reminds me of the sincerity you feel when listening to a Bob Dylan track. Do you ever feel ‘naked’ about releasing so much of yourself in your music? I don't feel naked. I feel like I leave enough space in the music and lyrics for the listener to put themselves into the song too. So, it’s an honest and revealing thing for me. But I am hopefully not alone in these feelings. I like to share this stuff, it feels good to say something from the heart and have people sing along or move a little. 4. It’s interesting to hear the electronic backing sounds to such stripped-down sounding songs. What caused you to add that element? When I am recording solo, I don’t get the same interaction that bands get, so I add elements that keep me interested. I love ear candy.
5. Please describe the difference from releasing Amos in Ohio on Fictitious Records to having the album remastered and re-released on Badman Recording Co.? They have longer arms. We've been able to reach more people with press and distribution than the local release did. 6. What has it been like touring the West Coast? AMAZING. Being from the Midwest, I didn’t realize land did anything other than just lay there flat. The drives were a treat, just a variety of beautiful landscapes. 7. I read that you have been in Chicago producing a record for Horse in the Sea. How did that gig come about? Horse in the Sea is a band out of Chicago that I just seem to connect well with musically. Recording has been going really well. I can't wait for everyone to hear it.
8. What is your songwriting process like? I am spontaneous with it. I like to get some beats going and actually start tracking parts sometimes before I even have a song. Other songs, I do the more traditional, sit down with guitar and work it all out before recording. 9. We’ve been very happy to see the success of the Movement Nashville groups and artists. How did you become involved and did you think that it would blow up like it has? Well, these guys have been relentless. Tons of shows... lots of practice and energy goes into what they do. So, no, I’m not surprised that people respond well. The enthusiasm and energy is something pretty infectious. 10. What is your favorite thing about the Nashville music scene?
I love the diversity. There are so many great bands. There are a lot of little mini scenes with in Nashville and the surrounding areas.
11. What is your least favorite thing about the Nashville music scene?
Well, I wish all these scenes would be more supportive of one another. There can be some trash talking which can be fun, but I think there is enough love to go around. 12. Please share with us the craziest road story you have.
I think you want to talk to Bang Bang Bang about that one. My tours are pretty tame. 13. Please name some of your favorite venues (Nashville or elsewhere). I like The Basement in Nashville, I tend to like smaller rooms... I like The Echo in Los Angeles; I like Bottle Tree in Birmingham.
14. Lastly, is there anything that you want to share with all of the Nashville fans?
In the 3rd grade I had shaved lines in my hair like vanilla ice.
Kyle Andrews returns to Nashville on June 2nd to perform at The End along with Horse in the Sea, Grammar Debate, and Brooke Waggoner.
For more information on Kyle Andrews and song samples visit his official site at www.kyleandrews.com
Or, check out his myspace at www.myspace.com/kyleandrews