A Chat with Andy Smythe (06.03.24)
With the intimacy of Paul McCartney, the intensity of Jeff Buckley and the obscurity of David Bowie, singer-songwriter Andy Smythe breathes life into old-school Britpop bringing it to the 21st century. We speak with the talented Smythe about his album Poetry In Exile, what music means to him, fears and plans for the future.
OSR: What drew you to music? Why did you choose to become a musician?
Smythe: I was fortunate in that my house was a musical one, much like McCartney’s was, I guess. My Dad played piano and guitar, so it was natural to pick them up. I started with classical music and then graduated to rock/folk aged about 15. I first started writing songs seriously aged about 18, it seemed a very natural thing to do that I really loved doing! From then onwards, it was a gradual ascent from playing in cover bands to then deciding to just focus on my own songwriting and work professionally in that sphere. I enjoy being able to articulate my ‘inner world’ through making music.
OSR: You recently released your album Poetry In Exile. What can you tell us about it?
Smythe: The thirteen songs on this record are all mini symphonies, they are very carefully arranged and crafted. I play all of the instruments on many of them, but also there are wonderful contributions from classical composer Chris Payne and world-class violinist Beatrice Limonti amongst others. The album is an immersive experience, you should press play and listen all the way through, it is like a Beatles album or a Nick Drake album and I genuinely think that it’s at that kind of level. It is multi-genre and full of surprises! It’s also been beautifully produced by Dave Palmer, every instrument has its own 3D sonic space, and the songs have been placed in different environments from cathedrals to theatres. It will take you on a spiritual journey!
OSR: What do you take from the album? What does it mean to you?
Smythe: It is an album about renewal and rebirth. I have experienced some tough times recently and recorded the album over eighteen months, over which time I have ‘flipped’ difficult experiences into something hugely positive if that makes sense. Dylan says that ‘life is about creating yourself’ and he is right, this album is a very personal experience and is an extension of my inner being.
OSR: If you could change anything about Poetry In Exile, what would it be?
Smythe: I genuinely would not change anything. Imperfections are to be celebrated and they give the album personality and depth and show that we are all human! From a technical perspective recording vocals in a home studio is always the biggest challenge, and I have learned a lot about doing that successfully on this record. I have a big natural vibrato in my voice, and I am learning where and when to use it! Furthermore, when doing backing vocals how to match the vibrato; this is all very much in the small and fine detail. However, the small and fine detail is the difference between being very good and being great, and that is the challenge! I have been listening to Harry Nilsen’s voice a lot recently and the level of control and variation is hugely impressive, that’s where I’m heading!!
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Smythe: It is everything, beyond my love for my family and close friends, it’s the most important thing in my life. It is a way of communicating and leaving an impression and record of our life that people can hold close and use to reference and bookmark experiences in their own lives. What a gift how incredible is that!
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Smythe: I hope that they can relate to the themes. On this record, there are songs about everyday experiences, ‘renting a house’ in ‘Dear Landlord’, ‘returning home’ in ‘Prodigal Son’, being rebellious against authority and the abuse of power in ‘Power is a Drug’. I hope that people feel some empathy with such events and can relate them to their own lives and that the songs can provide comfort, joy, and a sense of fun!
OSR: Do you think Poetry In Exile is a good representation of your personality and sound today?
Smythe: Yes, the songwriting reflects my ‘inner world’. I prefer to write like Lennon and Nick Drake rather than tell stories in the 3rd person. I can then disguise and generalise the themes if necessary. So, each of the songs on this record is an extension of my inner light. Sonically, this is my second album of home-produced music, following years of recording studio experiences. I have really enjoyed it, I think that this manner of making music suits me more. I have enough time to craft moments of inspiration into riffs and hooks that enhance the songs. Inspiration can be a tough thing to grasp in a recording studio unless you have enough time and money!!
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OSR: Random questions: what were you most afraid of when you were younger, and do you still have that fear?
Smythe: I’ve always loved and enjoyed life. I am grateful for the life that I’ve had. I’ve travelled, loved, created, helped others – it’s been fun! I guess the biggest fear is of death before you’re ready to go. I came close once, out of nowhere, and it’s taught me to enjoy every day.
OSR: At what age did you think you became an adult and when do you actually think you did?
Smythe: I arrived in the USA aged 21 from the UK. I had a job on a pedicab in San Francisco. The hills were too steep, I couldn’t physically do it! I had to either find some work or go home. I pounded the streets relentlessly until I found two jobs in restaurants. This experience taught me resilience and persistence, if you work hard enough you will achieve your goals in life. However, being an adult is also about being selfless. It was only when I became a parent that I think I truly became an adult. Supporting and nurturing children is the hardest thing that you will ever do, and you must put them before yourself, that’s love I guess in a nutshell… that’s becoming an adult.
OSR: What can we expect from you in the future?
Smythe: More sonic adventures soon! I am looking to iterate and improve further, every song I release will be meticulously crafted, like a mini symphony. I am looking to get better and better and craft truly great songs… there will be a steady stream of them released every month on Spotify!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Smythe: Be rebellious, use art to question your existence and the wisdom of your rulers and so-called superiors. Search far and wide for the very best music, much of the best music is hidden from view. If you cannot play a song on an acoustic guitar in the middle of a field, it is not really a song, it is not human. Let us keep art and music a human experience!
Many thanks to Andy Smythe for speaking with us. For more from Andy Smythe check out his official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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