Your name:
Scott Anthony Andrews.
Where are you from?
Saskatchewan, Canada. Home of the Saskatchewan
Roughriders 2013 Grey Cup Champs! Life is not so much cold on the
Canadian Prairies as it is flat…but hopefully our music is not ;)
Name of band:
I am a solo singer-songwriter.
Who else is in your band?
Ross Nykiforuk produced my 2013 CD Faith is a Bicycle. He
also played keyboards, organ and saxophone. Glenn Ens, his business partner, played drums
and percussion. I recorded at their studio http://glennrossstudios.com/ in Saskatchewan.
Awesome, awesome studio. Gent Laird played bass; Rich McFarlane; lead, rhythm and acoustic
guitars. I was on piano and lead voice…and that’s me doing the vocal back-ups.
How would you describe yourself?
Music that is relaxing through to the soul. I strive for
smooth melodies with slightly unpredictable chord changes. Because I prefer an intimate
sound, I use a healthy balance of acoustics instruments. I guess in a few words, I would
describe my music as folk, pop, spiritual.
Like “trail mix with chocolate chips,” it’s good for the
spirit and tastes great too!
Who are your main influences musically?
Musically, Elton John and George Michael have been great
inspirations. What can one say about them that is not cliché; they are consummate. Elton
John seems unable to tire of making great music. The Diving Board is a remarkable CD, and
Oscar Wilde Gets Out is my favorite track. I also enjoy Chris Isaak and Morrissey. From
Canada, I listen to Jann Arden and Jeffery Straker. I love Jann’s sense of humor, and Jeffery’s
innate story-telling abilities.
I really work hard on lyrics, though am often at a loss
with them, and not nearly as successful as I would like to be. To me, lyric writing is the most
over-looked - and perhaps least appreciated - part of songwriting. I am in stark awe of the masters
like Cohen and Taupin.
What do you hope to achieve in music?
Though I am not sure what exactly the phrase “spiritual
but not religious” means, my aim is to write within that crevasse. I want to be the kind of
writer that is unafraid of exploring meanings drawn from different sacred traditions and experiences…or
no tradition. I have a goal to record three CDs: one is completed…..I am writing now for the
second.
What has been the highlight of your career so far, and
why?
Being in the studio was completely overwhelming, and in
the best way possible. My CD and title song Faith is a Bicycle is based upon a true story. In
the cool of a prairie November bits of snow were already stockpiled in street corners. However, the
roads were clear so I decided to ride my bike. The journey was hushed and contemplative in the
way that a Sunday morning drive should be. I parked and noticed a coaster bicycle in
cheerful green with a cane strapped onto its back pannier. As I later emerged, I noticed a friend,
Diether, slowly ambling out, and rather unceremoniously, affix a second cane to the green bike. I
was slightly bewildered. Diether explained that at 80, walking was quite difficult. In
fact, he required a knee replacement and back operation. Cycling was (comparatively) easy. The
canes were insurance in case of a flat tire or other unforeseen fix. This simple act struck me so:
Diether was not asking for the abilities of a 20 year-old, nor was he willing to hibernate or
isolate. Sometimes, Faith really is as simple as a Bicycle. This song and this recording experience are
definitely my highlight, so far.
And what’s the moment you want to forget?
A few musical interactions that I have had that directly
relate to the use of technology come to mind. Like really come to mind…so I guess I have not
forgotten them, though I do try.
If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent
your music, what would it be and why?
Seven Times My Soul is a smooth, relaxing song, plenty of
acoustic guitar. It has to do with the healing properties of water.
Where can we listen to it?
SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/scottanthonyandrews
Where can we find out more about your music?
Website http://scottanthonyandrews.com/
Twitter: @SAnthonyAndrews
SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/scottanthonyandrews
CBC Online Radio http://music.cbc.ca/ enter “Scott
Anthony Andrews”
Anything else you’d like to say about your band/music
that I forgot to ask?
To write and perform music of own’s one is a privilege
and a delight. Thanks for listening. Here’s to each of us getting an opportunity that is privilege
and delight…whatever yours may be.
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