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Texas born singer, songwriter and published writer, Andrew Greer released his self penned debut album 'Open Book' recently. As an accomplished musician and songwriter, Andrew has also been touring right across the breadth of the US, leaving in his wake a growing base of fans impressed by his music. LTTM decided to find out a little more about the man behind the music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I was raised on the fringes of West Texas in a musical family....
Read More Texas born singer, songwriter and published writer, Andrew Greer released his self penned debut album 'Open Book' recently. As an accomplished musician and songwriter, Andrew has also been touring right across the breadth of the US, leaving in his wake a growing base of fans impressed by his music. LTTM decided to find out a little more about the man behind the music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I was raised on the fringes of West Texas in a musical family. After high school, I began honing my songwriting craftmanship when I moved to Nashville, TN to pursue a music degree at Belmont University. After graduation I worked full-time for Michael W. Smith's Rocketown Records in an attempt to get my feet wet in the industry side of music. Before too long my musical heritage and education began to call me back to my true love - music, which eventually led to the writing and recording of my first record, Open Book.
Tell us a little bit about your album 'Open Book' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Post-college I found myself with my back against the wall spiritually-speaking. Changes in close relationships, uncertainty in my music business career and beginning a journey of self-awareness through some intense counseling clarified my need to leave Nashville for a season of "figuring things out." I love to hike/backpack and had experienced close communion with God through nature in the past, so I headed for the mountains of Wyoming. A simple prayer preceded my adventure: "God, show up or don't. I just have to find out."
A couple I worked for while working out West owned an old hunting lodge Buffalo Billy Cody had built circa 1900 to entertain high-profile guests. Inside was an old upright piano and the owners offered me a key so I could play it anytime. Play I did (!) and on that old lodge piano in them Shoshone National Forest I began writing the majority of the songs that would make up Open Book. Songs of being born and dying. Songs of faith affirmed and hope lost. Of searching for God and finding him.
Which is your favourite track off your new album and why?
Easily "Remind Me". It is the most personal song I've written in my life so far. The song contains my honest fears and hopes, joys and sorrows, tempered by a request for God to stay near.
What's your songwriting process?
I wish there was a straightforward formula. For me, a large percentage of my songs are derived from spontaneous inspiration and fine-tuned when ready to record or perform live. A smaller percentage are written for a deadline, or by disciplining myself to complete the song in a reasonable amount of time. I usually just mess around on an instrument until a certain chord progression or melody moves me into outlining a new tune.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Hands down, Cindy Morgan. Cindy has a way of articulating the deeper, more complex parts of life in a beautifully relatable way. I was fortunate to have Cindy contribute her lovely vocals on Open Book.
Who are your musical influences?
Emmylou Harris' melancholic tendencies. Ryan Adams' Easy Tiger record. Patty Griffin's plaintive musical phrasing. Black Gospel music. Sonya Isaacs and Cynthia Clawson's vocal delivery. Many Americana/Folk artists.
What advice would you give to any aspiring songwriters out there?
Write with your community in mind. Start local, refine your craft on those who like your material and want to use it, and continue to mature your craft from there. Who do you want to perform your songs? Write sensitively for that demographic. And carve out space in your schedule to be creative, to write, even if little gets put on paper every time. Exercising your skills will only make them stronger.
As someone who also writes a lot of music reviews yourself, how does it feel to be on the receiving end of reviews of your own music?
As long as they are great reviews, it's not difficult! Honestly, I've enjoyed reading other reviewers critiques of my music. As long as they are articulate, it's fun to hear what others like and don't like and why.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
"Angel Band" - Emmylou Harris.
What does the next year hold for Andrew Greer?
Who can tell? I have written a few songs to be included alongside standards for an Americana hymns record I will begin recording later this year. After a busy spring, my tour schedule is more relaxed this summer, but the fall will pick up with shows in the States. I also hope to further exploit my songs to other artists.
Find out more at: www.andrew-greer.com
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News
Shepherding intimate moments of worship and devotion imbued with the joy of collaboration, Andrew Greer & Friends Tune My Heart 2... Songs of Goodness & Love (Lucid Artists/MA’M Recordings), is set to bow May 21. Following last…
Reviews
Andrew Greer has released his second album, 'Angel Band: The Hymn Sessions' which features 11 of Andrew's beloved hymns plus one original song. The album is produced by Greer himself and Chris Kimmerer, and brings together some…
