A few days ago we featured “Parachute” by Andrew Foster in advance of his upcoming record. We thought it would be a good idea to get to know him and his music a little better. While you’re at it catch a preview spin of “When The Mist Swept Through The Town”
https://soundcloud.com/andrewfostermusic/when-the-mist-swept-through-the-town-landr-low
What attracted you to the styles you practice?
I’ve always been a huge fan of acoustic versions of songs even back in my teens listening to 90’s Britpop and Nirvana Unplugged. Neil Young, Ryan Adams and Laura Marling are all huge influences on my bare bones approach to acoustic songwriting now. I love stories and as I’m getting older I seem to be getting more attracted to this. Folk is the art of storytelling but I still have my roots set in The Beatles.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
Around 20 years ago I started learning guitar which makes me feel incredibly old! I have been in various musical projects and bands to start with but my solo project has been an evolving and changing thing for around 10 years now. I finally feel that keeping things simple with just myself and a guitar has been working to my strengths of acoustic performance. Its taken me years to accept that.
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
Stories, myths, folklore, subtlety, hopefully with a little self-deprecation and a bit of charm!
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
It’s the ‘keep going’ part of that question that is interesting as you often get ‘what motivates you’. The keeping going part is the odd part! Its almost an addiction, a fundamental need to express, perform and create. I haven’t gone one year in the last 18 years or so where I haven’t written songs, even if some years are more barren than others. I do think If I stop then maybe whatever it is chasing me will catch up…..then I’ll have to do telesales! In all seriousness I’ve watched so many of my friends give up and I’ve just carried on…writing songs….reflecting my emotions out to people. Its pretentious as hell but its a proper need to me, not a fad or time in my life. It’s actually a life choice. [ed: that’s straight dope right there]
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
This album was a near on ‘live’ record with very small overdubs with an extremely honest and raw approach. I wanted something that sounded much like the early Nick Drake records and Neil Young solo songs. Less high fidelity and more dusty tape! The older I get the simpler things seem to get in my approach, with nothing to hide behind and a record that is all about the delivery and storytelling.
What was the last song you listened to?
Tilikum by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
I haven’t tried Neil Young’s Pono; I’d like to as it seems an interesting but ultimately difficult thing to champion in this disposable world. I listen to most of my music on the go using Apple Music which I’m aware is of lesser quality than some other formats but its so easy to use. There is clearly a rather huge debate on this subject that will be raging for years to come no doubt! I also enjoy the dusty experience of Vinyl, listening to Miles Davis – Kind Of Blue with a few dust spikes is breathtaking!
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
At the moment I still seem to hear more people using Spotify than Apple Music, the best for independent artists would be hosting the songs themselves for obvious financial reasons. But you need to be in it to win it etc and so to close the door on such a huge resource for people to find you on… would I guess be very silly!
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
Very much so and its something you guys obviously hear a lot hence the question. This is such a chicken and egg scenario…people thought it was better back in the day but they had less choice, now everyone has too much choice thus popular music as a concept itself has become a throw-away commodity. Getting people to spend more than 30 seconds with you is so difficult, especially with my songs that sometimes work better with context or the studying of lyrics. So when people like yourselves give me their time I’m very appreciative!
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
All of the above! Ha! Some will be more fruitful than others, all will be experiences. The local town picnic will probably have a jam. Being an acoustic solo artist you end up on all sorts of bills.
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
I haven’t explored the avenues of live broadcast as yet. Its definitely something I’d like to do and I’d also like to go over to the States, I think they will get what I do. At the moment I play all over the UK mostly south and art centres and smaller acoustic venues tend to work for me well.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
www.andrewfostermusic.co.uk is the hub from there you can get to all the usual social media platforms and Instagram….love a picture!
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
I have been lucky enough to tour for the last few years with Terry Reid an unfortunate footnote in rock & roll history. Always known as the guy who turned down the job as being Led Zeppelin’s front man he is a legend to some and unknown to many. I have been on so many adventures with him and lived out Spinal Tap style moments that I could write a small book. He’s toured with all the greats back in the day and his anecdotes are funny and precious. Terry is a larger than life character and some stories I have are just too rock & roll to tell without clearance first, he can hold his own in any bar that’s for sure! hahaha [ed: I almost said “spinal tap moments” when writing the question! lol]
Lightning Round
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Mint Choc Chip
Dream vehicle?
Delorean!
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
Kayak
Place on Earth you must visit some day
Japan, Canada, USA
Batman or Spiderman?
Batman no question
James Bond or Jason Borne?
James Bond!
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
Bugs…legend!
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
Jack Daniels
Movie or book quote you are liable to drop at the wrong moment?
Im just a chilled out entertainer (David Brent)
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
Martin Dreadnought guitar…..dont own one yet! hahaha
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Do what makes you happy [ed: amen!]
