Having recently released his eagerly-awaited debut album 'REPAIR' last month, Glasgow-based artist Andrew Pattie is looking to continue the support for his latest LP with the dazzling standout offering 'You Are'.
Conjuring a bright and uplifting 80s-inspired aesthetic for his newest gem, 'You Are' makes for a wonderfully fun and enjoyable listen. With its bouncing grooves, shimmering atmosphere, and stellar vocals layered throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more enticing names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.
What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
I suppose this is where the guilty pleasures start coming out. As a teen in the early 00’s, Nu Metal was probably the biggest thing in rock music. I fell in love with System of a Down’s music, lyrics and attitude. They played heavy but it was always laced with unique musicality, humour and powerful messages. I started to learn Shavo Odadjian’s bass lines on a ¾ sized classical guitar. I would try to tune the strings down to drop C. It wasn’t a pretty sound.
I don’t feel it’s aged that well, production-wise. The loudness wars of the 90’s and 00s made sure of that. I still have some nostalgia for the first two albums.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I formed several bands as a teenager for one-off events. We mostly played cover versions of classic rock and punk songs. It was usually a total disaster but I enjoyed the experience so much I continued to pursue music and bands. My first real band at 19 was Honey and the Herbs. We were heavily inspired by 60’s psychedelic pop and Garage rock. The band started as a group of friends really pushing me to play my music live. The band was active from 2008-2015. In that time there were several line-up changes, two EPs and a full-length 12” Vinyl.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
Recorded sound has always fascinated me. I would make “radio shows” with my brother at a young age on a fisher-price cassette player. The feeling of rewinding the tape and listening back to what was captured is still exciting now as it was then.
When I moved on to digital software as a teenager, I was able to access multi-track recordings. I learned how to play instruments as and when I needed them in a song. My main inspiration comes from the pure exploration of recorded sound and the excitement it still creates within me. It’s problem solving, technical knowledge and artistic direction all in one.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell. Written by Jimmy Webb. Everything from the production, string arrangement, guitar solo, vocal delivery and lyrics are outstanding to me.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
There are a few that really stand out…
Playing bass with The Amazing Snakeheads at the Paris Olympia supporting Jack White’s Euro, solo tour. We got to meet him and hang out with his band for a few dates. RIP Dale Barclay.
Or opening for ELBOW with C Duncan at their hometown, Manchester Apollo show. It was such an amazing feeling. Three nights of sold-out crowds.
Or getting the chance to co-write and produce a feature length soundtrack for the film Dreaded Light with Duglas Stewart of BMX Bandits. Later we even got a 12” vinyl release with a selection of the music.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
That’s such a hard question. My musical tastes go from Bossa Nova guitar to Death Metal. If we’re talking live music; Prince would need to be included in the list.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Contemporary artists would include Laura Groves, Alex Brettin of Mild High Club or Todd Terje. I think we’d make some interesting music.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
If I get my way I’d love to continue to record and release music under my own name. I have a second album in the works. I’m currently building a studio in my garden so I can have more time and space to focus on the writing process again and offer my skills as a producer in Glasgow. I’d love to get a run of vinyl for my debut album and maybe get back touring again.
But life is always tricky. I’ll be 40 in five years and having kids can be a lot to juggle. I’d love to see my solo music become my sole focus. I do enjoy my live and studio session work with BMX Bandits but I’m most at home in my studio creating new sounds and pushing my ability as a writer.
Andrew Pattie's new single 'You Are' is available to stream now. Listen to it below.
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