Colin Andrew is a singer-songwriter from Co. Kerry based in London. His debut EP featuring his alt-pop style music, with roots in indie, folk and traditional Irish music, has just been released
Colin is preparing for a headline show in Whelan’s, Dublin, on November 12, followed by a London headline in The Finsbury on November 23.
He answers our questions
What are you up to?
Writing, gigging and preparing for my upcoming tour.
Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?
It’s a toss-up between Long Balconies by A Lazurus Soul and Purple Rain by Prince.
Which musician has most influenced you?
Foy Vance is an incredible singer-songwriter, and he’s Irish. What more do you need?
Who would be in your ideal band?
Stewart Copeland, Andy Irvine, Tommy Emmanuel and Bootsy Collin; now that’s a lineup.
How did you get started in music?
My family is full of singers and characters, so I always witnessed great performances from an early age. But my performing started whilst busking with my next-door neighbour in Kerry at 14. On our first day busking in Kenmare, we were offered a gig after 10 minutes, and I haven’t stopped since.
Where are you from in Ireland, and what are your roots?
Kerry, I’m Kingdom born and bred. My father was born in Kildare, and they lived next to Christy Moore's aunt, so I always felt a connection to his music. Listening to his records and The Dubliners was formative to my musical identity.
What’s on your smartphone playlist at the minute?
The Burma, Niall McNamee, Biig Piig, and D. Cullen — all rising stars.
Football or art galleries?
Football, I’m a big gunner. Don’t get me wrong, I love art, but nothing beats the buzz of a big game!
What song being played at a party would make you leave immediately?
I have to say I’m pretty tolerant of almost every type of music; I try to find the positive qualities in all genres. Everyone is entitled to express themselves, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, there’s an audience for everyone if you look for it.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Home. I grew up at the foot of the MacGillicuddy Reeks in Beaufort, and it never goes over my head how beautiful it is.
What would be your motto?
Be kind, work hard and try to have the craic along the way.
Mozart or Martin Hayes?
Oh, Martin! It has to be; the man is a genius.
Which living person do you most admire?
I have to go with my mother. She could teach us all a lot about how to be kind, selfless and generous. I’d be lying if I said anyone else.
Who will act you when they make a film of your life?
Lately, people have been saying I look like Tom Felton, but I reckon he would struggle with the Kerry accent, so let’s ambitiously say Paul Mescal.
Who will you thank in your Grammy Award acceptance speech?
My family, my girlfriend and most definitely my producer, Barry O’Connell. All my recorded music has been through that legend from Passage West.
If you weren’t a musician what other job would you be really good at?
I always wanted to be a chef if I wasn’t a musician, but I think the lifestyle is very similar. Late nights and stress are two common traits, so let's go with that.
What's the worst piece of advice you've been given this year?
Bet on Ireland to win the Rugby World Cup—that one hurt.
Have you a favourite line from a song?
In Fire and Rain, James Taylor says, “Lord knows when the cold wind blows
It'll turn your head around.” I remember hearing that, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Something about the phrasing, too; it doesn’t exactly fit, but it’s just a perfect line.
In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession?
It’s an obvious answer, but my Martin guitar. Everything else is a bonus.
What’s the best thing about where you live?
I love the buzz of London. There are so many people with big dreams; it’s inspiring.
. . . . and the worst?
The other side of that coin is that it can be relentless; getting a proper break is hard.
What’s the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Never take anything or anyone for granted. Things change quickly, and you must appreciate life's good things.
What do you believe in?
It sounds outrageous, but I believe in myself. I’ve always had the ambition and drive to do my best in the music industry, and that light never dwindles.
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
David Clifford’s left foot. C’mon the Kingdom!
Who/what is the greatest love of your life?
Music and my family are hard to beat, but my girlfriend Meg has given me some of the happiest moments of my life. Her kindness, beauty and talent know no bounds, so it has to her.
