‘First, last, and everything in between’ is an interview feature where upcoming artists talk about some of the favourite music from throughout their lives and how it’s influenced them.
Andrew Gordon Parry is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Liverpool. He’s previously experimented in ambient electronica and shoegaze. And earlier this year released his debut album, For One; partly produced by former Coral man, Bill Ryder-Jones, which sees him taking on more of a slow-burning, indie folk style.
Here he tells us about some of his favourite music, his recent debut, and upcoming second album.
First song you remember falling in love with?
Probably a song called Slug Line by John Hiatt It’s a bit of an unknown classic; a really fun track which I have found memories of listening to as a child.
I think most people really start to form their musical ‘identity’ as teens. What music would best define your teenage years?
My teenage years were defined by indie music, which I think by the time I got to my 20s I actively tried to abandon. When I was 16/17 I really wanted to make a record and, if I had, I would have lacked a little direction or control over where it could go, as I’d have needed help to envision the final record. So, despite a few offers, I decided I’d wait until I got to a place where I could predominately record all the music myself. But, ironically, by the time I reached that objective I thought what’s the point and I’m happy allowing others to be involved.
When I made For One, I decided I wanted to make a record that could contain influences from when I was in my initial formative years as a young adult. So I guess that’s why the album’s got a heavy indie folk influence
You can find your music on your Bandcamp going back to 2015, but when did you first start making music yourself and what’s been the journey to get this point?
I started making music at 15. And haven’t stopped since. Even in the period where I was avoiding releasing or performing, I was still writing that whole time. As a journey it’s been a long, fun/testing ride at times; plenty of missed opportunities when I was younger, but a lot of incredible experiences along the way. But to go into it in depth would be a lot to detail.
Regarding the old music online; I toyed with the idea of putting that music, which is on Bandcamp, up onto Spotify but kinda feel it will stay there for now. It’s actually music to lay down to, so it’s not super accessible but I really like it still and have found memories of making it.
What’s your go-to sad song?
It’s not often a song makes me cry, but Mistakes of My Youth by Eels stopped me in my tracks last year
Go-to banger?
Currently Many Times by Dijon. Love the drums
You released your debut album earlier this year. For new listeners, how would you describe it?
It’s a retrospective overview on my life over the past 10 years and beyond. It’s mellow and hopeful, I don’t think it’s really a sad record; maybe in it’s tone at times, but it’s more a starting point which I’m glad I’ve finally got to. And, as a first record, it’s exactly what I wanted to release.
Someone told me it’s like listening to someone having a conversation, and I love that concept.
Bill Ryder Jones helped produce the album. How did he get involved and what did he bring to the album?
Firstly it’s worth mentioning Liam Power and also Daniel Woodward, who were both involved with making the record and all played a equal part in what it became. But there’s no denying Bill’s influence on the record. As an artist and a person he’s someone I admire. And working with him was a honour and something I wouldn’t take off the cards doing again one day.
Do you have a guilty pleasure song/album?
I don’t really get embarrassed about liking any music, so don’t really see anything as a guilty pleasure or feel the need to hide my tastes. So I’ve looked up my recently liked tracks on Spotify to see if there’s anything in there that might jump out. I’ve liked Olivia Newton-John’s version of If Not For You, which was originally written by Bob Dylan and is a brilliant cover of a classic song.
Your chance to really prove your hipster credentials – tell us about an obscure favourite that not many people will know?
A good friend recently showed me an artist called Lucio Battisti and I’m enjoying listening to that a lot, but don’t speak Italian so I’m kinda blind to what’s being said.
You’re already looking to release a follow up to the album. What can we expect from the second album and how does it differ from your debut?
So about a month after competing the album I went straight into the studio and tracked a new set of songs without any real intention of making a record; just stuff I wanted to get down so it doesn’t get lost. But then I decided a vague concept around what I wanted to do with them and thought it’d be cool to go from there.
As a record it’s a little darker sounding, lyrically less retrospective, and probably ties in with some of my old material a little more. It’s fair to say it’s a little less safe and slightly less accessible in places, but it’s defo got a vibe to it that I’ve enjoyed leaning into.
Finally. What’s the last song you fell in love with?
In Care of 8675309 by Lambchop is the song I currently love most in the world. It’s incredible.
Andrew’s debut album is out now on streaming platforms. And you can follow his socials/music via the icon links below to keep up with news on his upcoming second album.
You can read previous editions of ‘First, last, and everything in between’ via the archives here.
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