Andrew Handrick
La Spezia, Liguria, Italy | SELF
Music
Press
Brimming with charm, Andrew Handrick's stripped back album
has been my late Summer evening soundtrack. 'Distractions' is
all about the lyrics, Andrew's vocals and the sentimentality in the songs.
I really love the charm and qualities of this album. It has probably taken
Andrew Handrick a number of years to compose the ten tracks on his
second album entitled 'Distractions'. However it took three nights to
self-record them using just the one mic and adding the backing vocals. While
the recorded standard is noticeably below par the quality of the songs shine through.
Andrew has this 'Elliott Smith' - esque softness to his vocals which are
very pleasing on the ears. The vocals also bring to life the inter-personal
lyrics and stories being told within the ten tracks of 'Distractions'.
The title track and the album closer 'Bourbon Smiles' are two of the standout
tracks of the album. There's a lot of positivity on the album with songs
like 'A New Moon Today' and the opening track 'A Little Piece of Happiness'.
The most important aspect of 'Distractions' is that the songs have this
ability to immerse you into the song. When I listen to songs like 'Forever'
and 'Just For Tonight' I'm completely immersed within the vocals, charm
and sentimentality of the songs. Very few artists have the ability to do this
but Andrew Handrick is one of them.
There are limits to the sounds created by pleasant vocals and acoustic
guitar. While I wouldn't be in favour of a full band sound I feel the
addition of strings on certain tracks would've added to the mood.
Andrew Handrick - Distractions [10 out of 12] - 2 U I Bestow Music Blog, Peter N
Discography
E.P = Time 2005
Debut Album - "The True Riches Of Life" 2006
Five Steps Instrumental CD 2008
2nd Album - 'distractions' August 2011
Photos
Bio
Born in Dublin, Ireland, currently based in La Spezia, Italy, Andrew Handrick is a self taught musician playing edgy folk/rock with literate lyrics.
His early years were spent listening to artist such as Elvis and Dean Martin, later moving on to bands such as The Jam, The Who, The Velvet Underground and eventually understanding the lyrical mastery of Bob Dylan. While Simon + Garfunkel and REM were a big influence on his use of harmonies.
Fusing all these influences together Andrew has written songs which have been compared to Elliot Smith, Nick Drake, Goo Goo Dolls, Smashing Pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr, amongst others.
Andrew was involved in playing at the following:
IMRO Showcase Night, Heineken Green Energy Band Challenge, Emergenza Band Competition, Limerick Expo, South East Music Seminar also recording a session for the Dave Fanning show on 2FM National Radio.
His song 'Weirdo's Goodbye' was featured on the CD 'Futureproof II' Best of Irish, released through Danceline Records, and he has also contributed work to independent films both in Ireland and the US..
Another of his compositions 'Stolen' made it into the Top 100 of the Bacardi/HotPress Songs of the Year 2002.
Andrew won the National Busking Competition in Virginia, Co. Cavan in 2003, and competed in the final of An Tostal Song Competiton 2004.
Ireland's premiere music magazine, Hot Press, chose his CD for "Pick of the Fortnight" in its April 2005 edition.
He was a featured artist on San Francisco's Channel 29 TV show "On The Tip Of My Tongue" in May 2006.
Andrew released his debut album "The True Riches Of Life" in 2006
Eirom.net chose Andrew as part of their "Discover the Next Big Thing" national campaign 2007.
Interviewed for Irish Music Scene Documentary 2008, awaiting release.
Songs featured on a new Yoga Fusion DVD, released in the US, August 2008.
Released "Five Steps" instrumental CD, Sept 2008.
Featured artist on BBC Radio 6, UK, Dec 2008.
Song included on the charity album 'Songs for Haiti' 2010.
Soundtrack for Tarot DVD July 2011.
Released his 2nd album 'distractions' August 2011.
As well as playing throughout Ireland, Andrew has played gigs in the UK, Italy, Spain and USA (L.A, New York, San Francisco and Austin, Texas)
He is currently promoting his new album
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