Canadian folk-pop musician and three time International Songwriting Competition finalist, Andy Brown returns to Australia next month.
Wedged between music festivals in Caloundra and Mullumbimby, the Festival Of Small Halls tour will see Andy play a series of intimate shows around regional Queensland.
What do you love most about playing smaller venues?
I love playing for intimate crowds, because I find that the meanings behind the lyrics best come to light in the pin-drop style settings that the Festival Of Small Halls offers.
Do you have an affinity for regional areas in general? Well, I grew up in a small town in my home province of New Brunswick, in a tiny, regional area called Woodstock, so that connection is definitely there. I love the tight-knit atmosphere of regional communities, and I think that’s what makes this tour so particularly special.
You’ll be playing with The Mae Trio... tell us a bit about them?
To be honest, I have never had the privilege of getting to meet, nor play with these talented young ladies. What I can tell you, however, is that after a long time listening to their recordings, I am blown away by their maturity as both songwriters and performers, and that I cannot wait to perform alongside them night after night during the Small Halls tour!
This is your fourth visit to Australia in two years – what keeps bringing you back?
I love the people! I find that everyone is so friendly and have a genuine appreciation and love for music. Plus, I find a lot of similarities between Australia and Canada, which always makes me feel right at home, despite being on the other side of the planet.
What’s it like to have been an International Songwriting Competition finalist three times now?
To be recognised by such a world-renowned songwriting competition is an absolutely incredible feeling. Songwriting is my true passion, and is where I am able to fully wear my heart on my sleeve, so to know that people are connecting with the passion and truthfulness behind what I am trying to say in my lyrics, is the greatest affirmation that a songwriter can have.
If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Oooh… tough question. Honestly, to this point in my career, it would have to be anywhere in Australia. The first time that I toured down under turned out to be the perfect ‘escape’ for me in a time of my life that was very difficult on a personal level. In the end, that tour, and all of the subsequent tours throughout Australia that have followed it, have not only helped me mature as a songwriter, but as a person in general.
Who has been the most exciting person you’ve played with so far?
I’ve had the opportunity to play a couple of shows with Ian Moss, and will hopefully be able to sneak in a few more shows with him this time around. He’s such a legend, but such an incredibly nice, humble guy, that it made me absolutely love playing with him!
What can we expect from your next album? A lot of the same honesty and personal songwriting components that have made up the lyrics and melodies from the last two albums, however, this time I am planning on it moving forward with a more folk/ roots feel to it then before. Think James Taylor meets David Gray meets Ray Lamontagne.
Who would you most love to collaborate with in the future?
James Taylor. Such an honest songwriter, and a guy who definitely isn't against having a beer or two I'm sure!
Written by Darcy Stephens
Andy Brown’s Festival Of Small Halls plays the Caloundra Music Festival on 2nd-3rd October. He is also playing several shows throughout regional Queensland.
