Born and raised in Townsville, Andy The Kid found success in America.
After moving to LA in 2008 he toured as the bassist for Static-X before becoming a founding member of hard-rock/ post-punk band We Are The Riot. With a new EP, 'Linchpin', released earlier this month, Andy is returning home for an east-coast tour at the end of May.
Ulrich Wild has produced, engineered and mixed many great musicians including Snoop Dogg, Pantera, Grinspoon, and Static-X,' he produced your debut, solo record - how was it working with him?
Dude it was therapeutic. With Wayne [Static] passing away last year, it was a special experience to have worked with the producer that was responsible for Static-X's biggest record. Wayne used to talk about how important Ulrich was to the Static-X sound. He would say they would finish tracking for the day, go home, then come back the next day and Ulrich had spun his magic over night and re-arranged songs/ added programming etc. Wayne always attributed the uniqueness of the Static-X 'evil disco' sound to Ulrich. Ulrich and I spent hours upon hours just sharing stories of Wayne and our time spent with him. We knew very different versions of Wayne as Ulrich was there at the beginning and I was there at the end. It was nice to have insight and I feel like I got to know my friend even more. There's also a couple of little details on the EP that only a Static-X fan will appreciate, for instance the post-chorus/ re-intro in my cover of Pendulum's 'The Island' has a little Static-X guitar mute/ tribal drum beat vibe. Ulrich taught my guitarist Pou the Wayne Static technique of doing this. Even though it sounds simple, it's extremely complex.
What led you to make a solo record?
I had always wanted to write a solo record, I just never really knew how I would go about it or didn't feel like the timing was right. I have always been a prolific songwriter in all of my bands. I had never really attempted lyrics/ melody however. The [North Queensland] Cowboys song was the first song that I wrote 100 percent. I took a lot of confidence away from that. I also started to take note of artists like Slash and Apocalyptica, and taking note on how they approached their solo projects. I have been doing music for many years. When I look back at my career I want to be able to say I have something that is uniquely mine. That's what 'Linchpin' is to me; something I did on my own, funded myself, with no external influence – from production down to artwork and music videos. I am very proud of this EP.
You worked with an eclectic bunch of people to create 'Linchpin'; how did you find the process directing musicians to get the sound you were after?
Dude, it was quite easy. All of the musicians involved are my friends. When I pitched a lot of them they were on board from the get go. Andy The Kid being a solo project has allowed me the opportunity to work with my favourite musicians and producers. Nothing will ever replace a band culture. That brotherhood just can't be replicated. However, it was nice to not be bound creatively or have my schedule/ tour or music direction influenced by four other people. Everything in a band is a democracy and a process of compromise. I have written songs for We Are The Riot, that by the time it was finished I didn't even recognise anymore. This isn't a bad thing as the songs are often better for it. It is, however, nice hearing my vision unaltered, with voices that complement each song. I plan on Andy The Kid being a revolving door of guest musicians. I never want to tour with the same band, I never want to be bound to once voice or another musician's style on my records. I want to keep it fun and exciting for myself and the fans. I have many friends that I've always wanted to play/ write/ tour with. This is my opportunity to do so.
You moved to LA in 2008 with nothing than a suitcase and bass guitar; how did you end up touring with Static-X?
From the moment I landed in California I immersed myself in the scene, constantly networking, meeting people and making friends. The most powerful tool I have found out here is having really tight friendships. Static-X lost their bass player mid-tour in 2012. I was recommended to the Static crew by my friend Elias [Julien-K/ Dead By Sunrise]. I had a conversation with Wayne on the phone and three days later I was in Louisville, Kentucky playing for Static-X. Initially it was only meant to be a hire-on gig, however, after Wayne dissolved the name at the end of 2012 and went solo, he asked me to stay on with him. I am eternally grateful for that opportunity.
What was it like working with Wayne?
I wish I could answer this simply, but it's impossible to put into words the gravity of that opportunity, or even really express what it meant to me. Wayne Static is a legend in every sense of the word. He is one of those musicians you only see once in your lifetime. A truly unique artist. The Wayne Static sound was very niche, but unable to be replicated. We did a memorial concert for him where a bunch of different singers/ musicians got up and played his music. My take home from that was no one could replicate what Wayne did. Everyone did their best and definitely represented Wayne well, however no one could replicate Wayne. His voice was amazing and he's the tightest guitar player I've ever played with. I feel very blessed to have known Wayne personally. Wayne sold six-million records and had seven, major-label releases, however he remained humble and real. Having mentors like this has really shaped not only who I am as a musician, but who I am as a person.
Was going from playing in Townsville to performing in the bright lights of LA an odd transition?
Not really. Performing is performing. It's always been my medicine, my drug. You still have to work just as hard over here to have a career in music. The major difference is your hard work seems to pay off quicker and with bigger dividends here. Saying that, I feel like I've seen bands/ artist become huge from Townsville.
Benjamin Hatch will be touring as the frontman for this tour – what was it that convinced you he was the voice of your live performances?
I did a music video with Hatch for his band Vessel 33 many years ago. We became great friends. He is one of the most talented singers, songwriters and producers I've ever met. Since meeting him I've tried to get him involved with my projects, write music with him etc etc. We've never been able to get it together to build something together. On top of that he moved to Nashville last year, so working remotely is difficult. When this Australian tour came up I saw it as an opportunity to FINALLY get to perform and tour with Hatch. I'm excited Australia will get to experience Hatch.
We Are The Riot have started recording their new album; will there be an Australian tour for the new record?
Dude I hope so. Australia is a hard nut to crack. The boys do very well with 'Coal Chamber' in Australia and I'm hoping to lay a platform for Andy The Kid down there. The combination of these two things I hope will lead to the stars aligning and We Are The Riot getting interest of promoters down there. I don't think fans will be the issue. Australia would eat We Are The Riot up. The promoters hold all the cards down there however. If you're a fan of any of us, then raise your voices! If the demand is great enough, then the promoters won't be able to say no!
How did you get involved in writing the new North Queensland Cowboys' theme song?
I have been a Cowboys fan since they came into the NRL. I was on tour with Wayne Static last year and was watching a game on my cell phone backstage at a show in Sacramento. For whatever reason I was extra pumped for the game that day. When the team ran out to the current theme song I felt kind of deflated. Rugby league is an aggressive game and I feel like it warrants a theme song that has a bit of aggression and energy. So, then and there, I grabbed my recording rig and tracked the song. I sent it to the team, they loved it and the rest is history.
Is it exciting when you hear your song in promotions for your football team?
I get excited when I hear my music anywhere. One of the staff from the Cowboys emailed me a video of the song being debuted at the season launch and then again on the big screen at the Cowboys first home game. I definitely got a kick out of that. I admire the Cowboys for being so progressive with this song as they've broken away from all the other clubs. The merging of sport and pop culture is something that's very prevalent here in the United States. To see an Australian sporting team have such initiative is refreshing.
Toby Rand, formally of Juke Kartel features as the singer on the track. How did that come about?
A few years ago I reached out to Toby to audition for We Are The Riot. I knew about him from the TV show 'Rockstar Supernova', and had seen Juke Kartel perform at The Viper Room. I had never met Toby in person prior to this. There aren't a lot of Australian musicians in the Los Angeles area, however there's an unspoken bond whenever you meet one. I think it's because you can relate to each other and appreciate the effort it takes to move to the United States and forge a career in music.
'Linchpin' is available now.
Written by Kerry Restante
We Are The Riot Tour Dates
Fri 22 May - The Venue (Townsville)Thu 28 May - The Espy (Melbourne)
Fri 29 May - Spectrum (Sydney)
Sat 30 May - New Globe Theatre (Brisbane)
