Andrew Cushin lays the foundations for a big year ahead of him as he shares the new single ‘Alright’. It previews his upcoming second album ‘Love Is For Everyone’, which follows on May 2nd via LAB Records. His debut ‘Waiting For The Rain’ was championed by Noel Gallagher, Pete Doherty, Sam Fender and Louis Tomlinson, while his huge hometown following in Newcastle saw him become the youngest ever Geordie to sell-out the City Hall.
John Hayhurst recently caught up with him to find out more about this new album and plans ahead for the North East troubadour.
‘Alright’ has a fun and energetic feel but still carries a deeper message about striving for more in life. What was the inspiration behind the song, and did the writing process differ from your previous work?
Well one of my family said I needed to write something more up-beat that they could dance to, so when it was finished (which wasn’t very long after starting to be fair).. it was more of a “have that” moment… the writing wasn’t particularly difficult or different, I had in mind that I wanted to write a song about striving for more … the tricky bit was making it as up beat and indie as I could.. I’m proud of how it came out.
How important is it for you to experiment with new sounds while staying true to your style?
I think it’s important to always learn to grow and adapt my style, whatever that style may be!.. I’m always striving to become better so when someone says “why don’t you try something like this” I’m always open to it.
Your second album, ‘Love Is For Everyone,’ is set for release in May. How does this record differ from your debut ‘Waiting For The Rain,’ both musically and thematically?
I was very conscious whilst in the studio to create something anthemic and meaningful but also not lose the fact that I’m a lad in my early 20s who likes going out and having a good time… I feel like this record is more suited to festivals and big headline shows as opposed to the first album which was very honest and self healing.
You’ve had the support of huge names like Noel Gallagher, Pete Doherty, and Sam Fender. How has their backing influenced your career and confidence as an artist?
They’re all great. I’ve learned a little bit from all of them. Noel gave me my first leg up in this industry, I’ll always be forever grateful to him for that!… as well as that, Peter Doherty signed me to the record label that released my first album. They’ve all been spot on really.
You’ve built a strong following in Newcastle, even selling out the City Hall as the youngest ever Geordie to do so. What does that kind of hometown support mean to you?
Newcastle shaped me and made me who I am you know, it’s an honour to walk out on any Newcastle stage and play for my home town crowd. I never take any of it for granted, without this city I wouldn’t have the fight to keep going on in music I don’t think. It’s a proud proud feeling walking out to a geordie crowd I tell ya.
You’ve played alongside big names like Louis Tomlinson, Blossoms, and Paul Weller. What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from these experiences?
Don’t lose your tour pass is a big one… I’ve had a couple of bollockings for that!!!… Louis and his team were phenomenal!.. caring!, supportive! And played a fair hand in a lot of my hangovers. There was a real unity between everyone on that tour, that’s something I desperately try to bring into my shows now, everyone has a role and therefore everyone is just as important as the next… like a family ya know.
You recently performed at the Aston Martin F1 HQ opening and have had brand collaborations with YETI and Weekend Offender. How do these partnerships fit into your artistic identity?
Well we all need clothes and weekend offender is something I’ve been wearing for years.. a real terrace brand!.. walking and camping? Well.. yeti has me covered there. The Aston Martin Aramco partnership is something I’m really looking forward too. Another avenue to promote and play my music infront of an entirely new audience. They all bring their own amazing opportunities and I’m proud to work and have worked with all of them.
With a major UK headline tour and a slot at the Come Together festival coming up, how are you preparing for such a big year of live performances?
We don’t start rehearsals for a few weeks yet so I’m not too sure!… I think the record is as good as it can be, so now we need our live show to emulate that.. I have an amazing band and great crew so I’m very confident.
Johnny Bond from Catfish and the Bottlemen has joined your band for the tour. How did that collaboration come about, and what does he bring to your live sound?
I’ve been aware of Johnny for years of course… when my previous guitarist who had played with me for 4 years decided he wanted to try other things we reached out to Bondy on a hope that he may know someone who would be up for it!.. to my amazement it was himself, I can’t wait to get on stage with that lad, he’s a top dude with some great jackets.. that’ll do for me.
Your new album is titled ‘Love Is For Everyone.’ What’s the meaning behind that title, and what do you hope fans take away from this record?
It’s very self explanatory I think… love is for everyone, so buy the album.
