We speak to Andy Smith about crafting haunting theatrical pop that blends dream pop folk and alternative influences shaped by two decades of songwriting self production and layered sound design. He reflects on inspirations ranging from Shakespeare’s Globe to deeply personal collaborations highlights career milestones like winning Single of the Year at the 2025 ISSA Awards and discusses his latest releases including Legends and the new single How Do We Keep Moving On.
How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it?
This track is hard to categorize! It has a lot of elements in it, dream pop, folk, alternative. If you think haunting, theatrical, addicitve pop, you may find your way to us!
How has your sound evolved since you first started making music?
The first song I wrote and played in my band was called Raincheck, 3 chords, power punky rock n roll! 2 mins long and straight to the point. 20 years later, I listen more. I also record and produce myself, so that has helped myself to evolve and learn how I want different songs to sound. I am a fan of layering a lot of sounds and instruments on a track and then bring it back with what sounds best.
What’s a bizarre or unexpected inspiration behind one of your songs?
On my album with my previous band, Howlin’ Haze, there is a track called The Cunning Linguist. What inspired me to write this song was a visit to Shakespeares Globe in London. The Cunning Linguist is all about a struggling poet/Wordsworth who fights demons over stagefright.
What’s the most memorable moment of your music career so far?
There are so many. Winning Single of the Year at the 2025 ISSA Awards in Atlanta this year was one but I think the collaboration with Emily in this project and writing and recording Legends was definitely the one. An unbelievable experience which I treasure so much!
Tell us all you can about your latest release and where and when to find it?
So legends is still going strong on all streaming platforms. You can find it by searching our names or via my website, www.andysmithmusic.net or on all socials as andysmithmusic I have a new single out on the 11th December called How do we keep moving on, which again is available on all music platforms.