Andrew Cushin possesses a nuanced, multifaceted talent for songwriting. The words that he conjures are both immensely personal and reflective of modern social issues, but those serious themes are delivered through songs with huge, pints-in-the-air singalong appeal. It’s a talent that’s winning a growing army of admirers, most notably Noel Gallagher, who produced and performed on Andrew’s previous single ‘Where’s My Family Gone’.
Andrew’s ongoing discovery continues as he releases just his fourth single, ‘Memories’. It’s a song which finds the 20-year-old artist poignantly exploring the idea of what masculinity means in the present day. There’s undoubtedly a real bravery in putting such vulnerable emotions in full view of the world at large, but that heartfelt honesty has been the driving factor behind all of his releases to date.
“‘Memories’ is a record written in the midst of the lockdown during which time male mental health was worsening,” he says. “The lyrics, ‘What is a man and what can he do?’, symbolises that unfortunately some men in this world remain unsure of their place as a husband, provider, father or peer – they’re roles that they’re never taught about. At a time when male suicides are on the rise, the memories we hold seem more important than anything.”
Solely written by Andrew, ‘Memories’ is the first release from his sessions with the Grammy-winning producer Richard Woodcraft (Radiohead, Michael Kiwanuka, Paolo Nutini). The track was mixed by John Davis (Royal Blood, Dua Lipa, The Killers).
Andrew will follow the release of ‘Memories’ by embarking on a busy run of touring through to the close of the year. As well as summer festivals, new music events and a tour as guest to The Lathums, he’s also set to play select headline shows. He’s already a big draw in his hometown of Newcastle, where he’s set to play a 1000 capacity headline show at the Boiler Shop having previously sold-out The Cluny last year. He’s also set to play two of his earliest London gigs: supporting The Lottery Winners at Oslo before headlining Camden Assembly in December.
Andrew’s upcoming live shows are listed below.
JULY
24th – Steventon, Truck Festival
25th – Bromyard, Nozstock Festival
AUGUST
8th – Skipton, Gateway Festival
13th – Leicestershire, 110 Above
14th – Newquay, Boardmasters
21st – Sedgwick, Hardwick Festival
28th – Portsmouth, Victorious Festival
SEPTEMBER
3rd – Lindisfarne, Lindisfarne Festival
10th – Sunderland, The Independent (HEADLINE SHOW)
11th – Newcastle, Boiler Shop (HEADLINE SHOW)
18th – Glasgow, King Tuts (HEADLINE SHOW)
19th – Newcastle, This Is Tomorrow
23rd – London, Oslo (with The Lottery Winners)
25th – Stockton, The Gathering Sounds
29th – Newcastle, O2 Academy (with The Lathums)
30th – Birmingham, O2 Institute (with The Lathums)
OCTOBER
1st – Nottingham, Rock City (with The Lathums)
2nd – Liverpool, Live At Liverpool
16th – Leeds, Live At Leeds
23rd – Newcastle, Hit The North
DECEMBER
1st – London, Camden Assembly (HEADLINE SHOW)
2nd – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club (HEADLINE SHOW)
9th – Manchester, YES (HEADLINE SHOW)
10th – Stockton, Ku Bar (HEADLINE SHOW)
11th – Birmingham, Sonic Wave
