Andrew Scotchie is our next featured performer in the free summer outdoor concert series ‘Southern Accents: New original music inspired by the songwriting legend Tom Petty’ in New York City. The lineup features some of North America’s best up-and-coming acts playing original music inspired by the well-loved troubadour Tom Petty.
Scotchie will perform with his band, Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats. Revered for their high energy live shows, dynamic musicianship and Scotchie’s larger than life stage presence, the Asheville, NC based band is dedicated to building their musical family. Scotchie is, of course, a big fan of Petty. “Tom loved so many things about this world, and it showed in his lyrics,” says Scotchie. “So many of his albums taught me the power of simplicity, band dynamics and raw emotion. I think his hooks and melodies taught me the power of a song at a very early age.”
We asked Scotchie three questions in advance of his ‘Southern Accents’ performances Tuesday, June 12 at One New York Plaza and Wednesday June 13 at Grace Plaza. Both shows take place 12:30-1:30 pm and are free and open to the public.
1. How does Tom Petty influence your own music?
Petty’s energy and his songwriting are simply infectious. I’ve always been inspired by how so much of Petty’s lyrics were romantic, and not just romantic in the sense of a love song — romantic with life.
Many of his songs are driven by a guitar melody or chorus, and I think that is a technique I have always favored. His stage presence has made a huge impact on me as well. I’ve always admired his story and how he had to fight the record industry in the 80s. Tom never sacrificed his artistic integrity for money and always kept his music honest. Tom was a great frontman that knew how to connect people. I think he was one of the best entertainers of all time.
2. What is your own songwriting process like?
Most of the time I have a lyrical hook, rhythmic idea or a guitar melody that I start with. I try to let at least one of those aspects be the foundation. I’m very much so a “feel” oriented player and writer. I don’t want things to ever sound fabricated, so I try to capture song ideas in the raw stage and keep them as uncaged as possible. I almost use songwriting as a problem solving tool. That is my ultimate goal in songwriting: making people (and myself) feel a bit lighter after a song or having the music serve as some kind of release. Music is a very primal thing for people. Just like the human spirit, it should be intense but not overcomplicated. People relate to real, raw and simple before they relate to how many notes you can play.
I’ve noticed that I get a lot of song inspiration by simply listening to conversations and just observing, not saying a word. I find it fascinating the way some people phrase different situations or struggles, and it can offer a new perspective on the world. The the title of our new album, Family Dynamo, for example, came from my cousin Tyler. He described my father Tom as the “Family Dynamo.” Those words resonated with me and gave me the foundation. From there, I wrote the verses, picked out the main melody and tried to just let it be a vehicle for a song encouraging the power of family and community love.
3. What’s coming up for you and your band that you would like readers to know about?
Well, for our hometown readers, we are bringing the new album, Family Dynamo, back home June 29th for a free CD release show at the Highland Brewing Meadow. This outdoor show is going to be one for the books.
From July onward we will be mainly taking the new CD to cities up and down the east coast such as Charlotte, NC; Floyd, VA (Floyd Fest); Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Brevard, NC; Johnson City, TN; and more. We are very very proud of the new record and believe its our most eclectic work yet.
It’s also exciting the new songs have made their way into the sets already. I feel Keith (bass), Eliza (drums) and I are working really well together and putting together some dynamic songs that can push the envelope of our brand.
Oh — and I can’t forget this — for any fans out there wanting to help us get a new Ratmobile, my van recently blew a head gasket (kiss of death for most cars), and we will be launching a GoFundMe and hosting a benefit show to help us get a new van. Stay tuned for info on that in the coming weeks.
All dates/news and links to the new music can be found at www.andrewscotchiemusic.com.
WHAT: ‘Southern Accents’: Andrew Scotchie
WHERE: One New York Plaza (6/12) // Grace Plaza (6/13)
WHEN: 6/12 & 6/13 // 12:30-1:30 pm
FREE SHOW
