Photo by Kristy McKinney

by Matt Dixon, November '07

1. Please introduce yourself.
I am Andrew Murray. I recently release an EP entitled "An Evening In Snow", and it's a lovely listen. How do you do?

2. What is your musical background? When did indie/folk/whatever come into play?
To be specific, the indie aspect came from spending a significant amount of time enjoying a lot of local bands, while the folky rock aspect came from going to far too many Joel Plaskett shows. I'm fairly certain that I've spent more money on Joel Plaskett tickets than I have on food over my lifetime. To be less specific, whatever type of sound/genre/whatever people hear in my music is most likely influenced by everything around me. Friends, weather, food, family, good things, bad things...

3. How would you describe your music to someone that has yet to hear it?
My music kind of skips between power pop, alt country, folk, and rock. So let's call it Alt Power Fock Pop. I like to think that while the music kind of goes in different directions from song to song, it does it fairly seamlessly...somehow.

4. Is it easy for you to go out there and play in front of an audience? What's your ideal show situation (type of venue, other bands, crowd, etc)
I don't usually have any problems playing for people, I love to do it. I often let myself get frustrated if there's a poor turnout though, unfortunately. My ideal show would be in mid summer (so it's not cold when I'm packing my gear back into my car). I'd want the venue to be either Baba's or the Solid Rock Cafe. They're the two venues we play most often, and I love them both. The crowd would be a good mix of friends and new faces, who aren't "too cool" to dance. As for bands, it would be a marathon of my favorite locals, including Hugs, The Robots, The Danks, Pat D, and The Barnkats. Set this show up Matt, set it up.

5. Is there anything specific you try to communicate through your music?
I wouldn't say there's anything really. I mostly write about people, and situations with people. If you know me well enough, you're probably aware of the situations. But if not, you're probably not understanding what the songs are getting at, which is fine with me as long as you're dancing.

6. You've been nominated for a PEI Music Award, what has the experience been like so far?
The coolest part is being nominated in the same category as great folks like Nathan, THT, and Stride. Very exciting. I don't know, it's not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but even if it gets a few more people to know my name then I'm cool with it.

7. When do you think the best moment to listen to an Andrew Murray record is?
When you're driving home at 3 the morning after dropping off you're drunk friends at their homes. Ideally you would be drinking a hot chocolate, and wearing mittens and your favorite scarf.

8. The end of civilization will be caused by:
This question reminds of the novel 'Ishmael'. If you haven't read it....you should.

9. Word Association because it's fun...
Dreams: Wilco
Café: Solid Rock
Destruction: Construction
Prelude: Reprise
Evening: Nap
Individuality: Uniforms

10. What future plans do you have?
We're going to try and sell out the EP. We're about half way there. If and when that happens, we're going to start working on a full length. I've got more than enough songs, but it doesn't make any sense to do one now. Plus we're poor.

11. How can ppl contact you?
Through myspace, www.myspace.com/andrewmurraymusic . Or my email, andrew_murray89@hotmail.com .

12. Final words?
Oranges, snuggle, snack, record, BANJO. Also, thanks for the interview Matt. You're golden.