Kat Harlton
Combining raw sound with electric showmanship, Andrew Waite’s passion for songwriting, stage performance and music education is undeniable. His songs are honest and rugged, making for an unforgettable experience when paired with his dynamic live shows.
Recently winning the coveted SOCAN Songwriter of the Year award from Music PEI (2020) and receiving a 2020 ECMA nomination for his latest album “Tremors”, Waite is now working with producer Chris Kirby (Quote the Raven, Charlie A’Court) on a brand new album for 2021.
We had the opportunity to chat with Andrew about his latest single “Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That“, his creative process, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest single “Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”?
Andrew: I think it’s safe to say that many of us have experienced what it’s like working with someone who brings you down, or is just giving up on a project, or even themselves. When writing the song, it was easy for us as artists to think back on playing in bands with someone who’s a bit of a drag, but I think the song is a lot more universal than that. The song explores some of those themes, and I guess the protagonist is ultimately saying that they’re not buying into that attitude, giving up so easily, and it’s a damn shame that the other person is.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the track?
Andrew: I hope people like it! Interestingly enough, I’ve also been asked by some folk if the song is referring at all to the rough year 2020 was for so many of us. It’s not, really, but I do really that about songs in general – they can mean something to one person, and someone else might interpret the song differently entirely.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Andrew: 2020 was an interesting year, to say the least. A familiar thing I was hearing from people was that it must be a great time to be writing songs. To be honest throughout the early lockdown periods of the pandemic, I struggled to find the motivation to do much at all. I didn’t find the consistent theme of doom and gloom, not to mention cancelled tours etc, to be very inspiring. That being said, we managed to write a record despite all of that.
Kat: The track was co-written by Colin MacDonald of The Trews and Chris Kirby. What did you learn from working with them? What was that process like?
Andrew: Chris produced the new album, and we were working in his studio in East Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. Colin was still in Toronto, so we wrote via Zoom. Both Colin and Chris are phenomenal songwriters, and it was a blast to write with them.
Kat: What’s next?
Andrew: Next up is another single. We’ve got another song lined up for release this March.
For more on Andrew Waite visit: https://andrewwaitemusic.com