Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Provided via artist / PR Team
Acclaimed Australian country music singer-songwriter Andrew Swift recently released his brand new feel-good single, “Get Lost” (ABC Music), available now on all streaming platforms.
Produced by Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden), “Get Lost” captures the carefree spirit of summer. With jangling guitars, driving rhythms, and an irresistible sing-along chorus, the track pulses with a sense of freedom and wanderlust. It’s the kind of track that begs to be played loud with the windows down – perfect for spontaneous road trips!
With three Australia Recording Industry Association #1 albums and three Golden Guitar Awards, including the coveted Male Artist of the Year in 2023, Andrew has firmly established himself as a powerhouse in Australian country music.
I had the opportunity to chat with Andrew about his new single, his musical journey so far, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey so far?
Andrew: I sure can, I was pretty late finding my feet in country music to be honest. I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was in high school as a way to get my teen angst feelings out. One day some friends at school told me that they were starting a band, that I was in it and that rehearsal was at my place on the weekend because we had a big shed. That was my introduction to pop punk music. That band was a whole lot of fun and a fantastic educating experience on the music industry.
After the band came to an end and I started writing more, people would often say that my music has a bit of a country vibe to it, coming from a pop punk band, I would respond with “don’t use that c word with me”.
Eventually I got dragged along to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2015 and that’s when everything fell into place, I realized where I belonged and embraced country music. My biggest regret is not making that realization sooner.
Kat: What was the inspiration behind your new single “Get Lost”?
Andrew: A good friend of mine actually wrote the song. Blake Dantier is his name, we had been doing some writing together on a couple of other tracks and I mentioned that if he had any songs kicking around that he thought would be a good fit for me that I’d be interested in having a listen. He sent through a few, but the moment I heard ‘Get Lost’ I felt a connection to it. I’ve always loved being on the road, and seeing somewhere new, so it felt like he had been in my head when he wrote it.
Kat: What was the creative process like for this project? Any unique challenges or memorable moments you can share with us?
Andrew: The whole process for this song was just a lot of fun. Right from the get go, my producer, Matt Fell, and I knew that it was going to be a fun one to record. We recorded it at his studio down in regional Tasmania, which is tucked away in an absolutely stunning location and very fitting for this song. I think some highlights for me were definitely the bridge, Matt played 3 or 4 little bass parts layering them and giving it a very cool feel and then when I had to do the vocals over the bridge, Matt told me to try a couple of different ideas during for the guide track, I jokingly did a low “come on get lost” at the end of the bridge and it ended up fitting so well that we kept it.
Kat: What has been the most rewarding experience of your music career so far?
Andrew: It would be easy for me to say that winning my Golden Guitars has been the most rewarding experience, and as proud of them as I am, I think that the most rewarding thing for me has been the fact that I’ve made a career by living out my dream of being touring, sharing my songs and my stories and connecting with country music fans.
Kat: What has the journey been like stepping into the Canadian country music scene?
Andrew: I feel like I’ve only just taken my first steps into the Canadian country music scene, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for some time, so these first few steps have been big ones for me. I’m loving that there’s some interest in what I’m doing and I can’t wait to share more music and get to know the Canadian country music fans.
Kat: Who are some of your favourite Canadian country artists, and have any influenced your sound or songwriting?
Andrew: There’s been a few Canadian artists I’ve been enjoying lately, The Washboard Union, Dan Davidson, Tyler Joe Miller, Catie St.Germain and Tenille Townes. Tenille & I wrote my song ‘The Good Old Days’ together which contributed to me winning Male Artist of the Year. Also, we grew up with Shania blasting in the car with mum, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some subconscious influencing from the Queen.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you for the balance of this year?
Andrew: I’ve been laying low a little over the last month or so as my girlfriend and I just welcomed a baby girl into the world, but I’m busy behind the scenes and in between nappy changes. I’ve been getting some new music ready to release, including plans for a new album to be out before the end of the year along with a tour to accompany and I’m also hoping to pop over to Canada to meet some folks and catch up with some friends in September.
Connect With Andrew
Facebook: /andrewswiftmusic
X: @theandrewswift
Instagram: @andrewswiftmusic
Website: https://www.andrewswift.com.au