Andrew Akins is a fantastic folk musician who I recently discovered, through his song I-25. It’s an amazing piece of work and it deserves to be heard – if you missed it, you can find the track at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a track titled I-25, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
I-25 is a probably the catchiest song I’ve written to date. It’s got this nice pace to it and a steady feel, like you’re traveling. In fact, I wanted the lyrics and the music to make you feel like you were driving down a highway (I-25 in Colorado). It was pretty neat how it happened. I was just noodling on my guitar and came up with that lead electric line, and just started writing. A few phrases came to mind, and I liked the idea of this exciting romantic moment finally happening with a gal you’ve known for a while, like a slow burn romance. And then I liked the idea of this grating dread creeping up in the singer’s mind; like he knows the romance will end because of his own doing. So, it became this autobiography of sorts. I’ve felt those exciting and mystical romantic moments and also simultaneously felt that creeping dread.
How has the reception been so far, and where can I-25 be purchased?
The reception has been really good! I’ve had a lot of compliments and it’s been featured by a lot of cool publications, including this one, Americana Highways, RGM Press and others. It doesn’t have the most listeners yet by any means, but it’s opened some doors and that’s the best I could hope for.
Do you have any more singles planned for release soon?
I do! I-25 is one of two singles I’m releasing in preparation for my full-length album, Parables. The next song that will come out is called Satisfy, on November 15th. You can find a pre-save link on my website, https://andrewakins.com
Are there any plans to release a full-length album or EP in the near future?
As mentioned above, my next LP will be Parables, and it will come out on 13 January 2023. I’m extremely excited about it. It has everything from gothic-gypsy country to gospel blues. The message in it as well is very dear to me. I wrote that album from a very difficult place mentally and emotionally, and through the writing process, I found catharsis and resolute truth.
What is the writing and recording process like for you?
They’re almost simultaneous, in a way. I write all of my songs on acoustic guitar, and as I’m writing, I think of the instrumentation that could go with it in my head. Once I have the bones of a song, I’ll put the lyrics in my Notes app, and I’ll record a simple demo version of it in my home studio to work with. The song is then re-written in some parts and tweaked until I feel like it’s ready. Then I’ll add instruments and see what works and sounds good, before I do my final tracking. Parables was recorded entirely in my home studio, which was a really cool experience for me, and I am really freaking proud of the results.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Oh yes, definitely. The pandemic got me out of playing live shows, which it did for most artists, but it also got me out of writing and recording. I had to move three times during the pandemic and never really got settled. I’m a person who relies on comfort and feeling mentally safe. That’s where my creativity thrives. I didn’t feel like I ever had that during Covid, so my writing suffered greatly. Interestingly enough, most of the songs on Parables were written just before or right when the pandemic started. I just never got a chance to hone them after the initial writing.
Your music has a folky, Americana sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I’ve always kind of naturally written folk, but my sound was really influenced by artists like Gregory Alan Isakov and David Ramirez. I liked Isakov’s earthy soundscapes and David’s songwriting. Then I got into country artists like Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell. Those opened me into the modern outlaw and vintage country movements. However, in the last few years I’ve begun to love progressive rock and metal. I know, it’s crazy. Because of that I’m now being heavily influenced by bands like The Dear Hunter. I think it’s caused me to write some unorthodox songs by country music standards. Recently I’ve been listening back to Muse’s early 2000s catalogue. Tremendous stuff. Also, The Dear Hunter’s latest album, Antimai.
You’re based in Amarillo. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
It should be better! Ha. We have some music here, but not enough. When I first started playing, we had a handful of coffee and tea shops that had back rooms you could perform in. I performed to 80+ people at one of these shops once; it was packed! The nice thing about these places is that everyone who showed up really wanted to listen to the music. It was awesome. Unfortunately, most of them are not doing any live music anymore, so the options are severely limited. I’ll do some community events and house shows here and there, but most of the venues are dive bars, which my music doesn’t fit with super well. Because of this, I’ve seen most of my musical peers move away. There are a few bigger venues like Starlight Ranch which has seen some huge country acts come through, so it’s getting better, but I miss the smaller, more intimate venues.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not currently, but man, it would be awesome to play over there. Unfortunately, I live on the other side of the world! But one day, my friends; one day.
Any last words for the fans?
Your support means the world to me. I don’t write music to appeal to the masses, I write it to appeal to the thinkers, to the questioners. So, if it sticks with you, that means something to me. I was never expecting to make it big or be a famous person, but all your support makes my career as a musician possible. Please, holler at me sometime. Go to my site and contact me. I want to meet every one of you.