PETS, POP IDOLS AND PIANO: A Q&A WITH ANDREW SPICE

After two decades of working as a clinical psychologist, Andrew Spice is well and truly back in the building with his new album With Animals, coming to your streaming platforms 22nd August – and after such a long time away, he’s got a lot to say, not only on this shiny new record, but to us too. Have a scroll to find out about Spice‘s inspirations, spirit animals, and his classical introduction to an edgier music world!

Your new album, ‘With Animals,’ is on the way this month. What were the big ideas behind this project?

This is my first album in 20 years after taking a hiatus from the music industry to become a clinical psychologist. So it is my comeback story with a few interesting twists. Beyond that personal angle, the broader themes of the record include reclaiming your identity while fighting against forces that try to make you a less authentic version of yourself, turning shame on its head by singing loudly about difficult topics that the world generally prefers us to be quiet about. The sacred companionship of animals in helping us through the worst of times.

If you could describe the album in 3 words, what would they be?

Poetic, honest, fiery. 

Which song are you most excited for people to hear?

‘Junk’ is my rollicking protest song against antidepressants. It’s dark and fun at the same time, with a lyrical message that I think a lot of people might relate to. 

Who are your musical inspirations?

I came of age when 90s female icons like Tori Amos, PJ Harvey, and Fiona Apple were making their mark, so they’ll keep inspiring me forever. Tom Odell writes beautifully emotive songs with delightfully surprising lyrical bite. K. Flay is incredibly talented. Nine Inch Nails have been kicking ass for decades. For an artist to be inspiring to me, they have to be at least a little unhinged and have a lot of danger in their music.

When did you know that a career in music was something you wanted to pursue?

I was originally planning to be a classical pianist when I was a teenager. Then, when I started writing my own songs and shared them with my dear friend, Canadian indie legend Emm Gryner, the trajectory of my music and my life changed. Singing and songwriting was ultimately always the better fit for me, but I am still grateful for the rigor of that initial classical training.

It’s no secret that you’re a huge animal lover. What’s your spirit animal?

There are two songs on the album called ‘High Park’ and ‘Gentle Sentinel’ that are about my beloved dog Olive and cat Bea, respectively. They both unexpectedly passed away while the record was being finished, which was devastating. I take some comfort in the idea that they are like my spirit animals, still with me in a way, and especially when I play their songs.