Rising Stars: Meet Andy Mead of West Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Mead.

Hi Andy , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a homeschooled kid from the upper midwest, the only thing I really got out of High-school and kept with me, was learning to play guitar and writing songs; Thus far, it’s worked out pretty well.

I didn’t have much to do with my daily time after whatever little schooling I did in High school, so I picked up the guitar my brother had left behind and taught myself how to play by ear.
That sort of snowballed into being the annoying kid on the sports trip, or church camp who always had a guitar and wore out G,C, D, em, and some power chords.

Played my first original show at 19 in a church auditorium opening up for a few local pop-punk and emo bands. There was a big “scene” in NWI.
Cut my teeth in various church basements, gyms, vfw halls, and coffeeshops for the next few years opening for the local and touring bands passing through. Everything from indie folk, to blues and country, to the “scariest” and loudest hard-core music you’ve ever heard.

Soon those “venues” change hands or closed and the local music scene started to fade out.

Cover gigs became a way to still play and actually get paid. (I use the term “paid” very loosely.)
I started playing anywhere I could around the Northwest Indiana area.
Not long after that I moved to Chicago and worked full time for a few years and played when I could.

I had a steady Tuesday night gig playing to 6 people (on a good night)
at a bar called “Durkins” on Diversey for a summer, along with a few non paying “exposure” gigs downtown that I got off sketchy Craigslist ads.

Fast forward a few years and not only am I working full time office hours and events for an entertainment company, but also playing 3-4 hours a night 5 /6 nights a week.
While my writing and original music took a hit, I was grateful to pay my bills doing something I loved.

Finally in 2019 I relocated to Nashville, TN to focus on nothing else but music and left a full time job AND full time gigging schedule behind.
7 months into my Nashville experience, the world shut down.

The few gigs I had were all but gone, and or the already small pay was cut again in half, (thanks tootsies circuit).

The only thing that saved me from going completely under (mentally, financially, etc)
were some “brave” folks who hosted some private gatherings that I was asked to play, and live streaming on every platform that I could. (Huge shoutout to everyone who was home and listened.)
That, and the daughter we were blessed with 2 weeks before the shutdown.

Since then I’ve stayed busy writing and recording and finally released my first original music in late 2023.
A song I had written over covid called “it won’t be long now” about the cycle of life.
I have released two more songs (empty house, slidin down rust) since and am working on an e.p. currently.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to be asked to be a session vocalist for some wonderful writers in town.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth.
That’s part of it though, right?
There are obviously times when things are going better than others, but Im not special. This is life.

Insert corny anecdote about the “it’s all about the journey” here*
(Even though it is)

Since 2019 there were major changes in my life.
My Father died.
Made a move to a major city with no job lined up.
Left full time work and a full time gigging schedule for…. uncertainty.
Covid.
Car got hit by a deer.
My next car was stolen with all my gear in it 2 weeks after I had drained my savings to buy it.
Miraculously, I got my guitar back though. Pretty unheard of. A great sub story for another time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I sing other people’s songs really damn well.

Whenit comes to my original music, I dont necessarily have one style, or genre. It’s just “me”.
I’m very lucky and grateful to be able to do what I do and do it for as long as I’ve done it.

I think I’m most proud of coming from “the annoying kid with the guitar,” to the “oh, you’re still doing the music thing?”, to providing for my family and pursuing a life long adventure.

What sets me apart from others:
I think i have a unique voice and writing style that isn’t your typical cookie cutter/taco bell kind of writing.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Being “mentored” for me has been a combination of :
Observation and learning, the actions and words of various folks I’ve encountered,
and the majority has been the mistakes I’ve made. (And hopefully learned from)
As for networking,
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and more importantly, listen to the answers given.
Just listening in general is huge.
You can never stop learning how to improve, adjust, or adapt.

Pricing:

• Varies based on event/gig

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @andymeadmusic
• Facebook: @andymeadmusic
• Youtube: @andymeadmusic
• Soundcloud: @andymeadmusic

Image Credits
Alisa Thanye-Thayne Media
Meghan Kindsvater- Meghan Melia Photography