Short Version...
Dublin-born and now based in Northwest Italy, Andrew writes edgy indie-folk and indie rock shaped by literate, emotionally honest songwriting. Influenced by artists from Bob Dylan to R.E.M., his music blends classic songwriting with alternative edge, creating songs that feel nostalgic, intimate, and quietly comforting. A former “Demo of the Fortnight” pick by Hot Press, his work has featured across radio, film, and international stages, with performances throughout Europe and the US. Recent releases include the singles Repeating and Fighting with Knives, with new material continuing into 2026..
"music with that intense, intimate feel of one person in a room telling stories"
Long version...
Dublin-born and now based in Northwest Italy, Andrew crafts edgy indie-folk and indie rock driven by literate, emotionally sharp songwriting. Self-taught and stylistically restless, his work explores hard-won lessons and the quiet persistence of hope, delivered through songs that feel both nostalgic and quietly comforting.
Raised on the voices of Elvis Presley and Dean Martin before moving through the energy of The Jam, The Who and The Velvet Underground, he later found a lasting lyrical benchmark in Bob Dylan. Vocal influences such as Simon & Garfunkel and R.E.M. helped shape a melodic approach that balances intimacy with edge. His work has drawn comparisons to Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, Goo Goo Dolls, The Smashing Pumpkins and Dinosaur Jr..
Over the years, he has built a diverse performance and recording history, including appearances at Ireland’s IMRO Showcase Night, the Heineken Green Energy Band Challenge and the Emergenza Band Competition, alongside a session for The Dave Fanning Show. His early demo was selected as “Demo of the Fortnight” by Hot Press. His music has since featured across radio, television, and film in Ireland, the UK, Italy, and the US, including BBC Radio 6 airplay and a feature on San Francisco’s Channel 29.
His debut album The True Riches of Life (2006) and follow-up Distractions (2011) established his songwriting voice, alongside contributions to compilations such as Futureproof II and the charity release Songs for Haiti. He has also written for independent film projects in Ireland, the US, and the UK, with his track “Time” set to feature in an upcoming UK short film in 2026.
A seasoned live performer, he has played across Ireland, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the United States, with festival appearances including the Ferrara Buskers Festival and the International Acoustic Guitar Meeting.
Recent work includes the 2023 placement of “Star Crossed Lands” in an Italian documentary and the 2024 singles Repeating and Fighting with Knives, continuing a catalogue defined by introspection, resilience, and a distinctly nostalgic, human warmth.
Andrew Handrick