Q: why haven't i been doing a whole heap of shows like normal?
A: i wanted to lay low for a bit until the album is finally finished and ready to go, so i haven't been organising tours etc so far this year. i have done the odd show here and there when i have been asked to, but once the album is finished then i'll be touring again like usual. first stops will be Tasmania, Queensland and hopefully South Australia.
Q: now the mention the album, wtf? where is it? haven't you been working on it for like a year?
A: good question, i'm glad you asked. i did start work on a second E.P early 2009 and at that point decided to record an album, but couldnt get back into the studio until the end of 2009, at which point we only got the drums and bass done. since then i went on a little trip to the U.S to visit family but was lucky enough to spend a day at a studio down in El Paso, Texas. now this is where the news gets exciting...
the reason i went down to El Paso to record is because the studio belongs to Jim Ward (At The Drive In, Sparta, Sleepercar). i have always been a fan of Jim's work and thought i would take advantage of the opportunity to spend a day in the studio with him. we enjoyed working together, were happy with the end result and decided it would be best for me to come back to El Paso to record the whole album in August 2010.
so on August 11th i'll be heading back to the states with a suitcase full of songs, a guitar and my good friend Tom V to spend a couple of weeks in the studio finally nailing this album on the head!
i'll make sure there are plenty of photos and there will definitely be a video camera in hand!
oh if you are around the San Antonio area i will be supporting Sleepercar at Zombies on Friday 27th of August! keep your eyes open for an El Paso show too!
The Fire Away Tour
Fri Oct 2, 2009
hellllllooooo,
just to give you an update on a few things, i'm two shows into my third and last tour of the year, this one is definitely shaping up to be a big one, with 18 shows over 6 states/territories.
just when i thought all the shows were booked, a few more popped up out of no where, so check the dates and see when i'll be dropping by your area.
the next stop of the tour will be Canberra Country Music Festival next Friday night and Saturday morning before i head down to Launceston to play a show with good mate Lincoln Le Fevre on the Saturday night and Hobart on the Sunday.
on another topic, the ALBUM....
right, well, recording was scheduled for the end of September, but was unfortunately pushed back till the end of October, as much as i bitched and moaned there was nothing that could be done.
i should let you know though, that once the album is finished i will be trying to find the right company to distribute it, so unfortunately we won't be seeing it on shelves till sometime next year, but i can say it will be worth the wait...... special guests... shhh!
so check out some of the tour dates, there are all ages shows around the country, and a couple of those are charity events, so get on it.
see you on tour!
<3 swift
my old yard!
Sun Aug 16, 2009
ok, so i've been keeping a bit of a low profile lately, for lately mainly to work on my album, which i've only just finished writing and will finish recording in the next few months, and also i've been working hard to lose a few winter kilos, which has been a success so far. :-)
I haven't been doing many shows lately as you might have noticed, i do however have one coming up at the Johnston on Johnston St in Fitzroy on Friday 28th of August.
So get down there for that one. I've also been jamming with a new backing band. keeping things simple and raw.
i've been feeling a little bad that i haven't updated everything in a while so i decided to share with you one of my newest songs that will be on the album.
i've never really played harmonica so be nice, also i was feeling like a bit of a tool talking to myself, haven't really done the video blog thing before.
hope you enjoy it.
<3 swift
The Demo Tracks Tour
Tue Apr 14, 2009
Hello Team,
just to let you all know i head off on tour this Friday, i'll be on the road for a week in Shepparton and Tasmania, before coming home, heading into the studio for a week then back on the road to hit Melbourne and Brisbane.
so as i have been doing a bit of writing for this next c.d i'll be trying out some of these new songs on this next run of shows... hence the name "The Demo Tracks Tour".
the shows are looking something like this...
Friday 17th April | Yahoo Bar, Shepparton VIC
Saturday 18th April | (AA) Leading Edge Music, Shepparton VIC
Tuesday 21st April | Irish Murphy's, Hobart TAS
Thursday 23rd April | Alley Cat, North Hobart TAS
Friday 24th April | (TBC), Launceston TAS
Thursday 7th May | The Corner Hotel, VIC with Peter Combe
Saturday 9th May | (AA) The Hive, Fortitude Valley QLD
Sunday 10th May | The Troubadour, Fortitude Valley QLD
Monday 11th May | The Cavern, Nobby Beach QLD
Hope to see you at a show very soon!
♥ swift
Plenty Of News To Keep You Interested
Wed Mar 4, 2009
First off, a big hello to everyone in cyber land!
It’s been a while since my last news update, but times have been busy. since your last reading of my doings I’ve visited the states, done the odd show here and there, and I’ve also been getting stuck into some writing.
So I guess the newest news is that there are plenty of shows coming up, including “The Long Drive Home Tour” with Tyla Bertolli. The two of us will be flying up to Brisbane on the 13th of March, before hiring a car and driving back down the coast with stops in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
On top of that I’ll be making an appearance at the Casey Cares Festival in aid of the Bushfires, and also the Emergency Festival in Frankston with Behind Crimson Eyes, Michael Paynter, Talk Show Host, Ikarii and more.
If those shows aren’t enough for you, there are also shows coming up in Koo Wee Rup, Murchison and the world famous Corner Hotel with the legendary Peter Combe.
But there is more going on than just shows, I finally got more copies of the “Cornered By Shadows” E.P, they arrived today, so feel free to order it online, buy it on iTunes or bring an extra $10 to a show.
Now, a good friend of mine, n8, has been trying his hand at remixes and he is doing a fine job indeed. He has done a remix of “Tired In The Day” which you can check out on my myspace page www.myspace.com/andrewswift it should be available as a free download! Make sure you check out some of n8’s other remixes at www.myspace.com/n8regifted!
Speaking of free songs, make sure you join the mailing list on my myspace to receive a link to download a free acoustic track, “I’ll Keep What You Say”.
I think that is about all the news I have for the moment, if I think of anymore, I’ll be sure to let you know!
Hope to see you at a show soon, and I hope you enjoy a couple of free songs.
<3 swift
New Song On Myspace + Last Shows For '08
Mon Dec 8, 2008
lately in my spare time, i've been writing away, trying to work out which songs will make the next c.d and all that kind of thing.
i do a bit of home recording for demos, i dont really know how to use the program too well, but it gives a rough idea of what the song will sound like.
so i've decided i'm going to start putting these demos up on myspace for one week periods to get some feedback.
the first song i've put up is called "Kathleen Close", so shoot across to www.myspace.com/andrewswift and have a listen. i'd appreciate it. :-)
also i'm playing my last 2 shows for the year next weekend.
Friday 12th of December (+18)
The Evelyn Hotel
351 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Tix $10 Doors 8:30pm (i'm on at 9)
www.moshtix.com
Saturday 13th of December (AA)
The Castle
Hemmings Park, Dandenong
Tix $10+ Donation to Mission Australia
Doors at 5:30pm (i'm on at 5:45)
hope to see you there.
♥ swift
Bringing The Year To A Close
Tue Dec 2, 2008
hello team,
well we are right in the middle of the silly season, and to prove it I’m giving away a free song to everyone that joins my mailing list. simple as that! just fill in the mailing list box and you will be sent a link to where you can claim your free song.
now to stop this news update sounding like a morning t.v infomercial I’m going to give you an actual news update.
A few big things are happening in the land of swift at the moment. The cornered by shadows e.p has sold out, but due to some contract signing (oooh exciting) there will be no more copies until it is re-released early next year, hopefully in a bigger and better package!
also, I only have a couple of shows left for the year before I head to California for a few weeks in Jan, when I come back though, I’ll be hitting the ground running, if everything goes to plan I’ll be touring the moment I get back.
In the mean time make sure you get along to my last couple of shows for the year…
BYRNESIDE RECORDS SHOWCASE (18+)
FRIDAY 12TH DEC
THE EVELYN HOTEL
351 BRUNSWICK ST, FITZROY
with: THE WELLINGTONS, THE MODERN LEGION + DELAMARE
8:30pm
Tix: $10 www.moshtix.com
STUFF THE STOCKING (AA)
SATURDAY 13TH DEC
THE CASTLE
HEMMINGS PARK, DANDENONG
with: CLOSURE IN MOSCOW, ONE DEAD DREAM,
AMBER CALLING, DELAMARE, THE INVITATION,
I EXPLODE LIKE, THE BLACK AND WHITE + ALL OR NOTHING
5:30pm
Tix: $15 Donation to Mission Australia
I hope everyone has a great christmas and safe new years!
<3 swift
Back In Action
Sat Oct 25, 2008
hey everyone,
as some of you may know i've been a bit crook lately, and had to cancel some shows. it's been a long 4 weeks on the couch and it feels like forever between shows, but i'm glad to say i'm slowly getting back into things, and i'll be playing at Capers in Hawthorn tomorrow afternoon supporting Matt Corby. I'm not sure if there are any tickets left, i know tickets have been selling quickly. i will also be doing a show with the legendary Mark Seymour of Hunters and Collectors on Saturday 15th of Nov at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
there are some big plans in the work for early next year too, i'll make sure i keep everyone updated.
<3 swift
EP LAUNCH PRE SALE TICKETS
Tue Aug 26, 2008
tickets for the cornered by shadows ep launch at 303 in northcote are now available for presale via paypal, or from leading edge music in pakenham.
also playing on the night is Tasmania's own Lincoln le Fevre and Melbourne based moustache farmer, Dom Cooley. make sure you get your tickets fast as the venue only fits 150 people!!!
all you need to do to get your hands on these tickets, is click the link below!
THE CORNERED BY SHADOWS TOUR
Mon Jul 21, 2008
Tired of being in the shadows, the timing is right for Andrew Swift to come out and tour his debut EP eight months after it’s soft release.
With full band in tow for the Melbourne and Tasmanian legs of the tour, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane will have the pleasure of experiencing Swift’s music, as it was written, smooth melodies accompanied by the drive of an acoustic guitar.
Cornered By Shadows can be purchased on iTunes and selected stores.
LAG GUITARS + DUNLOP STRINGS ENDORSEMENT
- swift
Wed Jul 9, 2008
i am stoked to be able to say that the good people at LAG guitars and Dunlop Strings have decided to endorse yours truly, with some benefits for chris too.
after playing the LAG guitars i had no hesitation changing to them as my main acoustic, they are a french made guitar, extremely well crafted and a pleasure to play.
LAG also endorse Pete Doherty of Babyshambles and Motorhead to name a couple.
...and dunlop strings? well.... when it was offered to me i was unsure as i have been using the same string brand for years, but after trying them out on my current guitars, their brighter tones and stay in tune attitude won me over!!!
be sure to check out the lag website, the UK one has probably got the most info on their products.
James Hardy of Pakenham - no relation to the asbestos company.
all he did was purchase a c.d or t shirt and he went in the draw to win.
keep an eye out for more competitions like this in the future.
win tickets to thirsty merc + andrew swift
- swift
Thu Jun 12, 2008
that's right, it's very easy to win two tickets to thirsty merc and andrew swift at the hallam hotel on sunday august 3rd!
all you need to do is buy an ANDREW SWIFT T-SHIRT or EP at either the Peter Combe show this Saturday night (14th June) or the Shannon Noll show this Sunday night (15th June), and you will go in the draw to win 2 (two) tickets to Thirsty Merc + Andrew Swift in August!
the winners will be drawn on monday 16th of june and will be notified via phone, and internet. the tickets will be posted to the winners.
you have to be in it to win it!
cornered by shadows reviewed!
- swift
Tue Jun 10, 2008
The Buzz Magazine June '08
By David Griffiths
Anyone who has heard Andrew Swift perform live will know that he is a talented musician on the rise, so it's great to be able to say that he has released a gem of a debut EP in 'Cornered By Shadows'.
Sure there will be comparisons with Swift to everybody from Pete Murray to Alex Lloyd, but listen to them, Swift is like George Byrne he shines above the male soloists that commercial radio choose to favor in this country of ours.
This is the EP of a songwriter who puts heart and soul into his work, and more importantly writes songs that actually mean something. Tracks like 'Eleanor 'and 'Back From Me' attest to this, the latter sounding brilliant with the added cello work of Prudence Warnock. 'This Town' is a rock song with edge while the faster paced 'Tired In The Day' gives Swift the opportunity to show that he is a well-rounded muso comfortable with more than just one style.
It is special tracks like 'Eleanor' that make this EP so great… and I am now eagerly awaiting the next release from someone who is one of Australia's most talented musicians.
♦♦♦♦♦
The Dwarf.com.au
"This is the soundtrack to my mind", sings Melbourne's Andrew Swift earnestly. If it were the soundtrack to a film, the pragmatic This Town would be it's angst montage scene. At first a bit of humdrum stonewash rock, will I like this more later? Yep.
The second track Eleanor is immediately more attractive, what with its sexy layers of harmonies all out there for everyone to see. And good on it too as things look decidedly up for the next two songs.
Tired in the Day is the part of the roller coaster ride that grinds through a big turn, straightens up and takes out your neck. If you're into such pleasure with just a dash of pain then this is your dirty little cuppa.
Back from Me is the final chapter and brings with it a peaceful, happy ending. Follow the cobblestone path over yonder and whilst enjoying the view, put on the big furry headphones and listen to this. It's Nice, like the biscuit.
But wait, there's more. Eleanor (acoustic), a fifth track so shy it's 'hidden', unfurls its lazy bones to the warmth of the sun for some pleasant enough listening, but will I remember it in a year's time? Probably not, but I will respect it in the morning.
Andrew Swift, an artist located on the sound map somewhere between the Pyke and the Noll, treading the cooling footsteps of Pete Murray with a guitar in one hand and multi coloured shoes in the other, might just be on to something here as he chalks up another score for the suburban SNAB (Sensitive New Age Bogan). Stay tuned to Swift.
by Matt James | Friday, May 16
hobart photo blog
- swift
Tue Apr 29, 2008
hello team
as you may know, tom, chris, pru, brenno and i made the trip to hobart last friday to help ballpoint launch their debut album. needless to say we had an absolute ball!
i've just uploaded a clip i have put together (my first ever haha) with a heap of photos and a couple of little video clips from the days events! make sure you check it all out!
i just want to say on behalf of myself, pru, tom, chris and brenno, a massive thank you to everyone in hobart that came along to the brisbane hotel and especially the republic bar! needless to say it went off!
cheers to the ballbags and the reacharound for having us too - more stage invasions and gang vocals in the future boys!
also thanks to edge radio for all the support leading up to and during anzac day.
oooh and thanks to peta, nat, bec + kate for doing merch, jem for taking photos, and craig, peta, lucas + joe for running us around!
we hope to get back there soon for some more fun + beers!
<3 swift
Edge Radio Recommends
- swift
Sun Apr 13, 2008
hello team,
in the lead up to the anzac day smash-athon in hobart with ballpoint, the turnaround + andrew swift, edge radio in hobart has made ballpoint's debut album, "get loose" and andrew swift's debut e.p "cornered by shadows" feature c.
d's for the next two weeks!
not only are they playing tracks from both c.d's but they also have merch giveaways from both bands! so make sure you tune in and listen out! (you can even listen online.)
prepare for the hobart invasion!
- from andrew swift
Mon Mar 24, 2008
it's time to cross the great bass strait to the apple isle once again, this time to support long time mates Ballpoint for the launch of their debut album "Get Loose" at one of my favorite Hobart venues, The Republic Bar!
knowing Ballpoint, this is going to be one hell of a gig! keeping that in mind, i've decided to pack the rest of the band into my suitcase, i've even managed to fit in a cello! So if you think you saw the full potential of an Andrew Swift live show when i hopped across the pond last year, you've only seen a 5th of what's on offer!
so make sure you get down/up to north hobart on Anzac Day (25th April) with enough change in your back pocket to get loose!
exclusive acoustic songs
- from andrew swift
Mon Mar 3, 2008
first off, i hope this news update finds everyone well. :-)
i've just uploaded a couple of acoustic songs to myspace. one of which is brand new, and the other i have been playing at shows for the past year or so, but had yet to record.
i enjoy recording the acoustic versions of songs as i do alot of acoustic shows, and i want people to be able to get a taste of what you would hear live.
i truly hope you enjoy these acoustic tracks, as raw as they are.
xo
Cornered By Shadows On iTunes
- Andrew Swift
Tue Jan 29, 2008
first off, happy new year to everyone, i know i have been a bit slack in updating things since the holiday season, but i'm starting to get things back on track.
to let you all know what's going on at the moment, i'm in the process of trying to get some airplay and organising some shows in support of the e.p.
now the good news, you can now purchase "cornered by shadows" from itunes world wide!
or if you prefer the real thing you can click on the link below and follow the prompts through paypal and it will be sent to you in via snail mail.
you can also purchase a copy from leading edge music pakenham, fountain gate, wonthaggi + shepparton.
hope this update finds everyone well, and i hope to be seeing you at a show soon.
<3 swift
Welcoming News
- Andrew Swift
Thu Dec 13, 2007
first off, welcome to my brand new website.
this is my first news entry, so i'm a little nervous, go easy on me.
i just thought i would take this opportunity to say thanks to big nick and the guys at band manager for helping me out with such a nice looking site.
i'm very new to this whole website thing, so it may take me while to get everything up and running properly, so please bare with me.
i guess the real news at the moment is that my first e.p, "cornered by shadows" has finally been finished and is available from leading edge music pakenham, fountain gate + wonthaggi. you can also purchase it online by clicking on the e.p cover on my myspace, www.myspace.com/andrewswift
i hope this news finds you all well, and i will keep everything as up to date as possible. :-)
