Andrew Scott

Background

Scott was born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.

Career

While the instrumental portion of Scott"s songs rely primarily on the acoustic guitar, Scott has drawn upon the talents of numerous musicians with a variety of sometimes unusual instruments (especially in relation to the genre of the song) to create a particular ambience through an innovative blend of instrumental sounds. Such instruments include the ukulele, violin, keyboard, concert flute, pianica (melodica), accordion, harmonica, kazoo, and the autoharp. In addition, Scott has incorporated various vocal styles in his work, and is particularly adept at yodeling.

Themes which are often heard in the lyrics of his songs include both the frustrating and gratifying aspects of everyday interpersonal and romantic relationships, often with a humorous bent.

His most popular original songs have been River of Tears, Sweetie Pie, and I"m Gonna Bust Your Head In. In live performances, Scott has also been known for his talented cover versions of many songs.

Scott is known among his fans for his gregarious stage presence, charismatic personality, and clarion voice, sometimes reminiscent of the late Frankie Laine. Starting in 2002 Scott studied music at the University of Lethbridge.

During his time there he joined, a popular local group, as guitarist and lead vocalist.

With Scott as their frontman, recorded two CDs (Bloodrunnin and Teeth Like A Chainsaw) and played at venues and festivals throughout western Canada. He continued to perform while in Japan, mostly at venues in the cities of Toyohashi and Nagoya, where Julie frequently accompanied on percussion. In May 2009, Scott released a Civil Defense entitled 13 Birds of Prey.

Songs were recorded in both Canadian and Japanese studios, and featured the collaborative efforts of Japanese, Canadian, American, Australian, and Irish musical artists.

Scott reunited with for a series of live performances in September 2010. Although have taken an indefinite hiatus, they occasionally re-unite whenever possible.

Scott is currently working with Julie and Takuro Otani on a new album tentatively titled My Time In The Empire. This album is scheduled for release online and in stores in early 2011.

Achievements

• 2011: Global Country Star Search 2010: Top 10 category, "Gaijin Sounds Songwriting Contest" featured in Japanzine, for his song I"m Gonna Bust Your Head In. 2007: Second Place, Calgary Folk Music Festival Songwriting Contest, for his song River of Tears. 2006: "Best Performance", Calgary Folk Music Festival, with original song Artillery. 2001: First Place, Grande Prairie 97.7 Sun FM Songwriting Contest, for his song She Don"t Want My Money.

Views

His more recent songs humorously lampoon aspects of life in Japan from the point of view of a foreign resident.

Membership

His renditions of the songs Rawhide and We Do (also known as The Stonecutters" Song) in particular endeared him to members of his American audience.