More than twenty years after releasing his acclaimed debut album, Andrew Spice is making up for lost time with a string of singles rich with powerful emotions, characteristic lyrical flair and classy introspection. Now it’s time for Andrew to enter a different mode as he celebrates Pride Weekend in his home city of Toronto with his new single ‘Terrible Date’ as he builds towards the August 22nd release of his long-awaited second album ‘With Animals’. Listen HERE. Watch the video Here.
Written solely by Andrew and produced by the Juno Award-nominated Matthew Barber, Terrible Date describes a position that most of us can relate to. Their photos look good, the messages suggest that there could be a spark, and on the night you give more of yourself than you would in any other conversation with a stranger… but the lack of chemistry means all you have to show for your efforts is a wasted Saturday night. As Andrew notes, the dating scene is inevitably a case of “always rejecting or being rejected.” But in these times of constant conflict, Andrew has the respect to observe, “Not a bad guy, just not my kind of mate.”
Andrew says, “A terrible date is an almost-universal experience. Although it can feel crushing in the moment, a little time and distance can help us look back and find some humour in it all. This song is a whimsical and melancholic ode to a Saturday night with a person I’ll never see again (and I’m sure we’re both okay with that).”
Despite the situation that the song charts, Andrew overcame the “small degradations” of dating to find his companion. Last year he married Adam Moço, aka ‘Canada’s Drag Race’ star Miss Moço, and their relationship and celebrations were documented by Toronto Life magazine.
‘Terrible Date’ adds to Andrew’s fabulous comeback catalogue. What’s collectively striking about the songs is how Andrew’s words are full of lived-in personal experiences, but the moments he explores are universally relatable. We can see it in each song: reflecting on a break-up while walking his dog (‘High Park’); seething with anger after being betrayed (‘Rage Stage’); and mourning the loss of his soul cat Bea (‘Gentle Sentinel’). For artist and audience alike, these songs help navigate the emotions in his lyrics and music.
Those songs – and a whole lot more – all feature on the upcoming ‘With Animals’ which was entirely written by Andrew and produced by Matthew Barber. It affirms that Andrew is back – and with much more to say.
Andrew adds, “‘With Animals’ is my comeback. 20 years after my debut album, after building a career in psychology, and believing I’d never return to music again, this album proved me wrong. The title refers to the subject matter – ranging from the immeasurable comfort of pets to reckoning with some of the most degraded behaviour of human beings, which was my experience when writing the songs. Guided by my dream producer, Matthew Barber, ‘With Animals’ keeps my piano and voice at its centre while adding pure rock, lush strings, and a bit of whimsy at various turns. It is my next musical chapter, with many more to come.”
Andrew released his debut album ‘Pretty Demons’ in 2003, produced by Emm Gryner (best known for her work with David Bowie). ‘Pretty Demons’ was highly acclaimed, earning an OutMusic Award nomination as well as praise from publication after publication: “a genuine talent whose lyrics are carefully wrought poems” (Now Magazine); “manages to put his finger on our collective hearts” (The Toronto Star); “so sensitive it will break your heart” (The Varsity). After this initial success, Andrew took an unusual next step: He earned a Ph.D. and became a clinical psychologist, excelling in his new career.
For most artists that might be the end of the story. But when Andrew encountered the kind of turbulence in life that only music can guide us through, he turned to his old friend and producer Emm Gryner. She encouraged him to rediscover his voice with a baby steps challenge: to write a one-minute song about his cat. That evolved into ‘Gentle Sentinel’ and eventually his sophomore album, ‘With Animals’.
Andrew will be reunited with Emm Gryner when they both perform at Hugh’s Live Room in Toronto on October 9th. The line-up also highlights another cult favourite in the shape of Gentleman Reg.
‘With Animals’ tracklist:
1. ‘High Park’
2. ‘Rage Stage’
3. ‘Manitoba’
4. ‘My Body’
5. ‘Terrible Date’
6. ‘Polished’
7. ‘Gentle Sentinel’
8. ‘No Justice’
9. ‘Oh Tears’
10. ‘Junk’
11. ‘I’m So Glad’
