ANDREW SPICE: Pretty Demons

Andrew Spice

Pretty Demons

© 2008 Dead Daisy Records (775020453821)

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Cutting piano-based pop at one turn and wrenching ballads at the next, with hauntingly sparse arrangements wrapped around passionate vocals.

tracks

1 Unafraid
2 Beautiful Creatures
3 Silent Rain
4 Perfect Day
5 Christopher
6 Nice to Know
7 Pride
8 Sometimes Lukewarm
9 Congratulations
10 Matthew

notes

Andrew Spice sounds like no one else. Perhaps it was the immersion in classical music studies while growing up in the seclusion of Headingley, Manitoba; absorbing the beats and bravery of artists like Radiohead, Tori Amos, Nine Inch Nails, and Massive Attack. The result is a brilliant new songwriter who, with only a piano and his voice, emotes a timeless quality unmatched in some of the most accomplished singer-songwriters.

After catching the ear of indie legend Emm Gryner with a demo recorded in his basement, Andrew immediately headed to the studio to work on his debut album. Produced entirely by Gryner and released on her Dead Daisy Records label, Pretty Demons came out to immediate critical raves. NOW magazine described Andrew as a "prodigy"; Chart Attack said his songs were "so genuine it breaks your heart", and the Toronto Star called the album a "profound statement... a finger on our collective hearts". These sentiments were echoed by Manitoba Film and Sound, who quickly endorsed the record with a marketing grant to assist in its promotion and distribution. In 2003 Pretty Demons was nominated for an OutMusic Award for Best Debut Album, prompting performances in New York alongside fellow nominees Catie Curtis, Junior Senior, and Rufus Wainwright.

Since moving to Toronto just last year, Andrew has quietly but surely made a name for himself. He has shared the stage with both independent artists such as Gentleman Reg, Jason Collett, Dayna Manning, and Nathan Lawr; and with Canadian stars like Gryner, Sarah Slean, Ron Sexsmith, and Jann Arden. His live show was given a four-star review by Toronto's NOW Magazine, which described his music as "profound". He has been featured twice on the Toronto Experimental Artists compilation, and on the Harris Institute's annual Toronto Music Mission compilation. Conscious to use his music to aid in social causes, Andrew has participated in numerous benefit concerts for the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer's Foundation, and the Daily Bread Food Bank. In May 2004, he and singer Jeff Straker staged a benefit for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation at the University of Toronto's Isabel Bader Theatre that raised over $10 000 for patients.

Andrew Spice's sensitive journey through music is something rare and exceptionally important in a day and age when the true essence of a great song is so often left behind. His songs go where other artists fear to tread, and the vulnerability in his writing is the sort that gives the listener a soft place to fall, a quiet assurance that we are not alone in our sometimes uncertain human experience. Discover for yourself the music of Andrew Spice.

reviews

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  • Wonderful vocals, and great insturmentals.
    author: Joseph Long

    I listened to this the first time and was blown away by the vocals and music. I really listened to the words the second time, how powerful they are. The last song, Matthew, WOW! Very happy to rate this 5+++++++++++

  • Beautiful
    author: future platinum audio

    This album is amazingly beautiful. I can't believe the whole world isn't listening to this album. I can't stop listening to it. I play it several times a day. Thanks Andrew for your gift. I look forward to another release.

  • Thoughtful and powerful
    author: Olivia

    After listening to this CD, I can't believe that Andrew Spice was only 20 when he released it! He possesses so much talent with his gentle voice and lovely piano playing. His lyrics and stylings are much more thoughtful than many of his peers who we hear on the radio. The songs are powerful but not depressing -- good thinking music. Incredible artist and CD!

  • A gay guy who's actually talented? WOW!
    author: Adam Steigerwald

    This CD is filled with talent, it's the only CD I've listened to since I got it....try to get sick of it, I dare you! Perfect Day is such a fun song and the song Matthew is wow. All in all, this CD is a must have... there isnt a bad song on it, Great job Andrew Spice! :)

  • Captivating music that touches both emotionally and musically.
    author: Adam Book

    This is a stunning debut CD. It just gets better with every listen. The well-constructed songs speak to a wide audience, but hit home especially for young gay men or lesbians. Loaded with haunting piano ballads - what could be better? Andrew's voice captures the vulnerability and poetry of the protagonist in these songs. "Unafraid," "Beautiful Creatures," and "Matthew," are my personal favorites, but every song is a winner on this CD. I highly recommend this CD.

  • Fantastic
    author: Cathy Washkowiak

    Loved it.

  • author: Pär Winberg

    A new discovery from Canada is what we’re dealing with here. I don’t know what they eat for breakfast in Canada, but it must be something good. They have so often a unique touch and a melodic sense that they’re all alone of in the world. Andrew plays thoughtful piano-based modern pop. One way to explain his music would be to call him a male version of Tori Amos, but that is to easy. Cause he got other cool sides as well. Emm Gryner that we highlighted earlier here at Melodic Net and she’s done a nice job produces the album. The explanation about him at CD BAY where you can purchase a copy is: Cutting piano-based pop at one turn and wrenching ballads at the next, with hauntingly sparse arrangements wrapped around passionate vocals. and that is a good explanation. There are other cool influences such as Gowan, Radiohead, Fiona Apple and well – I think it’s better you check him out yourself. You can listen to the guy at CD BABY if you click on that link. Sure worth to check out. Canada rules.

  • Amazing, beautiful, sad, brilliant!
    author: Robert in Canada

    This is an incredibly powerful album! It is filled with touching, beautiful, heart-breaking, and powerful lyrics. It contains some of the most unique and strikingly original musical arrangements I have ever heard, which are both simple and complex at the same time (it's amazing!). And, besides all that, it's catchy too!This disc shows Andrew Spice to be a true original talent, and I look forward to his next cd!!!

  • Simply stunning
    author: Brandon

    A very moving, depth filled and honest journey. I can not praise this CD enough. I tend to lean towards female singer/songwriters such as Rachel Sage or Vienna Teng, but this young man really brought a hunting emotion to his music that you rarely find.

  • Perfect. Depth. Tears. Loss. Honesty.
    author: Matthew

    This cd captures what most male singer/songwriters seem to miss. The cd and the lyrics would seem to come from such artist as Fiona Apple or Sarah Slean. But, Andrew Spice has made a cd that is all his, and a cd I would encourage you to buy.

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