Andy Smith, a multi-award winning and electrifying singer-songwriter and multi-instrument musician hailing from Bristol, UK, now based in South Australia.
In August 2025, Andy Smith picked up the International Single of the Year award, silver, at the International Singer Songwriters Association in Atlanta, Georgia. Andy Smith debuted his solo album, Rock ‘n’ Roll Goal, in 2012, followed by The Equidistant Years in 2020, and in 2021, he released the catchy single “Side by Side.”
Most recently, his three-track EP, I Want To Take You Far, released in December 2024, is making waves on global radio. It features the title track alongside “The Bitter Tasting Pill” and “Always Be This Way,” the latter also gaining radio airplay and a top 10 finalist spot at the World Songwriting Awards 2025.
In May 2025, Andy Smith released his very first Music NFT’s, Tales of Yesterlife, Nuclear Bomb and The Cunning Linguist. These are the first of some very unique collectables that will be made available.
To mark Andy Smith’s 50th birthday at the end of June, a new album was released. The Journey Man – The Best of is available. 19 tracks that Andy Smith has handpicked himself that showcases his music career up to now.
Andy Smith kicked off February with “LLT” released as a single. Remastered ready for this release, it distinguishes itself away from the album version. “LLT” is a potent piece of nostalgic rock that demonstrates strong songwriting fundamentals and a clear artistic vision. The track’s energy is infectious, and the core ideas are solid. This track is a high-energy homage to 90s alternative rock, successfully capturing the era’s raw power and angst. Its primary strength lies in the driving rhythm section and a memorable, chant-like chorus hook that gives the song significant sticking power.
With “LLT” out now, we took some time to hear from Andy Smith. Read below to learn more about Andy Smith, the story behind “LLT,” and what’s to come.
Hi Andy Smith! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Nothing cool about this, it is my birth name.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I am English and was born in Bristol. I lived there until 2018, where I moved to Australia. I live in the beautiful Adelaide Hills now in South Australia.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I have been playing the guitar since I was a child. I my mid 20’s, I was then involved in a covers band, which wrote and played the odd original song. I was with this band for 14 years. When this finished, I was involved in an originals band named Howlin’ Haze. We have an album out online called All That’s Real. This didn’t get the chance to take off as I then had the opportunity to move to Australia.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
There is an element of British Rock n Roll about everything I do. Whilst each song has its own genre, you can pick up the British sound I suppose. Maybe the recent collaboration is different, this is more Dream Pop.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I record and produce myself, so I’m always looking for new techniques within this. I am also involved with a music podcast called Tracks on Trial – go check this out. Completely outside of music, it’s all about family time. Summertime in Australia in beach and river fun. Also, love Football – an avid Liverpool FC fan – and I also like to cook.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
A huge range. From The Beatles to Oasis, from REM to Nick Cave, Shed 7 to The Kinks, I listen to a lot of music, and I have a lot of influences.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Three things! The release of my first album in 2012 was something I never knew would happen, from being able to write a whole album and then have it released was just crazy. Secondly, winning Single of the Year in Atlanta, Georgia with the International Singers Songwriters Association was crazy and thirdly, the whole process of recording Legends with Emily E. Finke was brilliant. From all the recordings done via email, etc. to then meeting in person for the first time and recording the vocals and promotional things in Atlanta together was an amazing experience.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Not to be impulsive and impatient. The excitement is there when you are creating new music and you just want to get the song out there. But it’s very important to take the time, rest the ears sometimes, walk away for a few days and come back to it all as things are seen/heard in a different light, usually for the better!
Now onto your release, “LLT.” What inspired this song? What is “LLT” about?
“LLT” is all about the frustration of being stuck. Whether that is in a relationship, a workspace or anything in general. Trying to find the will to escape the pain and frustrations of the current situation. When the song was first written, back in 2006, it was played in my band but as “The Longest Life Trial.” When I was recording the first album, my producer said about releasing this song, but differently. “LLT” was born.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “LLT?”
I wanted no gimmicks, just me, in that rock n roll mode, standing out from the life trial! Free!
What was the creative process like when making “LLT?”
Initially, as I said above, it was written in 2006. I still have the demo and a recording of what it sounded like back then. It took a few hours. Lyrics came quickly – I’ve always been able to write fast when I have an idea – and the melody and music was quick too! The band were all together when it was written and by the end of the afternoon, it was done. For the album, Jay Welsh – who produced my first album – had the idea for mixing it up. Change the way the song sounds all together – and for the better!
How long did it take to complete “LLT?”
As I said above, initially it was written and finished in a day to play live. The album version was also a day!
What is your favorite lyric in “LLT” and why?
“All you see is all you can hear.” One of the first lyrics I’d written when I realized I could write songs. I have this as a tattoo on my arm, written in pre 10th century Icelandic runes!
What do you hope fans take away from “LLT” and your music in general?
All of my lyrics are true events and/or from the heart. Nothing is just made up; it all comes from experiences. If you link this with my previous single, “How Do We Keep Moving On?,” it’s all about resilience and fighting to reach and achieve what you think should be right. Not standing for and accepting second best!
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
Up next for me is to complete my rock opera/musical that I started 15 years ago. I had the idea back then and now I have the story for each song. 3 songs are finished, but I am going to try and get this finished by the end of the year. I also have 3 singles planned to release across the year.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Below are my socials, website and where to find my music.
www.facebook.com/andysmithmusic
www.instagram.com/andysmithmusic4
https://www.tiktok.com/@andysmithmusic
www.youtube.com/@andysmithmusic44
https://andysmith44.bandcamp.com/album/the-journey-man
https://open.spotify.com/artist/45hkGIjS0OKqxEIH47z8uC
https://music.apple.com/au/artist/andy-smith/1368522381
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
