Andrew Neil is a true original in the music world, an outsider artist who has carved out his own unique sound and style through sheer force of will and creativity. His journey began in the spring of 2009 after a traumatic car accident left him with a severe head injury and a chronic struggle with serious mental illness. Despite these challenges, Andrew found solace and expression in songwriting, teaching himself to play the keyboard and guitar and channeling his emotions into his music.
Andrew‘s musical style is all his own, characterized by percussive guitar work reminiscent of Nirvana’s unplugged concert and a raw, bluesy vocal presence. His songs often reflect his struggles with mental illness and his journey through the dark moments of his life. In 2013, a particularly severe psychotic episode landed him in a jail cell for seven months and then a state psychiatric hospital for three years. However, even there, he found a way to write and record scores of songs, eventually releasing his first album, “Code Purple,” in May 2017, following his conditional release from Western State Hospital. This album holds a special place in the music world as it is the only album ever produced in which all the songs were written and recorded in a state psychiatric hospital, allowing Andrew to be recognized in Rankers List of Best Outsider Music Artists. This highlights Andrew’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and the role music played in his recovery
Over the years, Andrew has continued to develop his sound and share his music with a wider audience. He met Charlottesville-based music producer Andy Waldeck in 2018 and, with his guidance, released his first studio album “Merry Go Round,” which saw airplay on college radio stations across the country and received excellent reviews. Despite being diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma cancer while recording his second album, “Freak,” Andrew persevered and released the album in October 2019.
Andrew places a strong emphasis on the importance of cover art in producing an album. For “Code Purple” and “Freak,” he teamed up with his brother, Kyle Scott Maternick, a rising abstract artist, to create stunning cover art that perfectly complements the music. Kyle is also the brother Andrew stabbed in his psychotic episode in 2013. Despite this traumatic event, Kyle fully understands that his brother is struggling with mental health issues and supports him in any way he can.
Another talented artist, Daniel Benayun, did the cover art for “Merry Go Round,” “Sunny Side,” and “Alien.” Both Kyle and Daniel’s contributions to Andrew’s albums are a testament to the significance of visual art in music and how it can add another layer of meaning to the listening experience.
All of Andrew’s albums, including “Code Purple,” “Merry Go Round,” “Freak,” “Sunny Side,” and “Alien,” are available on CD and limited-run vinyl. Each album is a limited edition, with only 300 copies pressed for “Code Purple,” “Merry Go Round,” and “Freak.” “Alien” is even rarer, with only 200 copies pressed, and “Sunny Side” is even more exclusive, with only 100 copies pressed.
Andrew’s life and music will soon be the subject of a book titled “Kind of Hurt.” This book will delve into his battles with mental illness and cancer and how music played a significant role in his life. The publication date is currently unknown, but it promises to be a powerful testament to the impact that music can have on the human spirit.
Andrew’s story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire. Despite his struggles with mental illness and physical challenges, he has never given up on his music and continues to write, record, and perform to this day. In addition, he plans on releasing two more albums in 2023, furthering his mission to share his unique sound and vision with the world. Andrew Neil is a true artist in every sense of the word, and his journey through music and mental illness is an inspiration to us all. Click here to learn more about Andrew Neil and listen to his music on all streaming sites.
