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Introducing… Andrew Wasylyk!
Andrew Wasylyk is the alias of Scottish writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Andrew Mitchell. Cinematic nostalgia, elements of Baroque pop and the influence of classic 1970s songwriters come together in a diverse collection of ten songs which comprise debut album, Soroky.
You can stream album track 'Last Of The Loved' via Andrew's SoundCloud page to hear his soulful and distinctive voice.
The record is the ninth to date on which Mitchell has featured; he joined alternative rock band Idlewild in 2014, and has released six albums with ongoing indie pop group The Hazey Janes along with the acclaimed debut of psych duo Art of the Memory Palace. Previous tours supporting Wilco, and as a session player with Electric Soft Parade and School of Language further add to the rich mix of influences which shape his first proper solo work.
Soroky, the name of the village his grandfather Iwan Wasylyk hailed from in Western Ukraine, explores a range of themes – from the disillusion and anxiety of “Last Of The Loved” to the playful riposte “Mr White, It's No Trouble At All”. The songs convey warmth, but at the same time a spaciousness that makes them seem at home in the still of night: a feeling particularly apparent in "The More I Believe, The Less I Really Know”.
Recorded on the Isle of Mull in just five days, orchestral layers weave in and out of traditional guitar, piano and drum arrangements, creating a sense of haunting unease which is punctuated by Mitchell's powerful yet fragile vocals: reminiscent at times of early Scott Walker, Randy Newman or the late Billy Mackenzie.
Released November 6th 2015 through Empty Words, Soroky will be available on limited edition vinyl and digital formats. The first live dates will be ten intimate solo performances at theatres across the UK, supporting Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue. Further shows with a full band are planned for early 2016.
9th Nov - Lemon Tree - Aberdeen
11th Nov - Gardyne Theatre - Dundee
12th Nov - Cottier Theatre - Glasgow
15th Nov - Floral Pavilion - New Brighton
16th Nov - RNCM - Manchester
17th Nov - St. George’s - Bristol
18th Nov - King’s Place - London
22nd Nov - Town Hall - Birmingham
23rd Nov - The Sage - Newcastle
Soroky is released via Empty Words on 6th November 2015.