NORTHERN Irish troubadour Andy White was born and raised in Belfast. He grew up in the chaos of the city in the ’70s and ’80s, studied literature in Cambridge, signed to Stiff Records and went on the road. Today he lives in Melbourne.
His album How Things Are was released last year and he kicks of 2015 with a string of tour dates starting in London on January 25 at The Half Moon in Putney and playing the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow the next night. White has released 11 studio albums to date and worked with some of the biggest names in Irish music including Sinead O’Connor and Van Morrison.
What are you up to right now?
Typing with one finger on a train into town in Melbourne where my drummer son Sebastian is graduating. I always brought him up to play music primarily for the love of it — so glad he’s got some paperwork! He designed the new album as well as playing drums on it.
Who are your heroes?
After seeing him last night from five yards back (the crowd rushed the stage during the first number) it has got to be Nick Cave. Though John Lennon really was the most talented artist who’s given me most pleasure.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
The ’80s in Belfast and London. The ’90s in Dublin, and Australia from 2002 till now. Not sure which was best, they were all so different.
What record sends a shiver down your spine?
Astral Weeks. I grew up with it; it’s a dreamland of Belfast, memory, London, beauty, performance.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Wherever my mum is.
What makes you angry?
Intolerance, bigotry, sectarianism, all of which I’ve seen at first hand. In relation to Ireland — too often it’s the old sow that eats its farrow.
What book influenced you most?
Ulysses by James Joyce. Continually astonishing, it inspired me to write stream of consciousness imagery. It’s as close to a song as it is to a novel. As well as [Kerouac’s] On The Road — of course. Get out there while you can!
What was the worst moment of your life?
Divorce is right up there. Listen to Band Of Gold.
Which local star should the world outside Ireland know about?
Pat Ramsey, the ex-boss of Lagan Press. He kept Northern Ireland literature alive in the province almost single-handedly.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
The girl who just walked out would walk back in.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Always answer interview questions with more than one sentence. Yes.
What is your favourite film and why?
Manhattan. Film, for me, is romance and photography.
What do you believe in?
The Beatles. Family.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Being a Gemini. Everywhere and nowhere baby! That’s where it’s at.
What are the best and worst things about where you live?
Melbourne is too far away from family and friends, but it is extra-special arriving in Britain and Ireland. I can’t wait till January 25, though I’ll miss the sun and the birds.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
When harm which could be avoided will certainly be caused.
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
Shakespeare’s plays.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Florentines.
Who is/was the love of your life?
Listen to The Closest Thing To Heaven or Thank You on my new album!
