Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Andy McKee is a shining example of the way the music industry can progress in the near future. While he has several albums released both independently and from a label, the majority of his exposure has come from videos of his playing uploaded onto Youtube.
This has led to sell out tours, deals with even bigger labels and on a more basic level, the exposure of his music to hundreds of thousands of people the world over. At what other point in music history has music been this accessible without the use of major labels?
Clearly McKee is an artist we can all learn from, so it’s a good thing that he wasn’t totally put off playing guitar despite how much he hated getting lessons. He first picked up the instrument at 13 years of age when his father bought him a nylon stringed classical guitar.
He soon began teaching himself, inspired by the likes of Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani and Metallica. By the time he was 22 he’d released his first album, 2001’s “Nocturne”, and was playing live in places as far flung as Taiwan by the time 2003 rolled around.
It was in the summer of 2003 that McKee would find one of the crucial instruments behind his success, with a Ron Spillers harpguitar he won first place at the New Jersey State Fiddling and Picking Championships in the assorted acoustic instrument division. He made playing the harpguitar a full time part of his act and that’s when word about his skill started truly spreading.
While he was still making records and touring, 2006 saw McKee upload videos of his playing onto YouTube, where he developed a cult following for his creativity and sheer technical wizardry. For a time, three of his videos were the top three most watched videos on YouTube as a whole.
Since then videos of his have been viewed upwards of 50 million times and still climbing. He’s performed with everyone from Josh Groban to Prince and God willing, he will be an inspiration to many others in how he uses the internet to spread his music far and wide on his own terms. He’s a rare talent, and one to be seen performing live as soon as possible.
Live reviews
Andy Mckee is an unbelievable guitarist! He's innovative, distinctive and so soulful! He first came to my attention after his youtube video started going viral in the mid naughties. I was studying music at the time and remember those video he started posting spreading though my Music Schools campus like an out of control fire.
Tracks like ‘Drifting’ are so unbelievably unique. I had never seen guitar played like that before, and as a young guitarist myself I instantly fascinated.
The combination of the percussive taps on the body, sweet touches on the harmonics and the use of some unorthodox tunings he was able to create so simply striking pieces of music. To this day ‘For my Father’ and ‘Rylynn' remain two of my favourite tracks. They are so melodically simple but the they have such soul! Its hard to hear those pieces and not to stop what you’re doing and listen.
I managed to see him a few years ago on one of his tours, I feel quite privileged to have seen him live, to have witnessed his flawless technique and be taken back by the beautiful of his compositions. Andy Mckee is a wonderful guitarist, musician and composer. When I saw him live he did everything he does best, flawlessly!
aaron-perrins
Was a pleasure as usual, I had the chance to be part of a concert with him in Brasil and now In Germany and I really like his different approach back in that time and now. good sound quality, more chill approach with the strings, well diversified music lineup. the music that come up from this dude is just brilliant.
A soul soothing concert. It was a small venue so the gig had a great vibe.
The waiting time wasn’t long and Calum Graham started the show playing his songs. He is very talented as well. Andy came to the stage and played next using a baritone guitar and a harp guitar (??). Of course, it was amazing!
matilde-montenegro
Amazing show!!! Such an profound talent, and what a great showman. The pace and variety to his guitar playing is staggering. A monument to what true focus and determination can accomplish. Highly recommended!!!!!
ferther
First time in CT a Kalimba guitar played with a Harp guitar. Great show. Amazing when nearby metro north horn blast accented a pause in the music perfectly. Thank you to the performers and venue.
atponch
