Introducing Interview: Andrew Wasylyk

Andrew Mitchell, aka Andrew Wasylyk, is known for his recent appearances with folk-rockers Idlewild, indie-pop band The Hazey Janes and psych duo, Art Of The Memory Palace. Now, however, he is about to release his debut venture as a solo artist, Soroky. Fusing together a cinematic intensity with emotive lyrical story-telling and Wasylyk’s soulful vocals, Soroky promises to be worth a listen (or many).

We caught up with Andrew to find out more…

Your name is actually Andrew Mitchell – what is the story behind the name ‘Wasylyk’?
Aside from the enjoyment, or shelter, an alias can provide, my grandfather, Iwan Wasylyk, was Ukrainian and ‘Andrew Wasylyk’ was my birth name. It was time to celebrate that a little.

Is there a general theme behind your album Soroky?
Not particularly. All the usual guilt-ridden day dreams are there.

How important are your family roots when it comes to influencing your music?
Buried or bared, there’s no getting away from who you are. A daily affliction! It influences, certainly. However, I wouldn’t prioritise it above good old fashioned Imagination.

You’re in The Hazey Janes and Idlewild at the moment, how would you say your solo work differs from these other two bands for those who haven’t heard you before?
Given I’m the vocalist in the former, their output’s obviously closer. But, I’d maybe say the arrangements on Soroky are a little more involved and, therefore, perhaps less immediate. In the words of Thomas White, more “Snaky Chords”.

What’s it been like touring with Idlewild and has it been difficult writing your own material in-between?
This month, a little surreal; they’ve toured Japan, the US and performed a show in Paisley Abbey with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. It’s been a privilege being involved in general. When not working with them, The Hazey Janes, or Art Of The Memory Palace, I’ll be frittering away the hours on some Shoegaze Dour-core, or other.

You’re touring with Ricky Ross soon – will we see members of Idlewild or The Hazey Janes join you for the live band setup?
Not for this particular tour. Full-band shows will happen early next year. I’m hoping to coerce Luciano Rossi from Idlewild into being involved on some level. The man’s got Chops.

What are you listening to at the moment?
What I’ve heard of the new Julie Holter record interest me. The Fred Hirsch Trio, I saw live recently and was pretty blown away by. Other than that, Guided By Voices are never far from the stereo. Ghostface Killah and, of course, The Squeamish Butchers.

What are your plans for the rest of the year, and will you be releasing more solo stuff in 2016?
Aside from the release of Soroky on November 6 and the UK shows, I’ll be touring with Idlewild again, making a record with The Hazey Janes, and writing with Art Of The Memory Palace. Another solo record next year would be, eh, good?

Soroky is out 6 November via Empty Words. And you can catch Andrew Wasylyk live next month:

8 Nov – Queen’s Hall – Edinburgh
9 Nov – Lemon Tree – Aberdeen
11 Nov – Gardyne Theatre – Dundee
12 Nov – Cottier Theatre – Glasgow
15 Nov – Floral Pavilion – New Brighton
16 Nov – RNCM – Manchester
17 Nov – St. George’s – Bristol
18 Nov – King’s Place – London
22 Nov – Town Hall – Birmingham
23 Nov – The Sage – Newcastle