The first artist I am spotlighting in our Coping With Covid series is Asheville, NC native, Andrew Scotchie of Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats. I know Andrew personally and have always been impressed by his motivation and obvious talent. Two things necessary for major success.
Andrew and I met back in 2015, when I played his ever-growing “Barnaroo,” a grassroots version of the major music “Bonnaroo” festival. At less than 30 years of age, not only does Andrew Scotchie know how to properly deliver the funk, he does it with a positive message. I knew he was kindred and have enjoyed being a witness to his blossoming career.
Even a worldwide pandemic won’t keep Andrew down. The hard-driven impresario has a brand new record out, poignantly titled Everyone Everywhere – a collection of six refreshing new tunes with lyrics defining our times, that I feel, will
potentially resonate with “Everyone Everywhere”.
This is the third studio release with his band, written and produced with exceptional percipience. Together with a national draw from his extensive tours and delightful provocation, Scotchie is quickly becoming a voice to be heard.
Here’s how Andrew Scotchie is Coping With Covid:
I shared the excitement with millions of artists from around the globe. 2020 was poised to be “our year.” A year full of growth, artistic breakthroughs and new connections to the world around us. No one could have predicted the impact the pandemic would have on the entertainment industry, much less day-to-day life.
My name is Andrew Scotchie. I am a 27 year old touring musician, event planner, and recording artist born and raised in the music mecca of Asheville, NC. This is a brief reflection on the past several months, and how I feel the pandemic has affected the industry I love so dearly.
Looking back on the month of March, as the virus became the focal point of worldwide news, I recall several of my colleagues and I being optimistic in the sense that perhaps the virus would just put a temporary halt on the industry until about mid-summer. Weeks went on, and it became
clearer and clearer that it was far more than a short break in the hustle. Adaptation was going to be crucial for survival and there was going to be a “new normal” in an industry that was about to be fighting for its life.
For the sake of my soul and my career, my first challenge was to not dwell on dates that were lost or let uncertainty cripple my lust for life and instead, find ways to keep creating and connecting. I found it helpful to be honest with my fans/followers and to consistently remind them that together we can keep music alive. Live streams, behind-the-scenes content promoting the release of our new album, and new merchandise that encouraged unity during dark times not only gave me a healthy workload as an artist, but also gave our followers things to look forward to.
My band and I had just completed a new album entitled “Everyone Everywhere” right before the virus hit and like so many other artists, we debated for weeks on the “right” time to release the new songs. Do we wait until touring is an option again? When will that be? Will the music get the reception it deserves without live shows? Are people too distracted right now? This past spring, all these questions filled my head on a daily basis. Soon enough, I was reminded that the power of music pulls people through the hardest times and our record serendipitously spoke
about the loneliness, class warfare, injustices and greed the world was grappling with. So, we released the album and used it as a way to keep people connected.
If I could offer any advice to musicians, either new or seasoned in the industry, it would be to keep producing content. Continue writing, continue releasing videos and continue to let your followers know you are still out there. And of course, support each other. Musicians, venues and
entrepreneurs in general will always be stronger together. Donate to a friends kickstarter, make contributions to local publications and buy merchandise from your favorite artists/venues.
With no hard date of when we will go back to work in the capacity we’re used to and with federal support pending for independent venues, it’s crucial we invest in our industry and local economies to ensure survival.
And last, but certainly not least, take care of your mental health. When drastic change like this hits, it not only affects your body, but the seasons of your mind as well. Try to take up a new hobby when your workflow feels slowed, check in on those who love you and try to acknowledge the beauty in your own backyard. Our time on this earth is limited and perhaps a change in pace like this will help us be grateful for what we have, opposed to what we have lost.
With love, support & hope,
Andrew Scotchie
I hope you found some inspiration from his wise words, I know I did. We can all take a lesson from his outlook and try to find some beauty in the chaos. Are you a hot mess having a hard time coping with Covid? Listen to Andrew Scotchie’s music. It sure lifted my spirits. Show you care, buy and share with “Everyone Everywhere.”
For more information on Andrew Scotchie visit www.AndrewScotchieMusic.com
