Andy Nixon: The Waterline

 

Andy Nixon: The Waterline

by Pete Clemons

The coast, particularly for people from the Midlands, is a special place. I myself still get excited by the prospect about going to the seaside.

Originally from Sunderland Andy Nixon, guitarist from Freedom to Glide (see footnote below), by his own admission took the sea for granted. Since moving to Coventry, like us, he realises that the coast is not so accessible and understands our affection for the sea. Andy has recently completed his debut solo album he titled, The Waterline. And what a joy it is.

The Waterline is, of course, the point where a boat floats. You can see what is above the waterline but not so much below. And, using The Waterline as an analogy, the same applies to people. You take them at face value but you never really know exactly how they are under the surface.

Similarly, Icebergs can also be a good metaphor for authenticity. The majority of what we really feel and what is really going on for us is down below the waterline (both consciously and unconsciously) – below the tip of the iceberg.

The book Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach offers a thought-provoking allegory about the importance of breaking free from societal limitations and pursuing your passions. The book emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. It encourages readers to chase their dreams fearlessly.

Added together then it was a mix of those factors – what lies below the waterline, icebergs and chasing the dream – that proved inspirational for Andy's album. And he hopes that his efforts in the making of The Waterline will produce an album that strikes a balance somewhere between.

Musically, The Waterline, has not been written with any particular genre in mind. The songs were penned with a 'whatever seemed to fit' type attitude. The subject matter was, I think, the important element.

Andy's solo project began weeks before the pandemic, and for a while it ran in parallel with the last F2G album 'The Chronicle of Stolen Souls'. It was all ready to go by the end of 2023. But then Andy felt an intro was needed and that final piece of the puzzle was written Jan 2024.

In buying this release what you will come home with what I can only describe as a decidedly attractive sleeve. The cover picture was taken by Andy. All CD booklet pictures were taken in various locations such as Kos, Roker beach and Eyemouth in Scotland. And, you will notice a nod of the head towards Richard Bach's book, as Seagulls are noticeable too.

Andy Nixon's personality pervades this album, English, distinctive and occasionally sublime. His voice is unique, his guitar-playing subtle and rhythmic and his lyrics - well, his lyrics ... take the track 'Still' for example. Here Andy describes his thoughts:

So, we're going back to 2020 and looking at how it all unfolded, especially in the UK where we had a Health Service on it's knees and health professionals put through hell. The time was also marked by the PPE scandals, the late reactions to the pandemic, leaders breaking their own laws, the blatant lying, the incompetence, etc etc. (For the record I lean way more to the left than the right - enough said). The song is built around the phases of the moon, it's a more poetic way of time-lining the year than doing a Barbara Dixon January, February etc etc (look that up if you're under 50)..... Wolf Moon, Snow Moon, Strawberry Moon..... way more interesting!

I needed characters for the protagonist and the antagonist (NHS vs Govt) so it's very loosely based on the opening scene of The Tempest. (I'm not at all well-read on Shakespeare but it's a famous scene and it makes a great analogy). Johnson is the "Captain" and the entire NHS are the "Bosun".

I wanted the guitar solo to feel like a ship on a stormy sea so there are a lot of ascending and descending scales and arpeggios going on! I think it works?

Last but by no means least I want to thank my dear friend the amazing Louise Wilson of Kafkadiva who is responsible for the beautifully layered harmonies that build throughout the song "Still" would not have worked without her incredible vocal and her perfect improvisations. Thanks Lou x

So, to sum up, "Still" is a commentary on a world pandemic whilst journeying through the phases of the moon against the setting of The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Pretentious? Moi?

Response to The Waterline has, so far, exceeded expectations. It has actually been quite amazing . And, naturally, Andy is absolutely delighted with it all.

Footnote: Freedom to Glide (F2G) is a coming together of the talents Pete Riley and Andy Nixon. Both played together in the Pink Floyd tribute Dark Side of the Wall. F2G weren't so much a product of the 'modern boundary stretching/ambitious rock' type boom which gave us the likes of Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, Anathema and many others. That said, their music has always been accomplished, always melodic and always, but always, very listenable.