Meet-Fuzzystar
Edinburgh based artist Andy Thomson – aka Fuzzystar – creates off-kilter indie pop filled with rich lyrical storytelling and lo-fi melodies. His forthcoming album Telegraphing is due for release on 28th April 2017 via Satellite Sounds.
Telegraphing flows with a rich narrative alongside scuzzy melodies and uptempo indie-rock beats. The album is full of catchy riffs akin to The Cribs but with the endearing emotion strewn delicacy of Sun Kil Moon. From the catchy hooks of ‘Angel Transported’ to the twinkling melodies of emotive ballad ‘Telegraphing’, and the reflective and honest sense of fragility oozing from ‘High Friends’, the new album from Fuzzystar is sure to capture the hearts of many in no time.
Referring to the album’s title, Thomson explains that the songs are about a “mix of love, loss miscommunication, feelings of alienation or being disconnected. Telegraphing to communicate and also indicating something you may not already be aware of yourself, like the physical metaphor for it, often referred to in boxing.”
Andy Thomson has been playing solo and in various line-ups as Fuzzystar for years; starting in Edinburgh, with a stint in London, before returning to Scotland. The band name comes from an appreciation of the bands Big Star and Mazzy Star. Now, Fuzzystar is made up revolving cast of whoever is available at the time, hence the name – a star which looks like one star but is made of lots of other stars.
Telegraphing, the forthcoming album from Fuzzystar, is out on 28th April 2017 via Satellite Sounds.
1) For those unfamiliar with your music, can you can you give us a little of your back history?
I started playing music in and around Edinburgh open mics in the mid ‘00s. Got a first ‘proper’ gig and had to pick a name… (as well as write enough songs for a full set). I’d been playing or accompanied by friends at different places so went with Fuzzystar as a nod to a couple of bands I like (Big Star and Mazzy Star). Over the years there’s been a mix of line ups, with some really great people in and out of the band and a few started but often never fully finished attempts at recording an album.
2) Who would you list as your musical influence?.
I guess if I had to pick just one, it would probably be John Martyn. From his early folky ‘70s albums on Island Records to experiments in echoplex. He followed what he was interested in and experimented in whatever he fancied (on record and in life) even if he wasn’t always helping himself.
3) What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you since you started up?
We’ve had a few great gigs, playing in Paris a couple of times and Standon Calling both being memorable. It’s tough to pick one though, I’d say mostly just the shows where it’s felt there’s been a point where the music, the audience and the moment have all come together, that’s the best bit! And finding a great band.
4) What are your hopes and dreams as a musician for the next few years.
Well, with a stable line-up now record another album… maybe explore some different territory musically and songwriting-wise and enjoy the live thing more (and get over my pre-gig nerves).
5) What are some of your favorite albums from the past few years?
I really like lyrics, so tend to gravitate to songwriters, I’m big fan of bands like The National and Wilco and always interested to see hear what they do next. John Grant’s someone I always enjoy listening to (and his stuff from The Czars aswell). From Scotland I really like Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad. I’m a big fan of Wilco aswell and have been listening to the Margaret Glaspy record alot from last year. I had Ryan Adams self-titled album in the car for about a year. Since 2016 I’m working my way through the Bob Dylan boxed set in order… only upto about the ‘80s so far, so that’ll keep me going for sometime yet!
6) Do you see any real use for social media, or is it all just a pain in the ass to keep with?
Haha – I can see it both ways, definitely 🙂 It’s really great to keep up with music, news, etc. and pals and things but it’s all time that could be spent songwriting aswell or doing something that you might remember more in a year too.
7) Do you pay attention to reviews or comments from people about your music or do you just turn that noise off?
Well, there hasn’t been too much and we’ve been really fortunate that it’s been pretty positive so far but I wouldn’t want to start tracking it all, it’d be easy to get distracted. The nicest thing that’s happened was that I found out recently that someone had written a wee piece about one of our songs and how much they liked it, that felt great, as much because I could totally relate to that feeling of being into a song in that way! If a few people like our stuff that much, then that’s more than enough. If you start to worry about what people think you’ll end up writing to order.
8) If you could tour anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
Haha, where do you want us? Really, we’d play anywhere, preferably a scuzzy rock club though. I don’t know why but this morning Canada appeals. Ask me tomorrow and it’ll be different. I went to Japan last year and that seemed like it’d be an amazing touring experience.
9) Can music save the mortal soul or is just a good backbeat to your life?
Well, it’s definitely got me through some rubbish times where the alternatives are much more destructive, so in that respect I think it can be healing or cathartic.
10) Any last thoughts for your fans?
We have fans?!! Haha 🙂 Thanks for the interest!
