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Andrew Neil‘s musical journey has been anything but ordinary. It is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the transformative qualities of music. From overcoming mental illness to battling cancer, his journey has been filled with challenges and obstacles. Yet, through it all, he has never lost his passion for music. His love for the craft has not only been a source of comfort and healing, but it has also provided him with a creative outlet to express his thoughts and emotions. His unique musical style, characterized by percussive guitar work and a raw, bluesy vocal presence, reflects his struggles with mental illness and his journey through the darkest moments of his life.
Andrew‘s musical talent and resilience were highlighted when he released his first album, “Code Purple,” which he wrote and recorded while a long-term patient in a state psychiatric hospital. This album brought him success, including being part of the Rankers List of Best Outsider Music Artists. He continued to develop his sound and share his music with a broader audience, releasing several more albums, including “Merry Go Round,” “Freak,” “Sunny Side,” and “Alien,” with limited runs of only 300 to 200 copies. These albums reflect Andrew’s life experiences and showcase his musical talent, with each album being a limited edition featuring unique cover art.
In a world where music is everywhere, it’s the visual art that sets albums apart and adds an extra layer of emotion and meaning. That’s why he’s teamed up with two of the most talented artists in the game, his younger brother Kyle Scott Maternick and Daniel Benayun.
Kyle’s abstract artwork on albums “Code Purple” and “Freak” is simply breathtaking. What makes this collaboration even more special is that Kyle and Andrew have overcome a traumatic event in their past. Despite Andrew’s 2013 psychotic episode involving him stabbing his brother, Kyle remains by his side, offering unconditional support and understanding of his brother’s mental health struggles.
Daniel Benayun is a rising star in the art world, and his contributions to Andrew’s albums “Merry Go Round,” “Sunny Side,” and “Alien” have not gone unnoticed. Both Kyle’s and Daniel’s art brings Andrew’s music to life, making a powerful statement about the importance of visual art in the music industry.
Andrew’s music is not only a reflection of his resilience and determination but also a testament to the impact that music can have on the human spirit. His life and music will soon be the subject of a book, “Kind of Hurt,” which promises to be a powerful testimony to the power of music to heal and inspire. And, with plans to release two more albums in 2023, Andrew continues to share his unique sound and vision with the world.
In conclusion, Andrew Neil is a true artist in every sense of the word, and his journey through music and mental illness is one to be inspired by. Click here to know more about Outsider Songwriter Andrew Neil.
