Andy Jans-Brown, Northern Rivers’ singer songwriter

Prudence Clark’s ‘Short and Sweet’ series gives us an insight into how our local musicians work, what inspires them and what music means to them. 

Having written for the music industry for over twenty years, she is passionate about the Northern Rivers music scene and wants to bring it to the forefront in 2025. A chat with Ange Kent from BayFM’s Northern Rivers Music Box over a beer or two, and three weeks later, here is the first article:

Andy Jans-Brown

Ah, Andy Jans-Brown is a truly beautiful and inspiring man to chat with. Not only is he a lyrical genius, but he is also bloody hilarious and his storytelling abilities almost outweigh his musical prowess. Almost.

His latest album release, ‘Falling’, a collaboration with close friend Cameron Spike-Porter, is an indie rock anthem that delves into the myriad of ways we experience the act of falling, be it in love, to the call of consumerism or to the innocence of our naivety. With Andy’s heartfelt lyrics and melodies, Cameron’s layered electric guitars and bass, and David Ely’s robust drumming, ‘Falling’ is one of those albums you’ll find yourself listening to on repeat. 

Any influences in particular you’ve drawn inspiration from?

I’ve been creating music since I was 14 years old. My first naïve attempts were on an old out of tune piano that my mum had picked up for me. Music was a way of crying, without the need for tissues. It was a way to hear my deepest feelings reflected out loud. A way of drawing the medicine from the sickness. A deep well, where healing was drawn from the sorrow. Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Brian Ferry, Blondie, Tears for Fears, Bruce Springsteen, The Smiths and The Cure. These were the first voices that first haunted and soothed me.

How would you describe the music you typically create?

I like to compare my music to a heart that pours out the sorrows and joys of a rich inner life, where early life chaos explodes with a fire cracker, to create a small piece of beauty in the dark night. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given regarding the music industry that you would share with up and coming musicians?

I once had a dream that I was walking arm in arm with Nick Cave and I asked him, “Nick, what do I have to do to become a rock star?” and he answered, “It’s a easy as sticking your dick in a dim sum.”

A few years later, I was lucky enough to be the support act for Nick Cave in Sydney and Brisbane. We went out to dinner and whilst seated next to Nick and Anita Lane, I told him about the dream. He nearly laughed himself off his chair and said, “Maybe it is?”

Then he added, “Hang on was it steamed, fried or still frozen? Because what I was possibly trying to tell you is that to become a rock star is really difficult. I’m not sure how to get there, but you should probably get yourself a good therapist.”

And that’s what I did. I got myself a good therapist. I honestly cannot recommend the process of therapy enough, not just for musicians, but for all of us. Therapy and good books.

Oh, I should add, there’s nothing more beautiful than when Nick Cave’s stern face breaks into a smile. It’s like sunshine after rain.

Tell me about your latest album and what it means to you

Our world seems to be on a very rocky road at the moment. My new album, ‘Falling’ is no exception. It delves deep into the various ways we experience the act of falling. I became a dad in 2018 and as all parents know, it changes everything. There is too much to say about it and so many layers of wonder to decipher, but something about stepping up into that role of self-sacrifice, really takes you outside of your comfort zone.

Around the same time, the entire western world seemed to be struggling with growing up and embracing responsibility. Such was the reality of confronting both the injustice of the past and the fragile and frightening realities of the future. Being a sensitive soul, I was overwhelmed by all the name calling I constantly saw on social media. Of course, the divide grew greater during the Covid years and that gap, or weeping wound, depending how you look at it, doesn’t look to be healing any time soon.

During this period, I struggled to write anything. It was just all filling up inside me and spilling out in all kinds of anxiety and panic. ‘Falling’ was the crack that let the light in for me, I felt I had once again connected with the deepest parts of my soul and was again experiencing the beauty and the wonder of music. 

When you’re not making music, what are you doing?

I’m trying to be a good parent, partner and friend. I’m trying to be more present and less caught up in my own head. I’m working as a music teacher at The Conservatorium in Lismore, and doing Project Management for One Vision Production’s Music For Change Program. I am trying to be useful and help where I can, not add too much burden to the already great big pile of waste and trash. Mostly failing at that though I might add.

Just like the heroic failure of the fireman who gets called out to help the lovely old lady get her cat out of the tree, only to run it over reversing out her driveway, I believe we’re all beautifully flawed, despite our best intentions. Every little step is falling, but you’d never learn to walk if you didn’t dare to fall first, and so onwards I go falling, falling, falling.”

For more information visit: www.andyjansbrown.com

‘Falling’ is available on all streaming platforms. Here is a link to it via Youtube

Prudence Clark, Journalist Off The Record: www.offtherecordcopywriting.com.au

Spread the word and celebrate local music every Friday afternoon from 4pm to 6pm on Northern Rivers Music Box hosted by Ange Kent. Dial in at 99.9FM or stream bayfm.org or via your favourite listening app.

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