Andy Hoyle has new music “Here We Are”

All round wonderful man and consummate pro Andy Hoyle saw his only daughter recently marry the love of her life, and he surprised the newlyweds with this song during the speeches.

Leading up to the big day he began to think about walking her down the aisle on her wedding day, as the father of the bride, and how it would feel to give his only daughter away.

Various rambling thoughts gradually crystalised into a song and, over a long weekend before the wedding, he recorded the guitars, keyboard and vocals for what has now become “Here We Are.”

Special thanks to Shaun Johannes who graciously contributed his ridiculously cool bass guitar part, not to mention the flawless drum track he added for good measure.

Thanks also to Candice Taylor Photography for the special pic of the beautiful bride and her proud pops.
This music video was largely compiled by Rotor Video’s AI technology using HD clips from their library.
Some old school human tweaking resulted in this final product and i do hope you enjoy “Here We Are”…

I chatted to Andy to find out more:

What is your job description?

I’m a visually and musically creative property professional.

What does music mean to you?

Music is a continual source of inspiration to me…I have no idea how it manages to extract such deep emotional responses in such a short time, but I love that it does exactly that!

My music is about…

Hope and positivity – my songs are short stories, encompassing the entire circle of life with all its challenges, heavily influenced by the styles and rhythms of my African home…

What is your motto?

The best is yet to come…

Fame is about…

How would I know…?!?

Retirement will happen when…

Life’s too short anyway…so I have no intention of retiring!!

I don’t do…

Drama Queens…just get on with it rather!

I would love to co-write with…

Jackson Browne

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

Wherever I can find a quiet place to strum a guitar…

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

When a new song suddenly starts to take shape it can be exhilarating…and I’m always amazed at people’s varying responses to my different songs!

The song you must do during every show?

“Do It Again” from my album “Living In My Head.”

Any funny moments on stage?

Being joined on stage at the Pelican in Knysna many, many years ago by Leon Schuster…say no more!!

My heroes are…

Huge respect for musical legends like Mark Knopfler, Johnny Clegg, Eric Clapton, Elton John, and Sting…all have come from working class backgrounds, but followed their dreams to achieve something really special.

My style icon is…

Mr Bean.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Quite a few, but as a South African I’d say Elon Musk is right up there…yes, he’s an incredibly controversial character, but he’s gone from a regular SA upbringing to chasing some seriously groundbreaking dreams – he’s living out what Madiba said about it always seeming impossible until it’s done.

What is your most treasured possession?

The box of family DVD’s…precious memories…

It’s your round; what are you drinking?

Red Red Wine…and make it good one please!!

Dream gig to do?

I love to travel, so to gig on a round-the-world cruise ship like “The World” and explore exotic destinations would be great.

What makes you stand out?

I don’t even try…I’m just myself, take it or leave it, and certainly don’t attempt to be something I’m not. Even people who’ve known me for a while are slightly amazed when they find out I’m involved in music.

Any nicknames?

Pops, Lah

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I love to paint (check out my Andy Hoyle Artist Facebook page) so I’d use the extra time to paint more…

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Patient, Creative, Restless, Tolerant, Enthusiastic

What are you streaming?

Currently streaming Bryan Adams – Unplugged

Greatest Movie Ever Made?

Peter Sellers – The Party

(We should all laugh a whole lot more…)

What book are you reading?

John Cleese – So, Anyway

What song changed your life?

Weeping – Bright Blue

Who do you love?

An easy one – my family…to the moon and back!!

What is your favorite Word?

Vasbyt!

Top of your bucket list?

An easy going musical road trip around North America, visiting iconic destinations I have never seen first hand…

Your greatest achievement?

My family for sure.

What do you complain about most often?

How some songs have actually made it onto the radio at the expense of others…?!?

What is your biggest fear?

That “commercial” music will continue to dominate over music that really touches the soul.

Happiness is…

Traveling or just hanging out with the family…

On stage, I tend to…

Let the music do the talking…

The best life lesson you have learned?

The wheel turns.

What has been your favorite journey so far?

Watching our kids grow up to be independent young adults…

Do you do charity work, and if you do – what do you do?

I’ve given Breadline Africa the right to use my song “Child of Africa” in whatever way they can to raise awareness and/or funding for what they do, donated some of my original paintings for charity auctions, and also supported other good causes over the years like the NSRI, Red Cross Children’s Hospital, 67 Kids to School, etc…we must all help where we can!

Wishes and dreams?

I dream of having more time to just create, and I wish that we could all remember the lessons from the pandemic about what’s really important in life.