this post was submitted on
743 points (62% like it)
1,850 up votes 1,107 down votes
all 149 comments

[–]Ruive05 49 points50 points ago

The man makes amazing music, I'd ask him how big a role social media has played in his success. Would he even be known if he hadn't put his songs on Youtube for all to hear?

[–]usedtowork 26 points27 points ago

him how big a role social media has played in his success

without hyperbole I can say without a doubt that Andy McKee owes 10,000% of his success to that video of him playing Drifting on YouTube

[–]potted 14 points15 points ago

Link. Without the famous top comment that went something like 'The reason he has no hair is because it went to his chin to get closer to the music'. I would too if I was his hair. Amazing stuff.

[–]omglookabear 2 points3 points ago

I'd say that's spot on. That's how I found out about him. I think I was checking out some Preston Reed clips when I stumbled upon Andy.

[–]mb86 -2 points-1 points ago

It was Toto by Africa that caught my attention.

[–]EarthSlash 22 points23 points ago

That's "Africa" by Toto.

[–]imonlyhereforthecats 0 points1 point ago

...we're not in kansas anymore.

[–]FkknEpikk -2 points-1 points ago

No, were in Africa.

[–]mb86 2 points3 points ago

Mobile, can't edit. I recognise my error and apologise.

[–]AFurryReptile 16 points17 points ago

[–]Ouroboros_87 3 points4 points ago

I used to work for a music downloading service and he came in to do a small concert. After, he and his manager spoke a bit about how social media is their preferred method of distribution and growth.

I told Andy that I had first heard his music on YouTube and he was not surprised at all and, in fact, was happy that's how I stumbled upon his work. Really nice dude - awesome all around.

Let's make this happen!

[–]Perdit10n 0 points1 point ago

Unrelated, but are you a part of ouroborus or just a fan?

[–]Ouroboros_87 0 points1 point ago

Actually, I'm a big fan of Carl Jung and the symbol of an Ouroboros. Unless, you know, being a part of Ouroborus gets me karma.

[–]AvailableNames 11 points12 points ago

I have a ton of questions I'd like to ask him about his technique.

[–]uncleDamfee 8 points9 points ago

If only the answers somehow GAVE you his technique.

[–]AvailableNames 3 points4 points ago

Even getting his explanation of some finer points gets you one step closer to understanding his technique.

[–]uncleDamfee 1 point2 points ago

That along with years and years of practicing that style.

I can almost guarantee you the guy just plays like that, it's how he's been playing for a long time. I doubt he ever set out to be some trailblazer, it came naturally.

You can clearly see what his technique is. In so few words, he uses a lot of tapping and drumming. Droning strings, alternate tunings.

I have experience with this because I've been asked the same question over and over and there isn't a great answer. I've been playing the way I've been playing for years. My influences and my own contributions have made me the player I am today. There are no tricks or secrets, it's just me playing the guitar. Others don't see it that way for some reason and look for explanations or reason behind it. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case with Andy.

No doubt he can give you pointers as far as playing his music but ultimately you, me, nor anyone will ever be Andy McKee. It's important to remember that and make sure you focus on YOUR strengths and your interests as a player rather than trying to play like someone else completely.

This may be of help to you if you haven't seen it yet: http://www.andymckee.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=13

[–]AvailableNames 2 points3 points ago

Haha, I wasn't really trying to imply that I want to ask him about his technique to like, become him or adopt his style. I play in a similar fingerstyle like him and Justin King all ready. But to hear someone talk about how they go about improving their technique, regardless of what style the play in, can help to give you some insight how to better yourself. Because I understand where you're coming from when you say that it's just the way you play because I agree with you and I can totally relate to that. However, the doesn't mean I can't explain to someone how I go about bettering my technique in that particular style. Do you get what I mean?

[–]uncleDamfee 0 points1 point ago

Yes. You want to know his practice regimen as do I. I think that's about the most insight any guitarist could ask for. What do you do when not performing in order to play like that.

[–]IAmBJ 11 points12 points ago

i'd love to see this, ryllyn is one of the only instrumentals to truly bring me to tears

[–]gmay13 1 point2 points ago

Came here to say this

[–]xnicox 0 points1 point ago

I have been learning Rylynn for a couple of months now. Much more difficult than I had anticipated. But when it comes off my fingers just right, it's all worth it.

[–]carbonbased7 0 points1 point ago

There it is!

[–]probablydyslexic 17 points18 points ago

When I clicked the upvote button, I nearly broke my mouse.

Fucking love this guys music, and he opened me up to an whole new genre of the orchestration guitar type music where one guitar produces the percussion, bass, and melody from one instrument.

Honestly I'd take an AMA from anyone at Candy Rat

Ewan Dobson - Level 5

I dare you not to bob your head.

[–]redripz 3 points4 points ago

Head bobbing: check

Upvote for you for introducing me to Ewan: check

[–]digitalpencil 2 points3 points ago

candyrat are one of the best independants out there, antoine dufour and brooke miller are awesome

[–]SangamonTaylor 1 point2 points ago

If you like Candy Rat stuff, check out Billy McLaughlin. Same style, and he over came a disease called focal distonia that made it impossible for him to play- by learning to play left handed. There was a documentary about it. My friends and I went to see one of his first comeback concerts. 5 hardcore metal heads, and we were all in tears by the end of it.

[–]DawnWolf 0 points1 point ago

I've set my alarm tune to one of his tracks. Best way to wake up.

[–]Reddify 0 points1 point ago

Agreed - I would actually quite like an IAmA from the founders of CandyRat to see how they are doing with their very niche label. They are one of the very few vendors from whom I've actually bought music.

[–]no_worry 3 points4 points ago

I actually got a chance to speak with him at a show, he is INCREDIBLY nice and laid back. One question I asked him was: "what's your favorite tuning to play in?" His response: "standard, actually." I was a little surprised by that.

[–]joshcandoit4 0 points1 point ago

Haha what? Then why doesn't he ever play in it? Open tunings are incredibly boring imo, I'd love to see what he could do in standard tuning.

[–]no_worry 0 points1 point ago

He said the reason he prefers standard is that he actually knows all the notes and scales, but with alternate tunings he just messes around until he finds something that sounds good. So yeah it's sort of weird that most of his songs are in open tunings after mentioning that, but it blows my mind knowing that most of his brilliant compositions come about just by "messing around."

[–]mondt 10 points11 points ago

Andy is one of my favorite musicians. I go to the Walnut Valley Festival every year, but I haven't gotten a chance to say hey when he's there. The dude tours with Dream Theater, hits up Blizzard to play D3, pretty sure I remember him saying something about Opeth one time?

Oh, and he makes awesome music.

I don't even know what I'd ask. I just want to say how cool of a dude and what a musical inspiration he is.

[–]TrevorMcDonald 1 point2 points ago*

My friend and I hung around after a show he did last year, and when I met Andy I told him that he inspired me to start playing acoustic guitar. His face lit up: he thanked me, and said that when he's told that he's inspired people it's consistently one of the best things he can hear. Super nice guy, and an amazing live performer.

[–]ChiefThief 0 points1 point ago

I would ask about D3, but he played it so long ago I'm probably better off asking someone in the beta

[–]raddlesnake 3 points4 points ago

I'd ask why/how he chooses the different keys he plays in.

[–]barteshwar 4 points5 points ago

I'm going to take pointers on awesome beard-growing.

[–]IAmBJ 15 points16 points ago

his hair migrated to his chin to be closer to his glorious music

[–]Cat_Fish 0 points1 point ago

If that's the case, he must have a ton of hair on his chest and arms.

[–]hotchrisbfries -1 points0 points ago

Except for his eyebrows, everyone's a critic ಠ_ಠ

[–]Kuvakei 0 points1 point ago

Nahh man, his eyebrows stayed where they were to protect his eyes from falling dust so that he doesn't stop playing mid-way through a song.

Rather selfless really.

[–]bramannoodles 2 points3 points ago

Cool idea, but I don't think it would work. Dude would probably just slap the keyboard and make it sing like a choir of angels, instead.

[–]OutsideOfMyMind 3 points4 points ago

I'd absolutely love to see an IAmA from Andy McKee or anybody from Candyrat Records for that matter. I've recently been infatuated with Ewan Dobson's work myself; but truth be told, everybody on that label is outright incredible in terms of technique and sheer musical ability.

[–]thisfreakinguy 1 point2 points ago

Reign of Kindo is a band on that label.. have you heard them? Someone posted a youtube video of them and said "This is better than anything you've ever heard" and they were kind of right.

[–]thisfreakinguy 2 points3 points ago

I met Andy when he played in Philly before. He was a real cool dude. We talked about great acoustic players, and some other stuff like Dream Theater. Good times!

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

What is your favourite guitar?

[–]Tabemashou 2 points3 points ago

What an awesome idea. Perhaps later down the line we can get one for Antoine Dufour or Don Ross :)

[–]CallTheWAHmbulance 0 points1 point ago

Don Ross would be good; he's very eloquent and says the nicest things on his yt account.

[–]IncarceratedMascot 0 points1 point ago

Antoine Dufour's cover of Hide and Seek is goddamn beautiful.

[–]Hiphoppington 1 point2 points ago

I'd really enjoy reading an AMA from him. I've got me a harp guitar waiting for me for when I graduate college too!

[–]ltvyrus 1 point2 points ago

This would be so awesome. His songs have got me through some tough times.

[–]mnLIED 1 point2 points ago

I'd ask him 1) What do you think about Kaki? and 2) What is currently in your CD player?

[–]Vincent93 1 point2 points ago

Oh man I really hope he does this!

[–]sua6 1 point2 points ago

Andy McKee got me through college.

[–]xmeeshx 1 point2 points ago

Me too, literally. I played "drifting" as one of my performance finals.

[–]Stracci 1 point2 points ago

I love his rendition of Everybody Wants to Rule the World (original Tears for Fears). So pretty.

[–]JayTS 1 point2 points ago

I have two friends who are amazing at the guitar. One of them can play Drifting almost perfectly.

I'd love to see an AMA by him.

[–]redripz 2 points3 points ago

I have a few friends like that, Drifting is the "party trick" of one of them :)

[–]excusablyrude 1 point2 points ago

Party tip: it's a gimmick.

[–]ends_ 1 point2 points ago

I'm glad to see Andy McKee's name here in IAmA.

[–]pranavrc 0 points1 point ago

I typed out a question, and realized this isn't the AmA. I'll save it, hoping he does one.

[–]uncleDamfee 0 points1 point ago

How much does the beard correlate with the chops?

Do we have a Samson situation here?

[–]samweir 0 points1 point ago

How and when did you become a man?

[–]tsarcorp 0 points1 point ago

Andy is Boss. :) What was the security issue? i can't find anything about it.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points ago

He was playing a free show in Anaheim, I think it was at the Hilton next to the convention center and some jackass grabbed his guitar and started strumming and banging on it. Here's what he said about it:

Had one of the worst experiences of my career tonight. A guy rushed the stage as I was leaving, grabbed my guitar from the stand, and started strumming and banging on it. My manager grabbed the guitar and pushed him away. He was later kicked out by security.

Apparently there isn't any damage to the guitar.

A tip for that lad and anyone else reading: There are ways to endear yourself to people and to make a positive difference with your time on earth. Being a dick isn't one of them."

[–]tsarcorp 1 point2 points ago

Wow.... As a musician i can't think of anything more insulting than somebody inviting themselves onto the stage and fucking with my equipment ಠ_ಠ

not even factoring the monetary value of instruments - we can get quite sentimental about the tools of our trade.

[–]elevensense 0 points1 point ago

I've met Andy a few times, he rocks, would be great to learn some more about him.

[–]Kzaine 0 points1 point ago

The man is extremely talented and exposed me to a style of acoustic play that I had never seen or heard of before. Nearly every one of his songs gives off a warmth, as though he isnt necessarily playing music as much as its just him communicating with a part of his soul (sounds lofty I know, but its true). I love nearly every one of his songs, but one thing I have always wondered is what, in his own words, was the inspiration for "Samus' Stardrive".

[–]EltaninAntenna[!] 0 points1 point ago

I don't have anything to ask, just sharing the serendipity of being listening to his music when I saw this. Never fails to lift my mood.

[–]ROGER_CHOCS 0 points1 point ago

Yes, please do one! I would really like to know if he has any plans to be a in a more modern (Or traditional?) band with a singer, drums, and bass!

[–]thefuckthisshitman 0 points1 point ago

Where do you get your weed?!

[–]ChaChaBolek 4 points5 points ago

From you, Dante!

[–]TurboDisturbo 0 points1 point ago

Oh yeah! What's up Mr. Cheezle?!

[–]IamZalman 0 points1 point ago

Yes. Yes yes yes. This man is the reason I began playing guitar, why I practice every single day, including learning all of his songs. And he's a nice guy. What more is there to ask of a musician?

give ALL the up votes!

[–]turkycat 0 points1 point ago

I saw him live on my birthday earlier this month, dude is legit. He signed my guitar too! too bad this post wasn't made earlier I could have mentioned it to him!

[–]chrisq518 0 points1 point ago

For those who don't know who he is; Drifting

[–]RacoonJibDog 0 points1 point ago

Met him in Dallas, incredibly sweet guy and very talented. I'd love to see an AMA.

[–]Incursus 0 points1 point ago

I would love to have Andy come answer some questions. He seems like a great guy and he's a phenomenal musician.

[–]englishgentabouttown 0 points1 point ago

I would like to know who Heather is, and why he decided to write a song about her.

[–]dartheduardo 0 points1 point ago

I was linked to your youtube vids about 3 years ago. You introduced me to another world of acoustic music.

[–]jimmyRayny 0 points1 point ago

I wonder if there any chance he ll ever come to europe (Switzerland in particular)?

[–]Geauxtoguy 0 points1 point ago

I've talked with Andy a couple of times through facebook and emails and he always was very polite, humble, and an all around good guy. I even told him about Reddit and asked him to do an AMA a few months back!

[–]leftyreverse 0 points1 point ago

Everyone on Candy Rat Records is an amazing musician..thank you Don Ross for being a pioneer

[–]ubbydubby_01 0 points1 point ago

What is it like to work with Don Ross?

[–]MrCunderThunt 0 points1 point ago

Any love for Ben Konstantinovic or Eric Mongrain??

[–]OldNintendood 0 points1 point ago

Did you play traditionally at first, or did you just pick up the guitar and start playing it your own way?

[–]I3lindman 0 points1 point ago

I'd love to see an AMA from Andy. His music is amazing, I'd like to know more about him.

[–]Maverick13 0 points1 point ago

How much would you attribute your talent to innate skill, and how much to practice?

[–]Motanum 0 points1 point ago

How awesome is it to play in monterrey along dream theater? Fuck yeah do an ama

[–]Unfa 0 points1 point ago

Look for Candyrat records. It's full of amazing musicians like McKee.

[–]P1NGU 0 points1 point ago

I fully support this request. Here, have an upvote!

[–]Kelevra64 0 points1 point ago

What is your opinion on heavier music like Necrophagist, Amon Amarth, and others?

How did you hear about the majestic harpotar?

[–]NBT32 0 points1 point ago

I support this decision. I am very eager to know how he developed his style, besides citing heavier music.

[–]BattleBeeear 0 points1 point ago

Andy came to my university to give a workshop and he gave some pretty good insight, but I would love to hear more from him! Come on Andy!

[–]anhyzer_way 0 points1 point ago

Loved his cover of Africa

[–]darleysam 0 points1 point ago

This would be a pretty excellent thing, should totally do it. My brother dedicated himself to learning to play Drifting after watching the video repeatedly. It's now one of his party-pieces.

[–]fruitsnacks4life 0 points1 point ago

Please do this, Andy!! About 5 years ago seeing your videos on the internet (after initially hearing about Drifting, of course) was one of my main inspirations for picking up a guitar, and it's from you that I became exposed to all of the other incredible Candyrat artists. It'd be amazing to hear from someone who has influenced me so much musically.

Also, I know plenty of guitarist friends with similar stories who would love to ask you some questions!

[–]EarthSlash 0 points1 point ago

I saw him play live recently, he's an amazing talent and a super nice guy. Hope he does an AMA.

[–]gary_b_busey 0 points1 point ago

fucking LOVE this guy. i see him every year he has a show in orlando.

[–]Eolianrec 0 points1 point ago

What are your influences that play in your style, or did your style come about as a drastically different response to others in the music world?

[–]Feyo777 0 points1 point ago*

Just wanted to said that i watched his show in Monterrey, México. He opened for Dream Theater and everybody went crazy with his music.

[–]xCJRx 0 points1 point ago

I'd like to know how his excursions with Michael Manring began

[–]GroupTheory 0 points1 point ago

Going to a concert of his in march. Will ask him about it then, if he hasn't noticed it yet. I'm a huge fan, and this is a fantastic idea.

[–]CallTheWAHmbulance 0 points1 point ago

I'd jizz my pants if Andy McKee did an AMA. Upvote for you!

[–]gosuprobe 0 points1 point ago

I saw this and thought "shit, that would be awesome!"

Then I realized I'd have nothing to ask.

I'd still read it, though.

[–]crushedheels 0 points1 point ago

I am a big fan of Andy's work. I would also like to thank him for the exposure of great artists via candy rat.

Favorite song: Venus As a Girl (Bjork cover) A difficult song to harmonize, but apparently not for Mr. Mckee. Note: All works are excellent

[–]crbill 0 points1 point ago

I've seen him live twice and I've been to one workshop with him. He's very insightful about anything ranging from technique to inspiration to gear. This would be awesome!

[–]weemee 0 points1 point ago

I'd like to see one with Andy MCCOY!

Now I've gotta go learn about Andy McKee and why he's so worthy. I'll get back to you Reddit.

[–]CEverii 0 points1 point ago

Seriously one of my greatest inspirations. I wish I was only half the guitar player as you. I would have tons of questions if he were to do an AMA.

[–]op71kz 0 points1 point ago

When are you coming back to Cork?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

Haha, I'm from Cork as well :D

[–]op71kz 0 points1 point ago

Lolz, did you go to the last show? About 6months ago or so

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

Yeah! I think it was back in April as I remember being on night-shift at the time. Was so pleased when he played Hunter's Moon.

[–]op71kz 0 points1 point ago

Blizz?

[–]DrThunderface 0 points1 point ago

PLEASE.

He's such an inspiration to me as a musician

[–]sinkorfloat 0 points1 point ago

It may be better to have an IAMA from his hair on how it went about migrating from his head to his chin so it could be closer to the sweet melodious guitar playing.

[–]bobEddins 0 points1 point ago

I'd like to ask him what happened after he deleted his wife's Skyrim save data.

[–]Scott674 0 points1 point ago

I just want to tell him how awesome his playing is.

[–]RodierKS 0 points1 point ago

I took lessons from andy as a kid, before he was "discovered." He was pretty bad at it. I think some guys are just too good to be teachers.

[–]chipps 0 points1 point ago

i wish I could play guitar like him

[–]Koan217 0 points1 point ago

This is why I love reddit, i have been listening to Art of motion for years now ever since i, too, stumbled upon it on YouTube when searching for music similar too "classical gas". Where do you tour and are you coming to new York anytime soon? I

[–]GameLoser93 0 points1 point ago

This guy has been an inspiration to me since I first read about him in the newspaper my freshman year of high school. Id love it if he did an AMA.

[–]PerfectDark1 0 points1 point ago

yesss this is great! i hope he does it!

[–]PerfectDark1 0 points1 point ago

love his africa toto rendition!

[–]kamucho 0 points1 point ago

[–]snaggle_t 0 points1 point ago

ANDY PLEASE! IM A HUGE FAN AAND WE HAVE THE SAME LAST NAME!

[–]Laika027 0 points1 point ago

Open tunings can make anyone sound better than they actually are.

[–]TheWalkingWounded48 0 points1 point ago

yes, but he's phenomenal and there's no arguing that.

[–]Ithinkthere4Ibooze 0 points1 point ago

His music makes me want to grow a beard, build a house in the woods, wear flannel, and hunt and fish for my food...

[–]alecv26 0 points1 point ago

drifting and common ground are my favorite

[–]OneofYourFiveaDay 0 points1 point ago

This man is like God on guitar, he plays so amazingly for a guy with his head on upside down....

[–]go-with-the-flo 0 points1 point ago

I would absolutely LOVE this!! When I was 15, I saw his song Drifting performed by a guy at my brother's high school, and I was DETERMINED to learn it too. Keep in mind that I had only ever learned maybe 3 short riffs from my dad (one of them being Smoke on the Water... Typical), and had very little practice with chords. My dad managed to get a copy of the sheet music, and helped me start to learn it when he had time.

6 months of hard work and blistered fingers later, I had it down pat and could play along with the Youtube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddn4MGaS3N4). It was always my masterpiece, and I played it at several talent shows :)

Plus, I liked it because it makes me look way more talented than I actually am. I avoid telling people that it's the only song I know how to play!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

Haha, cool story. Andy's AmA is up by the way, the link is up top in the original post.

[–]go-with-the-flo 0 points1 point ago

Yeah, just saw it! Thanks!

[–]Levitatingman 0 points1 point ago

My uncle manages him!!! Eric Hoppe. He's my mothers younger brother. I met him a while back and he's so polite! His wife was very nice too.

[–]SGTSHOOTnMISS 0 points1 point ago

I think hes too busy drifting :D

[–]vogonpoetry4life 0 points1 point ago

  • do you find it annoying in everyday tasks to keep the fingernails on your picking hand long?
  • which of your songs do you enjoy playing the most?
  • what do you think was the most important lesson you learned from playing with don ross so much?

love the music! keep it up and please do this AMA!!

[–]CannaeLoggins 0 points1 point ago

do you find it annoying in everyday tasks to keep the fingernails on your picking hand long?

I always wonder this. It seems like such a pain in the arse.

[–]CallTheWAHmbulance 0 points1 point ago

I can answer the nails question. Andy only grows out his thumbnail; he learned tapping on electric and could do it with nails. You'll notice his harder chords are all off the thumbnail. But yes, those nails are annoying as fuck. It's a good thing I have the michael hedges thing going; left handed but play guitar righty. It's not too bad, but have fun fingering a girl unless you're lefty...

[–]Darkpulse462 -1 points0 points ago

You make great shit dude!

[–]Lukers_RCA -1 points0 points ago

What motivated you to play in open tuning?

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points ago

TO ZE TOP!!!!!!!!!

[–]newcirclejerkmod -1 points0 points ago

I like Antoine Dufour more :(

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]Carbatrol -1 points0 points ago

You're an idiot.