Andy Wright aka We Show Up On Radar

Under the moniker of We Show Up On Radar, Andy Wright makes some of the most wonderful, dreamy, heartwarming and life-affirming electro-pop that we've ever had the privilige of hearing. Fortunately for us, there is a new We Show Up On radar EP due any time now. In support of its release he is doing a small tour of libraries. He plays Nottingham Central Library this coming Saturday, but before that Andy was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.

Hello Andy, how are you?
Hello Paul, I’m very well thank you. How are you?

How long has We Show Up On Radar been around?
We Show Up On Radar is just me really, so I suppose I’ve been around for 27 years.

Why did you start We Show Up On Radar?
I didn’t do it on purpose, if I’d of had any incite in to my future life I would of joined Steps instead.

Do you think the music you make has changed over the years?
Inevitably it has changed, I think the dynamic of the songs I write is much greater now. The sad songs are much sadder and the happy ones are also much sadder!

Does the stuff you do with Swimming (Andy plays keyboards in the band) influence the music you write as We Show Up On Radar?
I wouldn't say that Swimming influences what I write for We Show Up On Radar; certainly not from a lyrical or melodic point of view. But I think the production values that I've developed as a result of being a part of Swimming has certainly helped me record better We Show Up On Radar music.

You have a new EP coming out later this month, what can we expect from it?
Expect 6 songs.

Can you tell me how the EP was put together? Do you play all the instruments yourself on record or do you have people helping you out?
The EP was recorded at my house, with the exception of just a few vocal layers that were recorded in London. I produce the songs myself and play all the instruments. It’s easier that way. When I play gigs my friends Peter, Meli and Blake sometimes help out.

Can you pick out a song on the EP and tell us how it came together. Talk us through the creative process...
Normally songs pop up from a little drum beat that I like or a particular sample that I want to steal. The song ‘A Loaf of Bread a Container of Milk and A Stick of Butter’ off the new EP was based around a really old Sesame Street clip of a little girl trying to remember the things she needs to buy from the shop, I took the sample and mixed it up with some jumbled up Charles Bukowski lyrics. Bukowski plus Sesame Street equals We Show Up On Radar!

Why are you going on a tour of libraries to promote the EP as opposed to the 'usual' gig venues?
I’m really bored of playing the ‘usual’ places. I work as a sound engineer in Nottingham so I see a lot of really dull places that are designed for louder bands. I’m just playing very quiet acoustic songs so I need a very quiet space to play. Libraries are notoriously quiet.

How would you describe the experience of of playing a library?
It’s nice. I think Comets On Fire are going to do a library tour too.

What has been your favourite We Show Up On Radar experience so far?
I told an old man to “shut the fuck up” half way through one of my songs once. and he did.

We Show Up On Radar playing Nottingham Central library last summer

Are there any local acts around at the moment you can recommend and think the readers should go and check out?
Listen to Fists, Pilgrim Fathers, and Red Shoe Diaries.

Both as WSUOR and as a punter, what has been your most memorable gig experiences in Nottingham?
I loved the Jens Lekman Secret gig that I was honoured to see at Lee Rosys Tea Shop. It was magical and fantastic, and the tea was also absolutely bang on.

If you had a chance to put on your own festival, where would you hold it and who would you have on?
Neutral Milk Hotel, The Flaming Lips, Sparklehorse, Eels, T.V On The Radio, Daniel Johnston, Bjork and Seabear are all invited to my new annual festival on Sneinton market.

What was the first ever gig you went to?
Probably some shit pub folk band that my dad used to drag me along to....the first real gig was Super Furry Animals at Rock City.

What was the first record you bought?
Micheal Jackson 'Bad'

What was the last book you read?
'The Boy With The Cuckoo Clock Heart'.

What do you like to do on a typical night out in Nottingham?
Well, I work most nights so my ideal night out would probably be a nice night in, away from the fuck heads.

If you could have a super power what would it be?
I’d like to live in a pineapple under the sea. It’s not a super power more of a desire completely unrelated to the question.

Any final words for the LeftLion readers?
YEAH! If anyone in Nottingham owns an Otamatone drop me an email at weshowuponradar@hotmail.com. I want to make an orchestra or at least a quintet.

Thank you for interviewing me, Paul.

The new We Show Up On Radar EP, 'A Loaf Of Bread, A Container Of Milk & A Stick Of Butter' is released Monday 15 February on Hello Thor Records. They play Nottingham Central Library on Saturday 6th February.

We Show Up On Radar on Myspace

New EP from We Show Up On RadaR out TODAY!!!