Some people become musicians because they are eager to be something rather than to say something- Andrew Adkins is the latter of those two. Drawing his musical inspiration from the rolling hills of West Virginia where he was born and raised, Andrew yields a passion, yet simple sensibility, that is synonymous with his surroundings and the characters that fill his songs. “It’s one thing to be a writer, it’s another to have to write”, says Adkins. After listening to his most current solo project, The Long Way to Leaving, one begins to understand that sentiment.
There is distant longing and loneliness in his voice, but his words evoke a sense of belonging, one that makes you feel as if you are not alone in the world. There are few songwriters today that can convey this type of emotional response and Adkins, is one of them. You can’t put your finger on it really; he has the heartfelt humbleness of John Prine, the stark, colorful contrasts of Guy Clark and the dry sarcasm and wit of fellow West Virginian, Tim O’Brien. He draws you into his world with his lyrics and carefully crafts you into his stories with his subtle melodies.
After spending the last seven years leading the successful Appalachian Stompgrass band, The Wild Rumpus, Adkins is venturing out on his own wild solo adventure. If you happen to be in the area where Adkins is playing, I would suggest going to hear him play. You will leave the better for it. I know I did.
“Andrew Adkins knows how to tell a story and give it a melody to stick with you. His onstage presence is the perfect mix of humor and humility, putting his audience at ease and drawing them into a songscape that originates in the mountains of West Virginia and stretches to include the emotions and experiences that people of every corner of the country can relate to. “ ~ Amanda Ann Platt(The Honeycutters)
