Andrew Read
Andrew Read is a Wollongong-based electric guitarist. His work focuses on improvisational techniques and draws inspiration from artists such as Polyphia, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and David Gilmour. These influences are fused across multiple genres from thrash metal to country and bluegrass to create a unique sound that is immediately identifiable and all his own.
“My project is titled ‘An Ode to Joseph Merrick’, as the main inspiration for this project came from an experience in my life in which I left a band I was in, called Elephant Man. I had to leave this group as I felt it directly clashed with my Christian faith. This EP is titled ‘An Ode to Joseph Merrick’ as a direct reference to the real-life Elephant Man, with the lyrics of the opening song directly referencing this experience in my life.
The other two tracks are purely instrumental and were made in collaboration with Tim Nichols on drums, and myself on electric and bass guitar. There is a strong focus on difficult techniques such as hybrid picking as well as fast, fat riffs and extended techniques.
I wanted to create a unique tone and push myself to play in a style I’m not comfortable with to ultimately become a better guitarist.”