Andrew Pipe Talks New Single, Recording And More

Following his warmly received debut single ‘The Voyage’, British guitarist Andrew Pipe has returned with his new single ‘Nexus’. He chatted to us about the single, recording and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

I guess I started writing things as soon as I started playing the guitar. I was always playing around with my own melodies and riffs. I mostly learnt by ear at first without much musical training on the instrument, having lessons later on. In terms of any lyrics or full songs with some sort of structure, that would be later when I formed The Mentulls with my brother Jamie.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Hard to pick one specific moment but there was always music around the house growing up in a music loving family. I heard lots of different types of music with instruments always around.

You have your new single ‘Nexus’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

‘Nexus’ follows my debut solo single ‘The Voyage’, both guitar led instrumentals. I started writing Nexus first, about a couple of years ago. It’s definitely a bit of an ode to my guitar heroes and I can hear a little bit of all their styles in the track. ‘The Voyage’ is definitely more of a rocker, while ‘Nexus’ is a little more reflective and emotive.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Writing is always a bit of a journey, as the writing process goes on, things can take on a different vibe. That’s one of the reasons I love the creative process. 

Do you have a visualiser to accompany the track?

A music video is currently in the works for ‘Nexus’. The video for ‘The Voyage’ is available to watch now on YouTube.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

I currently produce my solo stuff and most of it is recorded at my studio with Steve (bass) & Damon (drums) recording their stuff at their own studios. Dick Beetham was the mastering engineer and did a great job.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

The track came together pretty easy. Me, Steve and Damon have worked together a lot over the last few years so we know each others playing quite well.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I’ve been a Fret-King artist for many years and used a couple of their guitars throughout. Other guitars include my 1980 Hamer Sunburst and a nylon-strung guitar which was handmade by my grandfather which is very special.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest is probably something like The Mentulls track ‘Learning Through Living’, a pretty uplifting song which I wrote with my good friend John P Taylor.

The closest to something angry is probably ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ from the same Mentulls album. It’s about the bad aspects of the social media filled world we live in.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2025/2026?

I definitely plan to release more music as soon as possible! Stay tuned!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Most of what I use in the studio, I use live. My main guitar for the last few years has been a Fret-King Corona. I’ve been using the BluGuitar Amp1 in recent years too and I love it. 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Great question. I’d LOVE to score a film. I’m very interested in that world and would love to do more of that sort of thing. In terms of which novel, that’s a tough one. I guess something sci-fi vibed would be cool as I can imagine that would involve creating some cool soundscapes.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Guisborough, North Yorkshire.

Five words: picturesque, nostalgic, historical, community, home

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

My influences are pretty varied. Influences as a guitar player include: Steve Lukather, Martin Barre, Andy Powell, Gary Moore, Andy Latimer, Steve Hackett, Eric Johnson.

I also take inspiration from non guitar players too, I love listening to great keyboard players, drummers, bass players. Rock, jazz, folk, classical, pop music. I appreciate everything and it all goes in to the melting pot of music that inspires me.

What makes Andrew Pipe happy and what makes you unhappy?

What makes me happy is creating and crafting music. Putting that music in to the world can be a little scary, but then hearing that something you’ve created has made an impact or impression on someone is one of the greatest things of all. The way that people consume music these days doesn’t make me unhappy, but I do feel like the old way of listening to music before streaming sites meant music was more valued and artists got a fairer deal. Of course there are many positives to the new way of the industry too!

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist

Andrew Pipe’s latest single ‘Nexus’ is out now.

Stream/Download Here: https://ffm.to/andrewpipenexus

For more information visit his official website here: https://andrewpipe.co.uk/