If you think you have not heard of Andrew McMahon, you are actually probably wrong. Listen to Cecelia and the Satellite and I can almost guarantee you have heard that song. Or, if you have heard of the bands Something Corporate or Jack’s Mannequin, or even Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, then you know who Andrew McMahon is!
If you still do not know who Andrew McMahon is, it is time that you change that. Andrew McMahon has been part of the music scene for quite some time. He was the vocalist, pianist, and primary lyricist for Something Corporate, the lyricist for Jack’s Mannequin, and is currently working solo under the name Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
I actually have to admit that I, myself, had no idea who Andrew McMahon was until I saw him perform live by surprise. This summer, I attended the Panic! At the Disco/Weezer concert at Tinley Park, when suddenly some random guy wearing a tie began playing the piano and singing. I looked at my friend and she looked at me. We both had no idea that anyone was even going to open for Panic! And Weezer.
However, I was instantly intrigued. This guy-whose name I did not even learn until I had my friend google it-sounded really good live. His voice sounded different and new to me. He had a lot of energy! He stood on the piano and played with his feet. He insisted that the people in the nosebleeds (me, unfortunately) stand up and have a good time. He brought a parachute out to us. He came over and sang by us. Here was this musician, ten feet away from me, and I did not yet know how much I would fall in love with his music.
A week later, I have purchased his most recent solo music on iTunes, I have watched his music videos on Youtube, and I have created a Spotify and Soundcloud playlist of his music. While I had originally intended to attend the concert for Panic! At the Disco, I was lucky enough to leave with a new music experience and love for a new artist (do not get me wrong, I absolutely love Brendon Urie and his music, but this article is about Andrew).
Every one of Andrew McMahon’s songs tell a story in a different way than other songs do, and that is what has attracted me to his music. He uses bits and pieces of stories and lyrics to build up to an overall song that takes you through a journey like none else. Because he has such a deep background in lyric writing, he is able to instantly grab my attention. His songs are haunting and charming at the same time, and after every 3 or 4 minute song, I feel like I have endured an entire journey with Andrew.
Call it destiny or fate, but I will forever be glad that Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness opened the concert for Panic! At the Disco and Weezer. Andrew has found a new life-long fan in me and I encourage you to give Andrew McMahon a chance, as well. And next time you are at a concert, definitely give the opening act a chance. They might just change your life for the better.
Listen to his new single, Fire Escape: http://www.andrewmcmahon.com/words/fire-escape-now/
And visit his official website here: http://www.andrewmcmahon.com/
Viewpoints Editor
Jill Augustine