Blood makes noise

Andy Stochansky captures life’s most delicate moments through his music, delving into the wonder and magic of each day with vivid lyrics and organic instrumentation. With his latest album Poetry of Birds, he embraces simplicity, highlighting the beauty in small, profound details. A Toronto native, Andy’s career began as a touring and studio musician for Ani DiFranco, leading to his critically acclaimed debut album Radio Fusebox in 1999. His evolution continued with releases like 5 Star Motel and 100, the latter produced by Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls. Andy’s song “Shine” reached #1 in Australia and gained global recognition, including features in film and TV. Settling in Los Angeles, he collaborated with artists such as Dragonette, the Goo Goo Dolls, and Lola Lennox, co-writing the Billboard Top 10 hit “Hyper Love.” His track “Northern Lights” by Cider Sky also found major success, appearing in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 and topping charts worldwide. After launching White Elephant Orchestra in 2020, Andy now focuses on his newest solo project, a testament to his ongoing passion and creative evolution.

Q: In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that make a “good songwriter”?

 I think and this is gonna sound like a cop out answer, but no one really knows that scary magical part of it

Q: What is the basis for writing attention-grabbing music in this day and age?

 It’s still a very same thing. It was since the beginning of time, strong hook message, and all the stars lining up.

Q: Can you pinpoint some specific songs and songwriters that changed the way you write music?

Any songs by Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake Jeff Buckley

Q: Do you find it hard to be inspired by your peers? Can you name any new artists you find inspiring?

I can be inspired by anyone I guess it depends what mood I’m in and what song I am hearing 

Regarding new artists I love Adrianne Lenker, Damien Jurado, Bon Iver

Q: For your new album, what inspired the lyrical content, album title, etc.?

I have been co-writing for so long that lyrical content had to come from something that was my story and my own voice after not having it for so long 

Q: Do you find that you ruminate over writing songs and hold on to them for a long time before including them on a record?

Yes, kind of like a painting I walk around with it and every once in a while, I will add a word or take away something

Q: Were there any lessons you learned in the writing and recording process for your current release that you will take with you into your next project?

 To always write in the morning before the day creeps into life, and the problems of the world come in.