Step into a musical journey...

Andrew grew up in Hinckley, Leicestershire and has always had a love of music which goes back to watching his father perform as a bass guitarist in a number of well known Midlands bands in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

At the age of 16, Andrew  joined his first band, taking on the role of drummer alongside two of his school friends. Although the band's journey was short-lived, it ignited Andrew's passion for music. After completing college, he ventured into the world of entertainment as a disc-jockey, captivating audiences at renowned hotels like DeVere, Best Western, Britannia, and The Queens Moat House. His exceptional skills led him to entertain corporate clients, including prestigious names like Cooper and Lybrand and The News Corporations Sun Newspaper.

 

During the early 1990s, the UK experienced a karaoke craze that swept through the nation. Andrew became an integral part of the 'Karaoke Krew,' providing electrifying karaoke nights at numerous entertainment venues, including the popular Superbowls operated by 'Northern Leisure.' His talent for engaging crowds through music became evident during this vibrant era of musical fun.

In 1993 with fellow musician Mark Waldron of MDM Entertainment (Now Eclipse Entertainment) they formed a 'disco duo' called 'The Smartease', their name derived from the free and easy style. The duo were popular with audiences mainly due to their unique style of dressing up to impersonate the original artist of the songs they performed in a comedy style and singing the latest chart hits of the time. The duo soon began to perform at larger entertainment venues including 'Turners Musical Merry-Go-Round' in Northampton.  ​

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The Smartease

In the vibrant year of 1994, the dynamic duo of Andrew and Mark embarked on a thrilling adventure by participating in the prestigious Trevor George Entertainment Showcase at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay, Devon and in an unexpected twist of destiny, the duo caught the attention of the renowned Bourne Leisure Group who were looking for to offer a summer season at one of Europe's largest holiday parks Haven Devon Cliffs in Exmouth.

Their summer residency at Haven Devon Cliffs became part of a groundbreaking entertainment concept titled 'Chaos,' inspired by the popular TV show hosted by Chris Evans, 'Don't Forget Your Toothbrush.' The show boasted a mix of electrifying music, uproarious stand-up comedy, captivating gameshows, and invigorating party dances. With three stages set up to surprise and delight the audience, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats, never quite knowing what thrilling surprise awaited them next.

The duo had the privilege of supporting and sharing the stage with an impressive array of artists; 1981 Eurovision winners, Bucks Fizz (The Fizz), and the illustrious 1976 Eurovision champions, The Brotherhood of Man. Their journey of musical companionship also led them to work alongside celebrated acts such as The Nolans, The Drifters, Sheila Furguson (The Three Degrees), The Barron Knights, and Candlewick Green, each experience adding to their musical growth and artistry.

 

Music Promotion

In the summer of 1995 through an associate Des Dyer from the band Jigsaw, Andrew began to promote a re-recording of their 1970s hit 'Sky-high' on behalf of Pitstop Promotions.  A local music comedy duo 'Fingers n Fumbs' (Des Dyer and Steve Fearn) performed on the same local music circuit and when Des went to work on Mike Stock's (Stock, Aitken & Waterman) 'Love This Records' record label the re-working of the song was released by Newton. The magic of the re-release did not go unnoticed, and the revamped 'Sky-high' secured its place on the UK's Official Singles Chart. Reaching a noteworthy No. 78, No. 56, and No. 76 on different occasions.

After several exciting years as the dynamic 'Smartease' and actively promoting records on behalf of esteemed record companies, Andrew ventured into his next thrilling project—a captivating male vocal trio. Though they operated without an official name, their musical journey was filled with creativity and passion. Together, they recorded a collection of tracks, including a dance reworking of Jigsaw's hit 'Sky-high' and a soulful cover of The Real Thing's 'You To Me Are Everything.'

 

Throughout his musical pursuits, Andrew continued to dazzle audiences with occasional one-off live performances and even showcased his talents in the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Talent Show. However, as music streaming services gained popularity, Andrew embraced this new era and wholeheartedly immersed himself in becoming a Playlist Curator.

 

With his profound knowledge spanning across diverse music genres, Andrew curated playlists that became a magnet for a vast and dedicated following. As his passion for music shone through his expertly crafted playlists, his influence spread far and wide, capturing the hearts of countless music enthusiasts worldwide.

 

Odessa Mama Records /DWP Records Australia
​Andrew established a social media presents to promote his curator playlists and it was one social media post in particular that grabbed the attention of record producer David Wilks of DWP records on the opposite side of the globe in Australia. Andrew wanted to create pop music to promote through his blog and David knew he had just the right track.

In April 2021, the single 'When I'm With You' was released.  An original song written by David Wilks of DWP Records / Odessa Mama Records, Australia, the label home of Tamahau and dance act The Disco Pirates, the release was in a classic 'Stock, Aitken and Waterman' (PWL) 80's pop style.  The influence of PWL, Kylie, Jason etc. was huge in Australia and swept out around the world during the 1980s.  'When I'm With You' was very popular with DJ's at the 2022 Sakgra Remix reaching the Top 11 in the Digital DJ Pool Download Chart. 

​The follow up single 'Everyone Wins' also an original track written by David Wilks in more of a classic 80s funk jam style was released in July 2021.

Crazy Dog Records

At the start of 2022, Andrew embarked on an exciting collaboration with the talented local musician, songwriter, and vocalist, David 'Buzz' Buswell. Their shared passion for music led them to join forces and with David's creation of a new independent record label. David's remarkable achievements, including co-writing the chart-topping sensation 'Fallout' by the iconic 80s band Tight Fit, had already showcased his immense talent and dedication to the music industry. 
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Andrew's first single released with the new Crazy Dog Records was a cover of the Bucks Fizz track 'Every Dream Has Broken' written by Andy Hill,  the original song by Bucks Fizz was never released as a single.  Andrew's version was produced by Dave Buswell and remixes  by Sakis Gravvanis were  released in September 2022. 

​In a break with the hi-NRG pop sound, Crazy Dog Records announced the follow up would be retro style ballad;  'I Need Your Love', a double AA side with 'If You're Right'.  'I Need Your Love’ was a totally original song written by David ‘Buzz’ Buswell.   A festive video was released to accompanied the song.  The second track on the double AA side release was ‘If You're Right’, a song originally recorded by Barbara Dickson in the 1980s as the follow up to the massive UK number one ‘I Know Him So Well’.  The song had also been recorded previously by Lulu, Alan Garrity and the fabulous Cheryl Baker.  Both tracks were produced and mixed by David ‘Buzz’ Buswell.

 

Andrew launched an extensive marketing campaign across the UK to promote the single, making appearances as a special guest on various radio and online TV channels. In a surprising move, the announcement of an upcoming double AA single, 'Love Fire' and 'Vital Signs,' scheduled for release on the 10th of March 2023, added even more excitement to the musical journey.
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Love Fire and Vital Signs

The high energy pop belter ‘Love Fire’ was originally released by Jigsaw in 1976, written by Des Dyer and Clive Scott as the follow up to the massive UK and Billboard Top 10 hit ‘Skyhigh’ it reached the Billboard Top 30 in the U.S. 

Scott and Dyer have written and had their songs recorded by; Boyzone, Nicki French, Bad Boys Inc. and Saint Etienne. Des also working with legendary songwriter and producer Mike Stock and Matt Aitken (Stock, Aitken and Waterman) who had massive hits with Robson and Jerome as well as previously competing to represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision.
 
‘Love Fire’ has long been a favourite of Andrew’s who is a massive fan of Jigsaw, this reworking of the track has been arranged and produced by Dave ‘Buzz’ Buswell.

The second track ‘Vital Signs’, co-written by international legendary songwriter Gordan Pogoda who is responsible for some of the biggest songs from some of the very best movies and TV series including Hannah Montana, CSI: Miami, Will & Grace, Sex and the City, ER, Bridesmaids and Little Miss Sunshine as well writing songs for UK artists Steps, Sonia, Tight Fit and Nicki French.
 
Gordon heard Andrew’s music and knew he had just the right track and Andrew was completely honoured to be gifted such an amazing pop masterpiece.  
 
The music was written and produced by Sakis Gravvanis (Sakgra) who re-mixed Andrew’s previous singles ‘`When I’m With You’ and ‘Every Dream Has Broken’.

 

Collaboration with Jazzi P

In July 2023 Crazy Dog Records announced that Andrew's next single 'Heartache and Lonely' would be a collaboration with legendary rapper Jazzi P.  Jazzi is best known for her appearance on the 1991 Top 10 Stock, Aitken and Waterman hit 'Shocked' with Kylie Minogue.  "Heartache and Lonely' available now on all download and streaming platforms. 

 

Everything You Need

After a brief break and encountering some logistical challenges with recording, Andrew sought the expertise of David Wilks, the writer behind the singles "When I'm With You" and "Everyone Wins." Andrew was eager to have David contribute to his debut album, and though the track was initially delayed, it was finally confirmed for release in September 2024 under DWP Records Europe.

Debut Album 'Broken Dreams'

Andrew is currently recording his debut album 'Broken Dreams' which is expected to be released in  the coming months.  The album will feature the singles;  Love Fire, Vital Signs, Every Dream Has Broken, Heartache and Lonely,  I Need Your Love and Everything You Need..

Musical Influences

Andrew describes himself as having an eclectic music taste which includes the pop sound of Stock, Aitken and Waterman, Motown, 60s and 70s music including the Fortunes, The Searchers, The Real Thing, The Drifters, Jigsaw and 80s and 90s artists Erasure, Bucks Fizz, St Etienne.

 

We invite you to join us on this remarkable musical journey with Andrew Nolan, and stay tuned for more exciting updates, singles, and the highly anticipated debut album.

 

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