Working On It

eet Andy Barton, an honest and heartfelt musician who crafts emotive songs on his acoustic guitar. With a voice that resonates with authenticity, Andy does not confine himself to a specific style; instead, he follows his heart and the music shows this.

His musical journey began in childhood, sparked through watching his sister strumming an acoustic guitar and singing, or his father's occasional harmonica performance. It was a moment that ignited a musical passion, and in his teens led him to pick up the guitar, learn a few chords and discover the magic of music. Like many artists, he found the Beatles to be a key musical influence, but his earliest formative memories are woven with the sounds of solo legends like James Taylor and John Denver. Their ability to tell stories through song, left a lasting impression on him, shaping his own approach to songwriting.

Andy draws direction from a diverse musical palette, admiring the uniqueness of artists like James Taylor and John Lennon, and says these types of artists and their storytelling have always connected with him. He acknowledges a childhood filled with a mix of catchy melodies of 80s pop and rock anthems, ‘perhaps a bit of musical brainwashing from having two elder teenage sisters around’, that may have helped enrich his sound today. 

The early 90s brought a wave of inspiration that blew his mind, as he immersed himself in the Britpop and indie scene, falling for bands like Travis and Oasis. Their influence was an inevitable catalyst for his own songwriting journey, motivating him to step into the spotlight, entertaining crowds as the lead singer of his band 'Accolade' in the early 2000s.

Now, Andy finds himself at a new juncture in his career, writing ‘some of the best songs he’s ever created.’ With his new band, aptly named ‘Working On It’ with the backing of Jon's additional arrangements and guitar playing, and Wendy's uplifting mandolin and vocals, he is excited to share fresh material that reflects his growth as an artist.

Wendy first picked up a guitar at a young age, first inspired by her Uncle, who she used to watch play. Her Dad brought a guitar into the house and she picked it up and quickly worked her way through Russ Shipton’s guitar books and taught herself to play. The big sister that inspired brother Andy, picked up mandolin later in life and loves playing as part of the band.

Over the years, musical influences have varied, but Americana, folk, and acoustic-based music remains her first love. She has participated in multiple open mic events and performed with several cover bands.

Working On It say that a renewed and upbeat style has been discovered since Wendy joined the band, adding a new musical depth and added creativity playing mandolin and harmonies to enhance the powerful vocals from Andy.