Howdy partners!
Saddle yourselves up, we’re about to go for a nice little ride into the outback and make ourselves friends with a handsome cowboy, you’re all invited.
The lovely Andrew Mitch has just released his new single “Back Home Boy” and we’re about ready to throw a causal hoedown to celebrate. Before we do that though, it’s time to sit down for a few drinks and a good old chat to get to know the man behind the music.
First things first, give us the most playful and accurate way to describe yourself in 14 words.
Kinda gay, kinda straight. Addicted to country music, sad songs, being goofy, and coffee.
When did first discover your passion for music and singing?
When I was little, I used to listen to my dad play guitar and sing for my siblings and I. I always loved the idea of singing, performing, and just being an entertainer. So I auditioned to play music at school talent shows, would sing in church, and eventually taught myself to play, write and record my own music.
Are there any country artists in particular that you find inspiration from?
I always joke that if Kelsea Ballerini and Ingrid Andress got married, I would be their kid. I’m always drawn to those incredibly emotional, country-pop artists. Artists like them, Alana Springsteen, Avery Anna, Josh Kerr…any of the country singers that sing about real life topics and walk that fine line between “country” and “pop” music.
Your latest track “Back Home Boy” is centred around the idea of taking someone home to start a future, rather than simply a hook-up in a bar, was this written based on personal experience?
This song actually wasn’t based on personal experience. It was based more on my own values, the morals I was raised with, and the feeling of wanting that romantic connection with someone – before anything physical. Not gonna say I haven’t enjoyed a fun night here and there, haha, but I think most of us ultimately do want to find that person we can connect with emotionally, we can bring back to our hometowns and into our lives, and we can see some sort of a future that lasts more than just one night, you know?
How have you found navigating the country music scene as a gay artist?
It certainly isn’t as common to be an openly gay artist in country music, but I’ve found that authenticity goes a long way. I’m not in this genre to make any bold statements, flip any tables, or stomp on anyone’s cowboy boots. I’m just being myself and telling real stories that a lot of real people want (and sometimes need) to hear. Country music is all about storytelling, so having that honesty and vulnerability gains a lot of attention and respect.
Aside from your current release, which of your songs has your favourite story behind it and can you let us know what that story is?
One of my favourite songs I’ve ever recorded was “don’t wanna go to heaven” – and, being a Christian, that was such a bold thing to come out and sing. I was so tired of seeing posts and sermons from people who talked about God’s “unconditional love”, but they were showing LGBTQ+ people very conditional love. I believe in a God that created everyone exactly as They intended to, and who truly loves ALL Their creation. So writing this song about that was one of the most therapeutic and freeing things I’ve ever done.
Do you think you’ll experiment with any other genres of music in the future or will you always be rooted in country?
I used to release music as a pop artist in college. Since switching to country, that music has all been taken down. But I’m definitely not opposed to trying other things! Country music has just been so near and dear to my heart, and so a part of my heart will always be in this genre.
If you could team up with a fellow queer artist, who would your dream collab be?
Oh my goodness, there are so many incredibly talented queer artists in this world that I would love to collaborate with. I think Morgan Wade has to be close to the top of that list, but artists like Brandie Carlile and Sam Smith would be so fun too.
What would be the best piece of advice you could offer to someone coming to terms with their queer identity?
Just do you. Seriously. Embrace the things you love, walk away from the things you don’t, and just live and love how YOU want. The things that aren’t meant for you will drift away, and the things that are meant for you will find and embrace you. It takes some time, but I feel like I didn’t truly start LIVING until I embraced this mentality. It’s been nothing but freedom since then.
Finally, what are your goals for the rest of 2025?
I’m releasing a new single every single month in 2025, and I’m REALLY excited for you guys to hear all of them! I’ve got business plans behind the scenes happening, plenty of new physical merch being made…and I’m even talking about the possibility of a tour later this year?? 😉
Now that we’re comfortably acquainted, it’s about time we have ourselves a streaming party and enjoy this fabulous little tale of queer joy.
Once you’re done, be sure to go follow Andrew on his socials, stream his wonderful back catalogue and give him plenty of love!
Facebook I Instagram I TikTok I Apple I Spotify