We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew McFarlane a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I took in my career as a music producer came when I decided to fully transition from being primarily a guitarist and bassist into the role of a producer. I had been playing and writing in bands for years, but as soon as I produced and wrote my first project in college, my capstone project, I knew that this was the creative lane in the music industry I wanted to pursue. At the time, it felt like I was leaving behind a world I knew well and diving into a space where I was less experienced and felt pressure from myself to learn the craft fast. Even though I still spend plenty of time as a hired gun as a live guitarist and bassist, this was a big change for me.

I was going from being someone who relied on an instrument to express myself to being the person behind the scenes, organizing the creation of records with a team of people. There were moments of doubt, especially when it felt like the transition wasn’t happening as quickly as I hoped, but ultimately, it is now starting to pay off. In my first year in Nashville, I did dozens of meetings with artists and made multiple free demos for songwriters and artists, but nobody seemed to want to cut my music. I started developing a deeper understanding of the full creative spectrum: sound design, arrangement, production techniques, and how to shape an artist’s vision into something bigger than just the individual parts, all while putting my own spin on the sound of each project and ensuring that I love what I’m hearing as well as the artist. I eventually got my first cut after being in town for over a year, and since then, I’ve been keeping busy producing projects.

What this risk taught me was that it’s important to try new things artistically, and to not get too comfortable staying in the same lane I’d been in for over a decade. I ended up finding an art form that I love even more than the prior. However, as mentioned, I still love playing live as a guitarist and bassist and still do this consistently. I had to learn to collaborate in new ways and push my boundaries. Now, I can see how much this shift has not only enriched my work as a producer but also made me a more well-rounded musician.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a music producer with a deep passion for crafting records that not only showcase an artist’s unique voice and artistry but also capture the essence of their vision in a way that stands the test of time. It has become a cheesy thing to say, but my goal is to make timeless music, not music of the time. My role is to take an artist’s raw ideas and guide them through the entire process of creating a fully realized record. Whether it’s refining a song’s structure, shaping the sound, or facilitating the overall creative direction, my goal is always to create something that the artist and I fully believe in.

I have a particular love for classic, well-crafted songwriting—those songs that stay with you long after you’ve heard them. I believe in the power of recording performances that feel alive, authentic, and full of character. When I work with artists, I strive to build records that listeners can return to again and again, discovering new details with every play. It’s about creating layers of depth, both sonically and emotionally.

In addition to producing, I also write songs and am always open to collaborating with artists in the songwriting process. If an artist comes into the studio with an idea, I’m excited to collaborate, expand on it, and help shape it into something that really speaks to their vision.

As a musician myself—specializing in guitar and bass—I bring a hands-on, instrument-driven perspective to the projects I work on, whether in the studio or on stage. I love being part of original music projects where I can contribute not just as a producer but as a player. Music is my language, and being involved in projects that center around original, heartfelt music is something I truly believe in.

Something that sets me apart from other producers is that I’m an “organized creative”. I can do the creative work as a producer, but I’m also punctual, hit deadlines, and make the creative process fun for everyone while doing so. What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with the artists I work with and the sense of fulfillment that comes from seeing a song or album come to life. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by passion, dedication, and a belief in the power of music to make people feel “seen”.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Music has changed my life for the better and my goal is to be a part of records and live shows that make me feel the same way I felt growing up listening to my favorite records and going to live shows of artists that I love. I hope that others who listen to these projects feel the same way. I still have this love and appreciation for this art, and am still a huge fan of music, I never want that to change.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Making music! I love the process of making records and that enough is reason to do it for me. If the music I’m a part of positively affects other people’s lives and allows me to find financial success and/or earn awards, that would also be great, but the material aspects of it is far from the most rewarding aspect in my opinion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.andrewmcfarlanemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_mcfarlane_101/profilecard/?igsh=MTBzcDRtaTlwODdhNw==
• Other: Email: info@[email protected]

Image Credits

Quinten Bianchi