Nexus Meets… Andi Jackson

Known for his experimental sound, Andi Jackson breaks all boundaries with his diverse music. Ranging from dub-step influences to jazz and classic rock with punk undertones, it is near impossible to describe the Manchester-based musician’s style. We speak with Andi about his latest album Sub Horror, future plans and much more!

What drew you to music?

I was first drawn to music when I was a kid hearing my dad play Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa on vinyl, and also being take to see Guns & Roses at the age of 10. Those moments were very influential and my gateway to music.

What inspires your sound?

There is a big range of artists that inspired my sound. Anything from Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Cluster and NEU! to Fugazi, Brainiac and Sonic Youth.

What is the backstory to your album Sub Horror?

Sub Horror was intended or planned to just be one track which I wrote in lockdown phase 1. It then shortly became an EP and before I knew it I had an album of songs that fit each other and linked concepts. It was a fun record to make. I recorded it in my apartment in Manchester and got my friends to play on it by sending demos around for them to add their parts. They are a massive part of this record and it wouldn’t be the same without those collaborations. ‘Sub Horror’ is my term for the bad/hard stuff we take on and have to go through in everyday life.

How does playing in a band compare to playing as a solo artist?

Playing in a band is very fun and I really enjoyed bouncing off others, collaboration and playing shows. When venturing into being a solo artist you get total creative control and call your own shots. That is also fun and can be refreshing to change things up every once in a while.

If you could change anything about Sub Horror, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing. It happened in such a short space of time. It was very creative and organic and that is sometimes hard to come by when making music. I’m happy with how it came out.

Describe your sound in a single word.

Hypnotic.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope that it takes others on a journey and they can seek out the different characters in my tracks.

Do you have a message for our readers?

Thanks for reading this interview and go check out my label, Fr33zehead Records.

Do you have any future plans?

Yes, my bands Shuck and Our Man In The Bronze Age both have albums coming out soon, so, hopefully, there will be shows happening. We have a few booked in the UK.

I am working on new releases for my label so we should have some really great stuff coming out of the rest of the year. I also have a solo/improv show booked for next month permitting the UK government let it go ahead. So lots of things in the pipeline.