Andy McKee (born April 4, 1979, in Topeka, Kansas) is an American fingersty… Read Full Bio ↴Andy McKee (born April 4, 1979, in Topeka, Kansas) is an American fingerstyle guitarist. A live performance he gave of his signature song "Drifting" became a Featured Video on YouTube in late 2006 and since then has achieving over 40 million views, making it one of YouTube's highest-rated music clips.
McKee is lauded by many critics and guitarists as the most promising fingerstyle guitarist to arrive on the scene in some time. Born in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing guitar on his 13th birthday when his father bought him a classical guitar. It was not long after that Andy got his first electric guitar and began emulating some of his favorite music of the time; Metallica, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and Dream Theater.
Andy's 16th birthday was a pivotal moment in his life. A guitar playing cousin took him to an acoustic workshop by a guitarist named Preston Reed. Shortly after, Andy discovered the music of three other great acoustic guitarists; Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and Billy McLaughlin, all whom he considers as his primary musical influences today.
Composing was something Andy caught on to a little bit later and started writing when he was 20 years old. Andy released his first CD titled "Nocturne" in 2001 and competed in the prestigious National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in Winfield, Kansas. He placed 3rd, making him the youngest competitor to ever place in the top 3.
In 2003, Andy began playing internationally beginning with a tour in Taiwan with renowned guitarists Jacques Stotzem, Isato Nakagawa, and Masaaki Kishibe. He also placed 1st in the Miscellaneous Acoustic Instrument contest in his home state of Kansas with the harpguitar. In 2004, Andy Released his 2nd CD titled "Dreamcatcher". With the title track, Andy won a competition to have a chance to perform on stage with bassist Michael Manring. Andy also won 1st place in the Kansas Fingerstyle Guitar Competition and 2nd in the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition.
In the time since, Andy has performed in various parts of the world including Japan, China, Belgium, England, Canada, and will begin performing even more in the States now. In late 2005 Andy joined Candyrat record label alongside one of his biggest inspirations, Don Ross.
From Andy, "Most of all, I hope my music communicates something to the listener. I don't want to just play music with a lot of skill. I hope listening to my music is an emotional experience!"
Related Links
Official website
Official Myspace
Official Facebook
McKee is lauded by many critics and guitarists as the most promising fingerstyle guitarist to arrive on the scene in some time. Born in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing guitar on his 13th birthday when his father bought him a classical guitar. It was not long after that Andy got his first electric guitar and began emulating some of his favorite music of the time; Metallica, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and Dream Theater.
Andy's 16th birthday was a pivotal moment in his life. A guitar playing cousin took him to an acoustic workshop by a guitarist named Preston Reed. Shortly after, Andy discovered the music of three other great acoustic guitarists; Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and Billy McLaughlin, all whom he considers as his primary musical influences today.
Composing was something Andy caught on to a little bit later and started writing when he was 20 years old. Andy released his first CD titled "Nocturne" in 2001 and competed in the prestigious National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in Winfield, Kansas. He placed 3rd, making him the youngest competitor to ever place in the top 3.
In 2003, Andy began playing internationally beginning with a tour in Taiwan with renowned guitarists Jacques Stotzem, Isato Nakagawa, and Masaaki Kishibe. He also placed 1st in the Miscellaneous Acoustic Instrument contest in his home state of Kansas with the harpguitar. In 2004, Andy Released his 2nd CD titled "Dreamcatcher". With the title track, Andy won a competition to have a chance to perform on stage with bassist Michael Manring. Andy also won 1st place in the Kansas Fingerstyle Guitar Competition and 2nd in the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition.
In the time since, Andy has performed in various parts of the world including Japan, China, Belgium, England, Canada, and will begin performing even more in the States now. In late 2005 Andy joined Candyrat record label alongside one of his biggest inspirations, Don Ross.
From Andy, "Most of all, I hope my music communicates something to the listener. I don't want to just play music with a lot of skill. I hope listening to my music is an emotional experience!"
Related Links
Official website
Official Myspace
Official Facebook
Heather's Song
Andy McKee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
[Instrumental]
As the lyrics are indicated as instrumental, there are no words to interpret in this context. Therefore, I cannot provide insights into the lyrics of Andy McKee's song "When She Cries." However, based on the title of the song and McKee's style and repertoire, it can be inferred that the instrumental track may evoke emotions and a sense of melancholy, possibly reflecting the sadness of a woman who is crying.
Contributed by Peyton O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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@tskallet
I just have to say, thank you for writing this song. 10 years ago this December, my sister (Heather) died in a fatal car accident at the age of 16, and this song helps me remember all the good times with her. Thank you for the inspiration and the happiness your music brings.
@magicalityisreality2303
I'm 14 and I just got a guitar in like, September. I'm trying really hard just to get good. Knowing there are people out there with your talent just blows me away and makes me wish I were at home to play right now.
@peterjonesracing
Hey. It's been 3 years and I hope they've been good for you :). How's the guitar coming along?
@samriddhabanerjee659
its been 5yrs, have you made it?
@smafu9
I'm a Fingerstyle guitarist myself, i discovered Andy a few days ago and this music is already inspiring new things into my own music. Thank you Andy, you're music enlightens me.
@mexico3210
Words fail. I've been a fan for some 3 years now, and I never fail to be amazed afresh by Andy's talent. Wonderful! That must be so fun to play.
@WigganNuG
These Vevo recordings and Andy's new take show's his maturity as a musician. This song is so much more rythmically groovy than the original. Love it.
@killieguitarist
Hi, Andy. This one is my absolute favorite of your songs. When I heard it back when you released it, I immediately bought all your releases up to that point through candyrat. The chorus is amazing, and moves me through bone and all. Hashtag those subtle harmonics. Hopefully I'll see you on the road sometime. Cheers
@blizzardofthemonth
I just can't get over this dude's imagination. I hope he never stops imagining, creating, and making works of art that say so much more than any other kinds of art can.
@merahute
Super Sweet, Andy is obviously enjoying playing this...it's an expression of love for someone. Once you get to a certain place with a skill/talent, the work ends for the most part, and the journey of true expression begins in earnest. Thanks Andy....and Christen for sending this along. TZ