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
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Into the Ocean
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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@TweekerDub
I remember watching this video 13 years ago, 13 years later it still is just as phenomenal as it was the first time I watched it.
@johndeleonardis901
Exactly! Of the seemingly-infinite amount of songs I love, this is one that is among the closest to the heart. A picture says a thousand words, but how many does the instrumental convey? It's stunning.
@flexabustbergson6141
I still have tears in my eyes while listening to this whole album. What a beautiful soul this Mr Mckee <3
@flexabustbergson6141
@@johndeleonardis901 I think the heart knows what it loves!
@GJones462-2W1
I'm a guitarist, and a progressive metalhead, by nature, but what Andy does has SO much feeling in it, that I go through so many emotions, just sitting still, and listening. with all the guitarists on the planet, only the rare few can take you places, with their music, without you moving. Cliché, I know, but his brilliance, that's the only way I can put it into words.
@jdogi69
I'm a guitarist and a prog metal/metalcore guy mainly as well, and I feel the same way about Andy's playing. He can convey just as much intensity and depth of emotion as most metal songs I enjoy He just sings through his guitar.
@GJones462-2W1
***** Well said, bro. Couldn't agree more. Tonight, I'm on the other end of the spectrum: Watching some Steve Vai. Just "slightly" different, lol!
@TacoCrisma
I feel the same way. Song makes me emotional for no reason. It's just that powerful.
@flexabustbergson6141
@jonesy97 Eheh I'm pretty sure Andy is a big Vai fan as well ^^
@kingpin2psn
And every word you speak resonates with absolute clarity, great comment sir i salute you