Exclaim! praises: "Andrews, the ‘alternative Phil Spector’, and brainchild behind the much heralded group Failure, who arguably are the genesis of the chromatic processed guitar sound (currently perpetuated by former member Troy Van Leeuwen, who took it to A Perfect Circle and Queens of the Stone Age), and whom also earned accolades worldwide and gained great support by the likes of other left-field dark rockers such as Tool."
Since producing and mixing Fantastic Planet, a new career opened up for Ken, as bands and artists found themselves drawn to his aural sensibilities. Easily segueing into his second calling as a producer/mixer, Ken has worked for numerous acts—including Beck, Pete Yorn, Tenacious D, A Perfect Circle, Jimmy Eat World, Mae, and Blink-182.
In 2000, Ken continued as a recording artist with his first solo project, ON (Epic Records), and later with the band Year of the Rabbit (Elektra). “I enjoy making records. Whether I’m helping other artists enhance their vision as a producer or mixer, or writing and recording my own stuff as an artist; I find both worlds to benefit each other, as I invariably pick up skills and techniques from the artists I produce and vice versa. I find wearing both hats equally satisfying creatively.”
Now, Ken returns to the scene with his first solo release as Ken Andrews. “I’m very excited about this album [Secrets of the Lost Satellite]. I’ve had the opportunity to ask various people I’ve worked with over the years to come in and collaborate with me this time. I brought in two of my oldest musical cohorts, Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, IMA Robot) and Jordon Zadorozny (Blinker the Star, Abbey) to co-produce the new album with me. Justin’s accomplished career as a top L.A. studio bassist (Tori Amos, Air, Garbage, The Mars Volta) and his experience as Beck’s live musical director and bassist has prepared him well for the tasks of producer. His main concept for this record, and the driving force as to why this album is decidedly different from my previous solo work, was to bring in a live band to overdub as a unit, on top of my fairly finished and detailed demos. The band consisted mostly of Beck’s current live group, whom I had met when I was hired by Beck to contribute to the Nacho Libre Soundtrack (Brian Lebarton, Matt Mahaffey, Matt Sherrod, and Justin Stanley). We all got together for a two-day recording session, which was one of the most exciting of my life. These guys are so tuned in to each other. Listening to them come up with ideas, and in some cases completely transforming my songs—was a huge rush for me. While the basic structures and all the vocals stayed the same, the songs became injected with a live, undulating quality, that enhanced the basic feel I was going for, but took it far beyond what I thought was possible.”
“The creative process has been very liberating and free flowing. I finally have taken the pressure off of myself, in terms of playing most of the instruments, and really used my skills as the songwriter and overall auteur of the album to my advantage,” he explains.
“Write Your Story”, a track Ken co-wrote with Jordon Zadorozny, strays from what is heard on past Failure, ON, and Rabbit releases. Somewhere in the musical vein of Air and The Doves, the dreamy undertones of the song echo alongside luxuriant vocals.
“Jordon and I have worked together a lot in the past, except with the underlying roles reversed (I was producing him in the past). We both, play, sing, engineer, and produce, so we tend to get into the nitty-gritty of things real quick. Jordon is one of the very few people I’m completely comfortable writing with for my own album. He and I share a writing sensibility that we don’t talk about, it just happens. Plus, he completely understands my musical history and what I was trying to achieve on this album. His role was primarily co-producer, but he played quite a few instruments on various songs, and he co-wrote probably my favorite song on the album, “Write Your Story.”
“Secret Things”, one of the album’s standout tracks, combines tripped-out strings with a synth-bass groove creating a demanding, viscerally appeal. Live instruments (drums, piano, and guitar) mingle with electronic elements. Strong, hooky vocals keep the song on course. “In Your Way”, another stylistically dynamic track pulls the listener into an eerie, enticing space/dream world.
Secrets of the Lost Satellite is expected in stores on March 13, 2007 courtesy of Dinosaur Fight Records. “I think people are going to hear things that they are used to hearing from me on this album, but they are also going to hear things that I haven’t really done in the past,” explains Ken.
A three-week promotional headline tour is slated to coincide with the anticipated release. This tour will be Ken’s first return to the live scene since touring with Year of the Rabbit in 2003.
Sword and Shield
Ken Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Verse 1
Cyrus the Great
He has returned to you
Anointed with great purpose
We will reclaim the true seat of power
Follow me
Pre-Chorus
Don’t believe what you hear
Or what you see
the threat is real
You should be scared to death
Cause they’re trying to
Take it all from you
Chorus 1
I am the main event
The most genius
In the universe
And I Am Your Last Defense
And with sword and shield
Will defend you
Verse 2
All the kingdoms of earth
God has given me
By righteous edict
Absolute power is bestowed to me
By the Finest
People in the world
Chorus 2
I am the main event
The most genius
In the universe
I Am The Chosen One
And the only thing
That can save you
Chorus 3
I am the main event
The most genius
In the universe
I Am Your Chosen One
And with Sword and Shield
Will defraud you
The song "Sword and Shield" by Ken Andrews can be interpreted as a call to arms, an exhortation to fight for what is right, and a warning against false prophets. The reference to Cyrus the Great, an ancient Persian emperor, suggests that the singer is a leader with a grand vision of conquest and glory. The first verse introduces this leader as the new Cyrus, anointed with a sense of purpose to reclaim the true seat of power. The Jericho Walk mentioned in this verse could refer to the Biblical story of Joshua and the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho, a symbol of faith, determination, and eventual victory.
The pre-chorus cautions against believing everything that one hears or sees, as the threat is real and those who seek to take everything away from you should be feared. The chorus claims the singer's genius and prowess as the main event and the chosen one who can save and defend his followers with sword and shield. The words "defraud you" in the last line of the final chorus could be interpreted as a pun, implying that the singer is not just a defender but also a deceiver who could easily turn against those who trust him.
Overall, "Sword and Shield" is a song that mixes ancient imagery and contemporary political commentary, challenging the listener to reflect on the nature of leadership, power, and truth in a world of conflicting narratives and interests.
Line by Line Meaning
Cyrus the Great
The singer is referencing Cyrus the Great, a historical figure known for his military campaigns and rule over the Persian Empire.
He has returned to you
The singer is suggesting that Cyrus the Great has returned in some form, whether it be through their own actions or through divine intervention.
Anointed with great purpose
The singer believes that Cyrus the Great has a specific purpose, perhaps to lead a military campaign or to claim power.
We will reclaim the true seat of power
The artist and Cyrus the Great are seeking to gain control of a position of high authority, which they believe is rightfully theirs.
Follow me
The artist is calling on others to join them in their mission to claim power and authority.
On my Jericho Walk
The singer is referencing the biblical story of the Israelites circling the city of Jericho before its walls collapsed, suggesting that they will have a similar unexpected victory.
Don’t believe what you hear
The singer is warning others to not believe rumors or hearsay information.
Or what you see
The artist is also warning others to not believe everything they see, as there may be more going on than meets the eye.
the threat is real
The artist believes that there is a real threat that must be addressed, whether it be a physical danger or a perceived threat to their claim to power.
You should be scared to death
The artist is using fear tactics to motivate others to support their cause.
Cause they’re trying to
The singer is suggesting that there are others who are actively working against their cause and seeking to undermine their power.
Take it all from you
The artist believes that these opposing forces are seeking to take away all of their power and authority.
I am the main event
The singer is positioning themselves as the most important part of the situation, perhaps indicating their self-importance or ego.
The most genius
The singer is suggesting that they are exceptionally intelligent or skilled.
In the universe
The singer is exaggerating their own importance by claiming to be the most genius individual in the universe.
And I Am Your Last Defense
The artist is positioning themselves as the final and ultimate protector against whatever threat they are facing.
And with sword and shield
The artist is metaphorically representing themselves as a warrior, ready to defend their cause with strength and force.
Will defend you
The singer is promising to protect and defend others who support their cause, building loyalty and support.
All the kingdoms of earth
The singer is suggesting that they have a vast amount of power, perhaps indicating that they have the support of multiple nations or governing bodies.
God has given me
The artist is using religious language to justify their authority or claim to power.
By righteous edict
The artist believes that their claim to power is justified and moral.
Absolute power is bestowed to me
The artist is suggesting that they have complete and total authority over others, and that it was given to them through some sort of divine intervention or other powerful entity.
By the Finest
The singer is suggesting that only the most elite or important individuals support their cause or grant them power.
People in the world
The artist believes that their supporters are the most important and influential people in the world.
I Am The Chosen One
The singer is claiming that they have been chosen, perhaps by a higher power, to lead and govern over others.
And the only thing
The singer is positioning themselves as the only hope for others, the only solution to whatever problem they are facing.
That can save you
The singer is promising that their leadership and authority will protect others and provide them with safety and security.
I Am Your Chosen One
The artist is suggesting that they have been chosen by their supporters, rather than a divine power, to lead and govern over them.
Will defraud you
The artist appears to be intentionally misrepresenting themselves or their intentions, either for their own gain or as a way to manipulate and control others.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ken Andrews
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ForceBlast
Huge fan of Failure. Two years later and I just stumbled onto this song. It so accurately conveys why my parents are constantly full of anger and fear. Excellent work!
Calvin Thomas
Wow! From myself who only got into Failure last year by the off chance, going through the back catalogue only to realise they we're the band I was waiting years to hear about. This is is something I never knew I wanted but so definitely needed. Ken, I thank you! From Wales, Diolch Yn Fawr. 👍
Ken Andrews
Wow, wonderful story. Thank you so much!
Mike Reseigh
Welcome friend. Long time fan here. Got into Failure in 1996. They are my favorite indie band and Ken just rocks.
Lucas Rhoad
Same!!
shalaq
Serious Killing Joke vibe here. Keep them coming. I recently bought your ON albums and they kick ass! All the best from Poland :)
Amber Krumenauer
@shalaq I'm glad I scrolled past your comment. I've never given Killing Joke a listen before, but thanks to this now I have. I've been missing out!
shalaq
@Amber Krumenauer Glad you like it :)
Traine Lavalais
I liked some of Killing Joke music and it does have that sound.
Invisible Babyface
@Amber Krumenauer Killing Joke is amazing. Nighttime is still a timeless classic.