An interview with country artist Bryan Andrews begins like it would with any rising star: First, a bit about his introduction to music—both his parents taught it in high school. Then some background about what he did before committing to country — he dropped out of the University of Central Missouri not once, but twice, after battling an addiction to alcohol and pain pills, and became a welder
“Looking back,” says the 29-year-old, “I don’t know if there was one specific thing that kept me going during tough times. I just loved music. And early on, it was such a crazy feeling to write something and have someone else relate to it. Writing something that makes a difference to someone — that’s worth it every time.” The first song he wrote, “Liquor and Pills,” revisits his nadir and is still his most-streamed on Spotify.
He’s measured, introspective and — most of all — calm. That is, until the conversation turns to Donald Trump. And with Andrews, it always seems to do just that. Andrews is a bit of an outlier in the country music scene in that he doesn’t like Trump, which is just a nice way of saying he “can’t stand his (expletive) ass.” His words, and among the cleanest when he’s fuming about our current commander in chief.
And with no official album to promote until an EP-like “mixtape” drops this summer, bashing Trump relentlessly on TikTok has become Andrews’ biggest hit. Many of his screeds have garnered millions of views, more than some of his 10 songs have streamed on Spotify. Be it ICE, the war in Iran or Super Bowl halftime shows, no flashpoint issue is safe from Andrews’ wrath. His latest single, “Are We Great Yet,” is self-explanatory; he never mentions Trump by name but sings, “Ain’t lickin’ no boots / don’t worship no man.”
We talked to Andrews in advance of his show at the Chop Shop. Our conversation has been edited for clarity and length.
Q: You were born in and still live in Missouri, which means you didn’t come out of the Nashville system. Is that an advantage or a challenge?
A: I think it’s a huge advantage. Don’t get me wrong, I do a lot in Nashville now. I’m writing a lot of my new music there and in L.A., so I travel for that. Nashville has its place. But for me, my brand is about writing what I see in my everyday life. It’s hard to do that if I’m not here. I’ve never really lived anywhere else besides when I was on the road. And I love it here. I get to watch my friends start families, we go on group vacations — we even filmed a documentary here (still in the early stages), and they’re all in it. I think that’s why it works. This is my home, and I wouldn’t trade it.
Q: You have close to 4 million followers on TikTok alone. Is it helping you make money?
A: Yeah, it is. I do this full-time now. I’ve been doing it for almost six years. It’s crazy to think about. I’m not filthy rich or anything, but social media and music combined make a good living. I make enough to pay my bills and keep a roof over my head. That’s all I can ask for.
Q: What’s most surprised you about the music industry?
A: Honestly? Nobody knows what the (expletive) they’re doing. When you start out, you think there’s this path — get a following, sign a deal, become whoever. But once you’re in it, you realize there’s no secret sauce. No one has it figured out. You just make music you believe in, be authentic and hope it connects.
Q: Who’s your core audience?
A: People who had sworn off country music. People who felt misrepresented by it, especially politically. Country kind of leaned into beers, trucks, women, all that (expletive) — and it’s more than that. I think there’s a lot of people who want something different.
Q: Do you think country fans are more open than people assume?
A: Some are. Some aren’t. There’s always going to be a strong conservative base. But the genre’s grown, it has a lot of different lanes now. And honestly, I don’t give a (expletive). People will listen to good music regardless.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception about you?
A: That I’m a grift. Especially from the right — they think you can’t be country and left. But I’m like, I’m country because I’m on the left. I care about small-town people getting taken advantage of by billionaires. Healthcare, jobs, land, those are real issues. That’s what I talk about and that’s why they don’t like me.
Q: Have you received death threats?
A: Oh yeah. It gets (expletive) rough in my DMs sometimes.
Q: Do you feel unsafe?
A: At first, yeah. Now, I don’t give a (expletive) as much. But I’m careful. I don’t go out alone much. People talk a lot of (expletive) online, but in person, they don’t say anything.
Q: Do you have MAGA friends or family?
A: Not really. Conservative friends, yeah. But the hardcore MAGA people — we don’t talk anymore. It’s not just politics anymore — it’s basic humanity.
Q: Do you consider yourself religious?
A: Yeah.
Q: Christian nationalism must drive you nuts.
A: Yeah, I (expletive) hate them. They’re killing the country and the faith. The older I get, the more I wish Christians acted like Jesus. Jesus taught us to feed the poor, heal the sick — and I see people doing the exact opposite.
Q: Trump hasn’t gone after you yet. Are you bracing for it?
A: I hope he (expletive) does.
Q: That could bring some intense attention.
A: I don’t give a (expletive). They already don’t like me.
Blair R. Fischer is a freelance writer.
Bryan Andrews plays at 8 p.m. April 30 at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave.; tickets $35.40 (ages 18+) at dice.fm
