Andy Smythe – Life Of A Man (2026)
If this is your introduction to the UK-based musician Andy Smythe, welcome! If this is another instalment in your Andy Smythe musical journey, welcome back! Established in the UK’s folk music scene, Smythe is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter who can charm with his soulful music, sprinkle his hypnotic production fairy dust across his melodies, and keep you intrigued with his poignant, but also light-hearted and airy, lyricism executed in his rich vocals. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘Life Of A Man’.
Another song teasing the release of his upcoming album, Quiet Revolution, ‘Life Of A Man’ picks at existential struggles experienced by Gen-Z. While some people may argue that Gen-Z shouldn’t really complain because they have so many more opportunities available, well, it’s not all that simple. An under-25-year-old might have access to the world via the Internet, but the cost of living, the housing crisis and the stress of general existence make things seem bleak. Smythe explains:
‘’Life Of A Man’ is about Gen Z’s quest for identity, where getting a job and affording rent – privileges their parents took for granted – are difficult… the jobs are scarce, the university fees are ridiculous, the renting costs are impossible. Society seems a harsh place, where their voice is unheard… It quotes the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes and is an English protest song…”
Recorded and produced by Andy Smythe, ‘Life Of A Man’ leans toward old-school blues with its melodic rhythm of bass, guitars, drums, piano and horn. Joined by Paul Challenger on electric guitar, Dave Palmer on drums, and Kit Dellow-Jones on trumpet, the single is a hop, skip and dance through a sonic forest twinkling with the kaleidoscope of fairies. Yet, as much as the punch of the trumpet adds a toe-tapping kick, and the piano keeps a smooth flow, while the drums crash in the background, ‘Life Of A Man’ is a poignant, profound piece that juxtaposes weighty words with chilled-out tones.
For a bit of a treat, why not check out Andy Smythe’s live performance of ‘Life Of A Man’? You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel.
Find out more about Andy Smythe on his official website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more blues music on The Other Side Reviews Blues playlist:
