Andy Shaw is a singer songwriter based out of Columbus, Ohio, since 2004. Andy writes and performs music from a real place, conveying themes of love, heartache, social and political justice, and a curiosity about life and its meaning. His band the Andy Shaw Band, and duo the Shaw Brothers, have been staples in the region for more than twelve years, and perform reggae, American roots, folk, rock, and pop genres, often blending multiple elements. Andy has nine albums to his name, and is currently working on releasing multiple singles for his band. His groups have performed all over the country at SXSW in Austin, Musikfest in Pennsylvania, Bunbury in Cincinnati, Hookahville in Ohio, Nashville, NYC, multiple Florida tours, and all points between.

Andy and seven other finalists will perform, network, and compete at the 11th annual LEAF Performance & Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music, at LEAF Global Arts Retreat on Saturday, May 10.

NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?


Andy Shaw: My music is a mix of emotionally driven themes, such as love, loss, and past trauma, while I ask questions about the world. I love melody and harmony and always want to write something catchy that evokes an empathetic response. I’m trying to get the listener to feel something deeper through my music, and hopefully connect with some part of their own experience. 

What is the first album you bought, and why?


Probably something by Michael Jackson, Weird Al, or the Stone Temple Pilots. It’s kind of a weird mix, but I grew up listening to Michael, and wore his tapes out. When Weird Al released “Eat It,” I was sold. I think I liked it better than “Beat It.” But I’m a kid of the 90s, and Scott Weiland connected with me on “Interstate Love Song.” It was kind of grunge, but also had great melodies. I also loved all of the early Lenny Kravitz albums.

What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?


There’s probably quite a few. I grew up playing jazz and classical trumpet, so I loved those genres. Frédéric Chopin is a favorite. Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis are inspirations. But when it comes to influencing what I do now I’d say Bon Iver, Ray Lamontagne, and Dispatch still ring pretty true to me. 

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on some tunes for my reggae, rock, American roots project Andy Shaw Band. We have been getting our road legs back for the first time since Covid, and have put out some of our best material, I think. I also just released Blood Harmony in 2024 with my brother and frequent collaborator Chris Shaw. We go by the Shaw Brothers, and have more of a folk, Americana feel. And my newest project is called Shore Power, which I’m writing for and fronting. It’s a rock/groove rock project that is a little different from my other bands.