'Secrets Revealed!'

Ken Andrews - having just released his new album SECRETS OF THE LOST SATELLITE, his first solo effort under the artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist's own name - began his career fronting the critically acclaimed alt-rock group Failure, known for its tightly crafted, densely layered guitar sounds. Since producing Failure's third and final album, FANTASTIC PLANET, Andrews spent time on the other side of the microphone - producing and mixing for Beck, Jimmy Eat World, Pete Yorn and A Perfect Circle (to name a few).

On SECRETS OF THE LOST SATELLITE, Andrews collaborated with musicians he worked with over the years, bringing in a live band to record over his demos. "I finally have taken the pressure off 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 says. The album also incorporates a dreamier, more electronic sound, which is a departure from his previous work. Andrews explains, "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."

Taking it from the top and what were your musical influences growing up and how many still factor into your music today? "To name two The Cure and Cars."

For the Average Joe who may not have heard of you and was thinking of buying your debut solo CD (as Ken Andrews), how would you yourself describe your sound? "Spacey rock. It has pop songs, but also has meandering and “trippier”, songs that lack structure. And that was kind of new thing for me."

Your album title 'Secrets of the Lost Satellite' is an interesting choice, but perhaps it originates from a more personal standpoint for you? Is there a theme to it, perhaps? "It kind of points back to the “spacey” sound, but the title is mostly inspired by some of the different lyrics and themes throughout the album."

Also, why did Failure break up soon after the release of 'Fantastic Planet' ... especially as that third album was recognized within the industry as somewhat of a seminal, ground-breaking rock album?! "We were at different points in our careers. Greg and I put together the Failure ‘Essentials’ collection at the end of last year."

How easy (or hard) is it to constantly create a new, vibrant, wanted-by-the-public sound that both builds on and surpasses the musical wonderment's/accomplishments that preceded it within the industry? "I started my own label to avoid those pressures. I like to make music and that’s why I continue to make it."

Please tell us more about your time spent within both ON and Year Of The Rabbit and why neither really got you to where you wanted to be? "The chair was kicked out from underneath me during Rabbit. I could’ve released this new album under ON but decided not to because in the age of the Internet it’s almost “unsearchable”. My own name has a bigger footprint."

What '80s (and possibly cheesy!) pop/rock song would you love to cover today if asked ... and why?! "I covered “I Wanna be Adored” with Year of the Rabbit. Have you heard about the Replicants? It was a side project of mine with Chris Pitman, Greg Edwards (Failure), and Paul D’Amour (Tool). We covered a lot of greats including The Cars and Pink Floyd."

Lastly, and just as a comedic curve ball ... Exclusive Magazine love Penguins, do you?! "Yes, I just wrote a song for a new Sony Pictures movie called “Surf’s Up”!

Thanx again for doing this for us today, and we wish you all the best for the future "Thanks and I hope you like the new album."

Interviewed by Russell A. Trunk

www.KenAndrews.com

www.myspace.com/KenAndrews

If you would like to win a SIGNED copy of Ken's new CD and a signed promo poster, just answer this easy question: For this new CD Andrews brought in two old musical cohorts: Justin Meldal-Johnsten and ... who?! (ie: Blinker The Star / Abbey)

Send me your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these wonderful new SIGNED CDs and promo posters. Just send us an e:mail here with your answer and the subject title CONTEST: KEN ANDREWS SIGNED STUFF to: