Meet Andrew McFarlane

 

We were lucky to catch up with Andrew McFarlane recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

For me, self-care is foundational to maintaining a sustainable and high-quality workflow as a music producer. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, I’ve learned a lot every time I’ve burned out, especially in college. I’ve found that when I don’t prioritize self-care, I can quickly burn out, leading to mistakes in my work and an inability to meet deadlines for artists—something I take very seriously. The quality of my output suffers, and I lose the inspiration I need to make music and show up every day. This has taught me the importance of balancing work with activities that genuinely help me recharge and clear my head.

These are some things that have worked for me, but I believe everyone needs to find what specifically works for them. For me, as someone who tends to be more introverted, I make sure to spend some time alone every day. Each evening, I spend an hour or two engaging in hobbies that allow me to disconnect from work. Some of these things for me are playing video games, reading, and listening to vinyl. Stuff like this may seem insignificant, but it makes a big difference in my work life.

I also make a conscious effort to schedule a full day off each week—if my work schedule permits it. This day is crucial for catching up with friends and family, indulging in personal interests, and, most importantly, stepping away from work for a bit. Without this time to refresh, I find that my creativity and motivation can quickly deteriorate.

Another aspect of my self-care is transcendental meditation. I dedicate five minutes each day to meditating, and even that short period makes a large difference to me. It feels like a mini reset for my mind, similar to the rest you get after a nap. This, along with a personal prayer every morning, helps me stay present and mindful—balancing looking forward to the future with appreciation for what I have now.

I’ve also become more mindful of using recreational drugs and alcohol, making sure to keep them at a minimum on and before workdays, this has a noticeable impact on both my sleep and overall well-being, helping me stay focused and energized. “Everything in moderation”.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hey! My name’s Andrew McFarlane and I’m a music producer based out of Nashville, TN. Originally, I grew up outside of St. Paul, Minnesota, in a couple of households where music was more than just background noise. I was lucky enough to have four parents, all with a deep love for music. From my mom, David Bowie, fun., and Jason Mraz. From my step-dad, Sean, AC/DC, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. From my dad, Tedeschi Trucks Band, B.B. King, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. And from my step-mom, Jill, anything from contemporary Christian, to Marylin Manson.

I started playing guitar and viola at a young age, but it wasn’t until I heard Jeff Beck’s ‘Performing This Week… Live at Ronnie Scott’s’, at age 12, I found my obsession with guitar. From there, I dove headfirst into playing in local bands, writing original music, and even having the opportunity to open for Tower of Power when I was 17 years old, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. My high school music teachers, Heidi Olson, and Mary Ebanks, played an important role in shaping how I played with a group of musicians in different settings.

I went on to study guitar performance and recording engineering at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where I produced and wrote my first EP. That experience opened my eyes to the power of music production—not just the technical side, but for the first time it felt like my art, without me being the face of the project. I learned a lot from my college professors — Dr. Allen Carter with music arrangement, Dr. Michael Krajewski with tools on the guitar, Nik Gruber with how to use my tools on guitar, and Ryan Jackson on the importance of traditional recording engineering, and how to treat clients in the studio. There are more people I’d like to thank, but we’d be here all day. After college, I made the move to Nashville to really immerse myself in the music scene here, which has been such a great experience so far. The city has some of the best in the industry, and it’s also a place that has humbled me quickly. My first year in Nashville was full of co-writes, demos, and a lot of rejection. But eventually in late 2022 when I finally got my first cut with Grace Day, and things have steadily built from there.

These days, I’m working with amazing artists like Kadi Beth, Brandy Lawrence, Adam Burch, and more, on singles, EPs, and albums. I love the process of taking an artist’s songs, or parts of songs and building them into fully fleshed-out records with a team of people.

One of the things I’ve been really excited about recently is my new home studio in Springfield. It’s a space that really reflects my vision as a producer—intimate, yet professional. It’s been a dream of mine since I moved to Nashville, to have a space where I can really dig into projects and create the kind of atmosphere that brings out the most honest performances from artists and musicians alike. I’m looking forward to seeing where this next chapter takes me and continuing to work with talented artists who have the same passion for music that I do.

At the core of my work, I consider myself a traditional music producer in many ways. I’m deeply drawn to the timeless elements of songwriting—the kind of songs that make you feel seen, and that’s what I aim for when I work with artists. It’s about more than just making a great track—it’s about creating something authentic that speaks to the artist’s artistry and my artistry as a producer.

Sonically, I’m a huge fan of “real” instrumentation with a mix of modern production techniques. I’m especially drawn to a solid low-end, great groove, and dynamics not just with volume but with arrangement, counter-melody, and how minimalist/maximalist different parts of a track are. I’m always trying new production ideas on every track I work on. Whether it works for the song or not, I always make time to experiment.

What I think sets me apart from many other producers is how I blend creativity with organization. A lot of times, the role of a producer can feel like a balancing act between artistic vision and the logistics of getting things done. I pride myself on being what I call an “organized creative.” I can get deeply immersed in the creative process, helping shape a song or performance in a way that feels unique and true to the artist, and myself, but I’m also someone who values structure and efficiency. I show up on time, meet deadlines, and ensure that communication flows smoothly between everyone involved in a project. When all of the “non-creative” aspects of a project are taken care of, the creative aspects become more central, and the process becomes more fun.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities that I think have been most impactful in shaping my growth as a producer and as a person.

The first is surrounding myself with people who want the best for me and who push me creatively. It’s so easy to fall into comfort zones, especially when you feel content with the art you’re currently making. For me, I never want to be the “best” one in the room. When I’m the best in the room, there’s no room for growth. I always find that I need to be around people who inspire me—artists, fellow producers, musicians, or anyone who can challenge my thinking and push me to think differently. If I can see the proverbial “ceiling” of what I’m doing or who I’m spending time with, I know it’s time to seek out new collaborations or explore new environments. So, my advice to those just starting out would be to build a network of people who motivate you to do your best work and don’t be afraid to outgrow certain circles. It’s not about leaving people behind—it’s about seeking out growth, even if it means taking big risks.

The second quality is making sure I am taken care of physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is one I’ve had to learn the hard way, as do most of us. Music and creativity require energy, and if I’m not in a good place, it’s hard to bring my best to the table. When my mental health or physical well-being is out of balance, the quality of my work suffers. You can’t create something meaningful if you’re running on empty, so make sure you’re taking the time to rest and recharge, however that looks for you. My advice to early-career creatives is to build habits that support your well-being, whether it’s getting regular exercise, spending time with hobbies, or simply having a good support system.

The last quality that’s been crucial for me is simply showing up every day. Even when I’m tired, uninspired, or feeling discouraged, I’ve learned that consistency is key. There are days when I don’t feel like running a session, editing tracks, writing parts, or mixing, but I show up anyway. Music has given so much to me throughout my life, and it’s important to me to give back as much as possible. My advice for those just starting out is to commit to the process, even when it’s hard. Sometimes showing up is the most important thing.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always looking for new artists to make music with! I’m particularly drawn to artists who have a clear message they want to share with the world and who are passionate about spreading their artistry to as many people as possible. I love working with artists who truly enjoy the process of making records and love music as much as I do or more.

Beyond the studio, I’m also really interested in working with artists who have a love for performing live. There’s something special about seeing a song come to life in front of an audience, and I think that energy feeds back into the studio process. When making records I try to make sure that the artist’s artistry translates on their records and live, without either getting in the way of each another.

If any of what you’ve read resonates with you and you’re interested in working together, I’d love to connect. Whether you want to talk about music, bounce ideas around, or just make a new friend, let’s grab a coffee/drink and chat. Feel free to message me on Instagram or shoot me an email if you have any questions too.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Quinten Bianchi

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