Andy Burrows
Andrew William Burrows (born 30 June 1979) is an English musician, songwriter, and composer best known as the drummer and co-songwriter for the indie rock band Razorlight, with whom he recorded three albums from 2004 to 2009 before rejoining the original lineup in 2021 for a reunion that produced their 2024 album Planet Nowhere.[1][2][3] Burrows rose to prominence in the mid-2000s as Razorlight's drummer, contributing to the band's breakthrough success with hits from albums like the #2-peaking Up All Night (2004) and the chart-topping Razorlight (2007), which earned multiple certifications.[4] After leaving Razorlight in 2009 amid reported internal tensions, he joined the American indie rock band We Are Scientists as their touring and recording drummer from 2009 to 2014, appearing on albums such as Barbara (2010).[2][4] The 2021 reunion with Razorlight's classic members—vocalist Johnny Borrell, guitarist Carl Dalemo, and bassist Björn Ågren—marked a reconciliation, leading to live performances, a documentary titled Fall to Pieces (2022), and renewed creative output.[3][5] In parallel to his band work, Burrows has built a diverse solo career as a multi-instrumentalist and composer, releasing albums including The Colour of My Dreams (2008), Sun Comes Up Again (2010) under the moniker I Am Arrows, Company (2012), and Reasons to Stay Alive (2019).[2] His compositional credits span film, television, and animation, notably co-composing the BAFTA-nominated score for The Snowman and the Snowdog (2012) with Ilan Eshkeri, writing music for the Netflix series After Life (2019–2022), and contributing to soundtracks for Arthur (2011) and David Brent: Life on the Road (2016), where he also served as co-writer, producer, and on-screen drummer.[2] Burrows has collaborated with artists like Tom Odell on songs such as "Sirens" and "Jubilee Road," and continues to perform and record as a solo artist and with touring partners like KT Tunstall.[2][1]Biography
Early life
Andrew William Burrows was born on 30 June 1979 in Winchester, Hampshire, England. He grew up in a close-knit family in the area, with his father working as a doctor and his mother as a teacher, both of whom were well-known locally. Burrows has two brothers—Ben, a musician who has toured with the band Captain Phoenix, and David, who operates a Winchester-based website—as well as a sister involved in theatre promotion. The family environment was supportive of his interests, though details on their direct musical involvement vary across accounts, with later reflections noting a grandfather who sang in the BBC choir and a father who played bass guitar.[6][7] From a young age, Burrows showed a strong interest in music, becoming obsessed with drums despite not being allowed a drum kit at home. At age seven, he joined a youth brass band, where he learned to play the cornet, though his fascination remained with the drummers in the group. He began playing drums properly as a teenager and later took up piano and guitar. His early education took place in Winchester, and from 1995 to 1997, he attended Peter Symonds College, studying A-levels in music and art. Music dominated his school years; lecturers described him as bright, cheerful, and fully immersed, with "music as his life."[7][8][6] Burrows' formative influences included classic acts like The Beatles and Elton John, shaping his appreciation for songwriting and melody. During the 1990s, as a teenager in Winchester, he engaged with the local music scene, participating in pre-professional experiences such as playing in a schoolboy band that gigged at venues like the Railway Inn. These early performances and exposures laid the groundwork for his move to London, where he sought opportunities in the professional music world.[9][10][6]Razorlight (2004–2009; 2021–present)
Andy Burrows joined Razorlight in May 2004 as the band's drummer and co-songwriter, having been selected through an open audition to replace the original percussionist, Christian Pancorvo.[7][11] Although the bulk of their debut album Up All Night had been recorded prior to his arrival, Burrows contributed drums to the 2005 re-release bonus track "Somewhere Else," which became one of the band's breakthrough hits, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart.[12][13] The album itself reached number three on the UK Albums Chart upon its initial release in June 2004, establishing Razorlight in the indie rock scene with its raw, energetic sound.[14] Burrows played a more prominent role in the band's self-titled second album, released in July 2006, where he co-wrote key tracks including the chart-topping single "America" and "Before I Fall to Pieces."[15] The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Razorlight's commercial success and showcasing Burrows' influence on their songwriting, which blended indie rock with pop sensibilities. During this period, Burrows also began developing his solo career, releasing his debut album The Colour of My Dreams in 2008 while still committed to the band.[16] In March 2009, Burrows announced his departure from Razorlight, citing creative differences with frontman Johnny Borrell, ongoing band tensions, and a personal desire to pursue solo endeavors away from the intense touring schedule.[17][18] The split was amicable in public statements but marked the end of the band's classic lineup for over a decade, as Burrows shifted focus to his own projects.[19] Razorlight announced Burrows' return alongside the original lineup—Johnny Borrell, Björn Ågren, and Carl Dalemo—in April 2021, following a reconciliation process documented in the 2025 film Fall to Pieces.[3] The reunion led to a series of livestreamed performances in 2021, support for Muse's charity shows at London's Eventim Apollo in 2022, a sold-out UK headline tour in 2023, and the release of their fifth studio album, Planet Nowhere, on October 25, 2024, their first full-length record in 16 years.[20][21] As of 2025, the band continues with ongoing tours, including a major UK headline run announced earlier in the year, performing material from their catalog and new tracks from Planet Nowhere.[22][23]We Are Scientists (2009–2014)
Following his departure from Razorlight, Andy Burrows joined We Are Scientists as their drummer in August 2009, traveling to New York to collaborate with the duo of Keith Murray and Chris Cain on their upcoming album.[24] Described as an "honouree scientist," Burrows provided a stable rhythm section for the band, which had previously relied on rotating drummers.[25] Burrows contributed drums to the band's third studio album, Barbara, released on June 14, 2010, via Masterswan Recordings, which peaked at No. 46 on the UK Albums Chart.[26] The record marked a return to a more organic indie rock sound compared to the synth-heavy Brain Thrust Mastery (2008), though it incorporated subtle electronic elements and danceable rhythms that refreshed the band's post-punk influences.[27] To promote Barbara, We Are Scientists embarked on an extensive world tour, including a North American leg starting in June 2010 with dates across the US and Canada, alongside UK festival appearances such as the Camden Crawl in May 2010, where they previewed new tracks.[28][29] Burrows also drummed on the band's fourth album, TV en Français, released on March 3, 2014, via 100% Records, which reached No. 70 on the UK Albums Chart.[30] This release further evolved the group's sound by blending indie rock with synth-pop and electronic textures, evident in tracks like "What You Do Best" and "Dumb Luck," emphasizing upbeat, hook-driven production.[31] Supporting the album, the band toured internationally in 2014, including European dates kicking off at Oxford's O2 Academy in February, a US fall run with Surfer Blood, and their first Australian shows since 2008 in May.[32][33][34] Burrows parted ways with We Are Scientists in 2014 to prioritize his solo career and other collaborative projects, though he had toured with the band periodically from 2009 to 2012.[35]Solo career (2008–present)
Burrows initiated his solo career with the release of the EP The Colour of My Dreams in May 2008, a low-key mini-album with all proceeds going to Naomi House, a children's hospice in Winchester. In 2010, under the alias I Am Arrows, Burrows released his debut full-length album Sun Comes Up Again, which he recorded playing all instruments himself at Eastcote Studios in London.[36] The album peaked at No. 38 on the UK Albums Chart and showcased a shift toward more personal, indie rock-infused pop, influenced by his time in Razorlight.[37] Key singles like "Green Grass" highlighted this evolving sound, blending melodic hooks with reflective lyrics. Burrows' subsequent solo albums further developed an introspective style, moving from rock roots toward acoustic pop-folk elements. His 2012 release Company, co-produced with Eliot James, drew on 1960s influences like Lennon and McCartney, emphasizing vintage guitar pop with tracks such as "Hometown" and "Because I Know That I Can."[38] The 2014 album Fall Together Again continued this trajectory, reaching No. 67 on the UK Albums Chart and exploring themes of resilience through songs like "Watch Me Fall Again."[39] In 2019, Burrows issued Reasons to Stay Alive, an album deeply inspired by mental health struggles and based on author Matt Haig's experiences with depression as detailed in his 2015 memoir of the same name.[40] The record's folk-leaning arrangements and optimistic yet candid lyrics, including the title track, underscored Burrows' artistic growth into emotionally resonant pop. More recently, in 2023, he released Streets Above the Sky as a limited-edition vinyl exclusive to KT Tunstall's UK tour merchandise, featuring pop-rock compositions that maintain his signature melodic introspection.[41]Collaborations (2011–present)
In 2011, Andy Burrows formed the collaborative project Smith & Burrows with Tom Smith, the lead singer of Editors, releasing their debut album Funny Looking Angels, a Christmas-themed collection blending original songs and covers with orchestral arrangements and folk influences.[42] The album featured Burrows contributing drums, guitar, vocals, and co-songwriting, emphasizing intimate, acoustic-driven tracks like "When the Thames Froze," which highlighted their shared affinity for reflective, seasonal storytelling.[43] This partnership marked Burrows' shift toward more stripped-back, collaborative songwriting outside his band experiences, with the duo's chemistry rooted in mutual admiration for indie and folk elements.[44] The Smith & Burrows collaboration continued into the 2020s, culminating in their second album, Only Smith & Burrows Is Good Enough, released in 2021 after a decade-long hiatus, featuring Burrows on drums, bass, guitar, and co-vocals alongside Smith's piano and lyrics.[45] Tracks such as "All the Best Moves" and "Parliament Hill" showcased an evolution toward mature, acoustic folk-pop with themes of nostalgia and resilience, produced with a focus on live instrumentation to capture their enduring friendship.[43] Burrows' drumming and production input added a rhythmic warmth, distinguishing the project from his solo work by prioritizing interpersonal dynamics and shared creative control. In 2019, Burrows partnered with author Matt Haig on the album Reasons to Stay Alive, a musical adaptation inspired by Haig's bestselling book on mental health, where Burrows composed melodies and instrumentation to Haig's spoken-word lyrics and poetry.[40] Released as a joint effort, the record included 11 tracks like "Barcelona" and the title song, blending folk acoustics, gentle percussion, and orchestral swells to convey hope amid vulnerability, with Burrows handling all musical production, drumming, and guitar arrangements.[46] This project extended Burrows' exploratory style into therapeutic, narrative-driven folk, echoing mental health themes from his solo career while emphasizing collaborative vulnerability through Haig's personal insights.[40] Burrows has also engaged in ongoing live collaborations with KT Tunstall since 2023, serving as a supporting musician on her UK and European tours, where he provides drums, guitar, bass, and backing vocals during performances of both artists' material.[47] Their joint sets, including duets on songs like "Other Side of the World" and "Dear Shadow," incorporate acoustic folk elements and improvisational energy, as seen in 2025 shows at venues such as Paradiso in Amsterdam and Bedford Park Summer Sessions.[48] Additionally, Burrows' 2023 album Streets Above the Sky was initially distributed exclusively as a limited-edition vinyl during Tunstall's tour, fostering a symbiotic promotion that blended their folk-leaning styles.[49] These pairings reflect Burrows' preference for acoustic, interpersonal collaborations that prioritize live chemistry over studio isolation, evolving his sound toward warm, communal folk expressions.Soundtrack and composition work (2011–present)
In 2011, Andy Burrows began contributing to film soundtracks, providing drumming for Ilan Eshkeri's score to the spy comedy Johnny English Reborn, directed by Oliver Parker.[2] That same year, his song "Nice Try," written with Eliot James and performed by his project I Am Arrows, was featured in the romantic comedy Friends with Benefits, starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.[50] These early involvements marked Burrows' transition from band performance to media composition, leveraging his multi-instrumental skills. Burrows' first major scoring credit came in 2012 with the animated short The Snowman and the Snowdog, a sequel to the classic The Snowman. Co-composing the soundtrack with Ilan Eshkeri, Burrows crafted an orchestral score that blended whimsical strings and choral elements to evoke the film's magical, holiday-themed narrative of a boy's snowy adventure.[2] The album, released by Decca Records, includes tracks like "Light the Night" and "Building the Snowman," performed with the London Symphony Orchestra.[51] For this work, Burrows and Eshkeri received a BAFTA Craft Award nomination for Best Original Television Music in 2013.[2] Expanding into television and film production, Burrows co-wrote and co-produced the original soundtrack for Ricky Gervais' mockumentary David Brent: Life on the Road in 2016, contributing to songs like "Cards We're Dealt" and arranging the comedic rock tracks performed by the fictional band Foregone Conclusion.[52] His most extensive scoring project followed with the Netflix series After Life (2019–2022), where he composed the full original score for all three seasons, created by Gervais.[2] The music features intimate piano motifs and subtle guitar lines to underscore the show's themes of grief and humor, with cues like "Piano Variation" and "Nylon Guitar Theme" highlighting emotional transitions.[53] Burrows' compositional style in these works shifted toward orchestral arrangements and piano-driven pieces, emphasizing emotional depth over rock energy, informed briefly by his drumming background for rhythmic subtlety.[2] In 2025, he scored the sports drama Heavyweight, directed by Christopher M. Anthony, which premiered at the Raindance Film Festival and won Best UK Feature at the British Urban Film Festival. The film's taut score supports its exploration of boxing and personal trauma, continuing Burrows' trajectory in narrative-driven media composition.[54]Personal life
Family
Andy Burrows was born on 30 June 1979 and raised in Winchester, Hampshire, before relocating to London during the early phase of his career upon joining Razorlight in 2004.[18][55] He is married to Steph Burrows, a creative director and fitness entrepreneur, and the couple resides in Hackney, London, where they have built a family home centered on domestic life.[56][57][58] Burrows and his wife have two daughters, Chloe (born c. 2008) and Joni (born 2016), whom he has described as central to his daily routine and creative process.[59][60][61] In interviews, Burrows has shared how his daughters influence his songwriting, such as testing tracks from his 2012 Snowman project on five-year-old Chloe to assess their emotional resonance and appeal to younger audiences.[61] He has also mentioned enjoying private family hobbies like playing piano and guitar at home, which provide a grounding contrast to his professional commitments.[59]Mental health and advocacy
Andy Burrows has openly discussed his struggles with anxiety and depression, which intensified following his departure from Razorlight in 2009. He described the band's environment as "very unhealthy," "detrimental," and "toxic," contributing to emotional distress that led him to excessive drinking during periods of anxiety.[62] Despite outward success, Burrows experienced internal turmoil, including a persistent "shit state" amid his touring schedule.[40] These challenges inspired Burrows' 2019 collaborative album Reasons to Stay Alive with author Matt Haig, based on Haig's 2015 memoir of the same name detailing his own battle with depression and anxiety. While drumming for Tom Odell, Burrows discovered the book, which provided therapeutic insight into his "neurotic, anxious, slightly depressive tendencies" and helped him process his experiences.[40] The project transformed Haig's "therapy notes" into pop songs, with Haig contributing lyrics and Burrows composing music, creating an optimistic yet raw exploration of mental health recovery.[46] Burrows found the collaboration "immensely elating" and akin to counseling, reinforcing his commitment to addressing mental health through art.[62] Burrows has advocated for mental health awareness in the music industry through interviews and public discussions, emphasizing the need to confront anxiety and depression openly. In late 2010s conversations, he highlighted how the high-pressure touring and interpersonal conflicts in bands exacerbate these issues, urging performers to seek support and share experiences to reduce stigma.[46] The Reasons to Stay Alive album served as a platform for this advocacy, positioning music as a tool for emotional expression and resilience in creative professions.[40]Discography
Solo albums
Burrows launched his solo career with the EP The Colour of My Dreams, released on 26 May 2008 via Vertigo Records. This five-track release, featuring acoustic-driven songs like the title track and "The Way That I Live," was produced to support the "Jack's Place" Appeal, a charity initiative funding facilities for children undergoing cancer treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital. All proceeds from the EP went directly to the cause, highlighting Burrows' early commitment to philanthropic efforts through music. Critics appreciated its buoyant lyrics and nostalgic tone, describing it as a comforting and immediate listen that evoked warm visions despite its brevity of under 15 minutes.[16][63][64] His debut full-length solo album, Sun Comes Up Again, arrived on 16 August 2010 under the project name I Am Arrows via Mercury Records. Recorded at Eastcote Studios in London, the 14-track record debuted at number 38 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Burrows' first entry as a solo artist. Standout tracks included the pastoral opener "Green Grass" and the title track, blending indie folk with skittery elements reminiscent of acts like Tunng. Reception was generally positive, with reviewers praising its deft, pleasing acoustic-pop sound and refreshing summery vibes, though some noted the length contributed to moments of mediocrity. The album's polished yet unpolished gems, such as the free-download single "Nun," underscored Burrows' multi-instrumental talents.[37][65][66][67] Company, Burrows' second proper solo album, was released on 22 October 2012 by Play It Again Sam Records. Co-produced by Burrows and recorded with contributions from musicians like pedal steel player B.J. Cole, the 10-track effort delved into introspective themes through a mix of soft folk, 1970s-inspired pop, and subtle disco influences on tracks like "Keep On Moving On." It earned critical acclaim for its cultured psychedelic pop reminiscent of early John Lennon, with graceful strings and unfurling melodies on the title track setting a gently charming tone. Reviewers highlighted the album's well-balanced calm and rich melodic content, rating it highly for its relaxing yet engaging style, though specific sales figures remained modest without a major chart entry.[68][69][70][71] The follow-up, Fall Together Again, came out on 20 October 2014 via Play It Again Sam, peaking at number 67 on the UK Albums Chart. Recorded in Snowdonia, Wales, the album addressed themes of personal recovery through Beatles-esque songwriting and earworm melodies across tracks like "Watch Me Fall Again," which incorporated stark synths for a darker edge. Critics offered mixed responses: some lauded its substance and memorable singer-songwriter territory, while others critiqued it as dismally safe and leaning too heavily on familiar tropes. Despite the divided reception, the record's unashamed melodic appeal and substance in its 10 songs established it as a solid, if understated, entry in Burrows' catalog.[39][72][73][74]Albums with bands
Andy Burrows served as the drummer for Razorlight from 2004 to 2009, contributing significantly to the band's sound through his percussion work and co-writing several key tracks, including the UK number-one single "America" from their self-titled second album.[75] During this period, Razorlight released three studio albums featuring Burrows' involvement. Their debut, Up All Night (2004), peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved sales of over 1.2 million copies, earning 4× Platinum certification in the UK.[14][76] The album's energetic indie rock style, bolstered by Burrows' driving rhythms, helped establish the band in the mid-2000s UK scene. The self-titled follow-up, Razorlight (2006), debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and became their biggest commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies and receiving 5× Platinum certification.[77][78] Burrows co-wrote multiple tracks, including "Before I Fall to Pieces," enhancing the album's anthemic quality. The third album, Slipway Fires (2008), entered the UK Albums Chart at number 4, though it marked a transitional phase before Burrows' departure later that year.[79][80] With sales around 210,000 copies in the UK, it reflected Burrows' role in experimenting with more mature song structures amid band tensions.[78] Following his exit from Razorlight, Burrows rejoined the band in 2021 as part of a reunion with the classic lineup. Although Olympus Sleeping (2018) was released post-departure without his direct involvement, it provided context for the band's evolution during his absence, peaking at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart.[79] The reunion culminated in Planet Nowhere (2024), the first full album with Burrows since 2008, which debuted at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart upon its October release via V2 Records.[81][79] Drawing on raw, simplicity-driven rock influences, the album highlighted Burrows' renewed contributions to the percussion and overall band dynamic.[82] From 2009 to 2014, Burrows was the drummer—and occasionally provided keyboards and backing vocals—for We Are Scientists, appearing on two of their studio albums. The first, Barbara (2010), peaked at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing Burrows' integration into the band's witty indie rock sound through solid rhythmic support on tracks like "Rules Don't Stop."[26][83] His tenure brought a fresh energy post their previous lineup changes. The follow-up, TV en Français (2014), reached number 36 on the UK Albums Chart and number 5 on the UK Indie Chart, with Burrows contributing to its eclectic production alongside guests like Tim Wheeler of Ash.[30][84] Produced by Chris Coady, the album emphasized playful, genre-blending elements that aligned with Burrows' versatile musicianship during his time with the band.[85]| Band | Album | Release Year | UK Peak Position | Certifications/Sales (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razorlight | Up All Night | 2004 | 3 | 4× Platinum (1.2M+) |
| Razorlight | Razorlight | 2006 | 1 | 5× Platinum (1.5M+) |
| Razorlight | Slipway Fires | 2008 | 4 | 210,000 |
| Razorlight | Olympus Sleeping | 2018 | 14 | N/A |
| Razorlight | Planet Nowhere | 2024 | 17 | N/A |
| We Are Scientists | Barbara | 2010 | 11 | N/A |
| We Are Scientists | TV en Français | 2014 | 36 | N/A |
Collaborative albums and EPs
Andy Burrows has engaged in several notable collaborations with other artists, resulting in joint albums and EPs that blend his songwriting and multi-instrumental talents with complementary creative voices.[68] One of his most enduring partnerships is with Tom Smith, the frontman of Editors, under the moniker Smith & Burrows. The duo's debut album, Funny Looking Angels (2011), is a Christmas-themed collection of original songs and covers, emphasizing themes of winter nostalgia, friendship, and seasonal introspection. Produced by Eliot James and recorded in London, it features a chamber pop sound with orchestral elements and guest appearances from artists like Emmy the Great. The tracklist includes:- "In the Bleak Midwinter" (traditional, arranged by Smith & Burrows)
- "When the Thames Froze"
- "As the Snowflakes Fall"
- "Funny Looking Angels"
- "Wonderful Life" (Black cover)
- "O Come All Ye Faithful" (traditional)
- "Half a World Away" (R.E.M. cover)
- "Snowday"
- "Avenue of the Stars"
- "This Ain't New Jersey"
- "All the Best Moves"
- "I Want You Back in My Life"
- "Old TV Shows"
- "Aimee Move On"
- "Unnecessary Trouble"
- "Eternal Light"
- "Buccaneer Rum Jum"
- "Parliament Hill"
- "Certainty"
- "Too Much"
- "A Different Game"
- "Barcelona"
- "Reasons to Stay Alive"
- "Hero"
- "The Story of Me and You"
- "How to Stop Time"
- "Lucky Song"
- "Parallel Lives"
- "Handle with Care"
- "Tomorrow"
- "Lost in Space"