Andrew Kenny and his bandmates have always been good scrapbookers. They kept tour flyers, set lists, photographs, press clippings, and loads of other ephemera from the earliest days of The American Analog Set. As the band began to work with the esteemed reissue label, Numero Group, these scrapbooks took on an outsized value. The resulting pair of box sets chronicling the length and breadth of the AmAnSet catalog are gorgeous both aurally and visually.
Kenny grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, slowly finding his way into a life immersed in music. He joined his first band in high school and then formed another short-lived outfit before the Analog Set began in earnest in 1995. During their initial stint from 1995 to 2005, the band were darlings on the indie scene, touring worldwide and garnering critical acclaim for their recorded work. The band’s 2001 breakout release, Know By Heart remains one of my favorite records of the last twenty five years.
For nearly two decades the band was largely silent, but Kenny kept busy with his side project Wooden Birds, as well as working on original scores for film. In 2023, The American Analog Set reemerged with a new album, For Forever,and have even played a few one off shows in spots around the country.
During our discussion, Andrew and I also talked about the deep presence and connection of playing music with other people. We also explored the unique language of each band and how that language, at least for Kenny, turned an ordinary life into an extraordinary one. You’ll also find talk of being too dumb to quit, being a fan of your own band, and why Fort Worth has nothing to do with Dallas.
Let’s get into it.
Cheers,
Matty C
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End Credits
Thanks so much to Andrew for joining me. Be sure to check out all of his work and upcoming tour dates at https://www.amanset.com/
The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.
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