Andy Black embraces (and shakes off a few) ghosts on new album, graphic novel
Andy Biersack has returned with the second dark-pop chapter of his solo alter ego Andy Black, and man, is it an ambitious one. Last month, fans got a taste of what the Black-smith was crafting with the Bowie/Duran Duran-affected funk of “Westwood Road.” On The Ghost Of Ohio, Biersack widens his circle of influence from the aforementioned track to distinct classic-rock signifiers, percolating dance-rock and stentorian balladry.
While Biersack’s output of music and the new Ghost graphic novel will certainly resonate with Biersack’s fans, there’s another aspect to this creative arc that’s quite crucial to him.
Read more: Warped Tour reveals lineup for 25th anniversary shows
“I think I had an overall emotional renaissance when it came to doing this [project],” Biersack says about the space of his life dedicated to the making of The Ghost Of Ohio album and its spin-off graphic novel component. “My ability to understand other people and just communicate and have empathy was greatly improved by this whole project. When you’re putting yourself out there on your own, there’s no safety net. You’re not part of a gang of people who think, ‘Who cares what anybody else says? It’s us against the world.’ Which is great, but when you’re in a position when you’ve done that through your teenage years and into your adult life, you inherently close yourself off to the human condition.
“For me, that isn’t healthy: I’m always three steps away from crazy,” he continues in dead earnestness. “It’s not a good thing to be constantly shutting myself off by being apathetic to other people or trying to be understanding of other people’s situations. I’ve been very fortunate that I didn’t have to go back to ‘square one’ to realize it. Doing this project has opened me up as an artist to other people’s creative output. On a broad sense, I feel like this has contributed to me being a better version of myself.”
The operative word here is “better,” and that’s what Biersack strives for in all of his creative endeavors. In addition to discussing the new album, he reveals to AP the stories regarding his first foray into comics and shares notes, sketches and preliminary artworks formulated up to The Ghost Of Ohio’s final incarnation. And while we had him, we asked about what’s next for The Andy Show podcast, his appearances on this summer’s Warped Tour 25th anniversary dates, the American Satan TV show and the future of Black Veil Brides. And it’s all couched between some of respected photographer Jonathan Weiner’s most vibrant images yet.
To read the full story, maintain your fandom and discover where Biersack is now, pick up your copy of 368 here.
ALSO IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
Please allow us to introduce you to DYING IN DESIGNER, the up-and-coming emo-rap artist whose way with words will make you throw away those stale juice boxes you’ve been drinking from these past few months.
On their new album Dog Whistle, street-wise trio SHOW ME THE BODY’s amalgam of punk, hardcore, noise and hip-hop aims to raise consciousness in the most loudest and uncompromising ways possible.
Adam McIlwee—known to your devices as WICCA PHASE SPRINGS ETERNAL—remains in motion with a new album, another new band and some further truths about SoundCloud rap, Lil Peep and the collective he founded, GothBoiClique.
March is WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, and in this month’s photo special, we’re acknowledging the feminine contribution to the canon of rock music. Here’s to the women who brazenly defied the limitations thrown at them as well as the current realm of hotness and points in between. We requested a glimpse into the mirthful and mighty world of BISHOP BRIGGS in 10 TOPICS—and we got it! We have 10 ESSENTIAL songs to remind you how powerful women are, and in AP ARCHIVES, hard-rock queens L7 go to the dogs, FIONA APPLE remains the coolest and SHIRLEY MANSON of GARBAGE reminds us she won’t ever be told what to do. Got it?
Members of THE MAINE joined hands and jumped off the cliff and out of their comfort zone to make their new album. Learn why they reteamed with producer Matt Squire in this month’s ALBUM ANATOMY. And HAIL THE SUN founder Donovan Melero explains how the dues he paid and the people he’s met in his musical journey played a role in showing him how IT GOT BETTER.
Plus fabulous photos, fan art and 12 furious bands destined to keep your curiosity at peak level. Check it out!
