A Word of Advice for MARY SPENDER |

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO APPROACH THIS VIDEO: Some of the elements of this video may not be my actual opinion, and may be there as a satire perhaps on the contemporary music scene, KZbin and myself as a click baity video producer. It is also twinned with yesterday's video about Warning fans, and their won't to 'protect' their favourite band. Thanks for your time. Also, if Mary does come over to watch this...hello!

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

i left a comment on Mary's channel 4 months ago telling her to subscribe to your channel.😬 im serious, you have some great ideas, perspective on things, and a really critical thinker .

[@Sumaleth]

👇

[@WansbeckBikecam]

*wont

[@marilyncatterall402]

But what about Pink Floyd?

[@ubellubo]

It is unlikely Mary Spender will ever be a music star, but she is KZbin star and that sure beats what most of us are doing. She is living the dream (if you are a creative type).

[@pontifexvonhummer9459]

The magic of Andy is the way he randomly digs and sniffs around on any subject and uncovers more profound idea truffles by the end of his video hikes than can be believed. His silliness is the proof of his seriousness.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I am the profound truffle hound

[@ivan_osorio]

Discovering your channel this year has been such a pleasure. Thanks for all the content and laughs!

[@YtuserSumone-rl6sw]

Andy is the bee's knees.

[@liamophronnsias]

Seconded!

[@producerman10030]

Thank you for this video. Your status has risen a million fold. This was the most real video about the business I’ve ever seen on KZbin, which is mostly the blind leading the blind. I especially reference some of the most irritating characters I’ve encountered on this platform. Thank you again. I’m a veteran of this industry. All you young folks watching this. Listen and learn. Andy is 1000% on point.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks for the back up here. All the stuff about Mary is a ruse to explain these things about the industry. My experience is what it is so it's nice to know others spotted the same things I do. Mary would never get a deal in the real world!

[@producerman10030]

I also like Rick Astley. Btw.

[@RobertSvilpaMusic]

this is one of my favorite videos of yours - lampooning with information and experience speaking to not just Mary, but to the rest of those people wanting to be Top of the Pops, or a self-fulfilled singer/songwriiter/artist. It got very depressing this past 25-30 years as musicians who never had to know the business side and could just fornicate and do excessive recreational medicants through the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's all of a sudden need to learn all the mechanics of management, promotion, marketing, accounting, manufacturing, strategy, etc... which kills the joy of simply writing music and lyrics, recording it and throwing it out there hoping for people to pick it up and it to go viral. It has become a job now, with a significant amount of work behind it and all fun stripped out of it. There wont be a Face Value, Rush or Boston (debut albums) coming out at any time in the near or mid future. Everyone will need to become the cynical artist who takes the vi, V, I, IV progression everyone loves these days and just change the textures under it. Cookie cutter music designed for the marketplace. The music that is pushing the audience to something new will be relegated to indie releases thrown out into the void of millions of other artists fighting for clicks. Here's hoping that the audience becomes more adventurous and seeks out new stuff - just like film, recycling is the mode of creation. Terrible...

[@jmeakin4]

It's like KZbin musicians are a big family, with Mary being the college sorority girl who knows everything and Andy being the proverbial crazy uncle.

[@petern3363]

Who always behaves badly at weddings.

[@GizzyDillespee]

If that was the case Mary would be Oscar Stembridge's aunt. Every time I see one of their faces, I can see the other one's features. Different hair color, but otherwise, I can't unsee it.

[@StratsRUs]

Mary has probably put out a 'how to acquire a restraining order' video by now.

[@west4coast77]

Ha! Too funny!

[@janmichaeljablonsky9847]

In my opinion, Mary Spender has two problems, both involving her music. Her songwriting is one-dimensional and lacks variety. Her vocal quality is a bit of a cliche...she should use her contralto voice rather than her soprano and allow the natural tone of her voice to shine through.

[@TheChristafershawn]

Agreed

[@darwinsaye]

At some point Mary started doing the shock click-bait title thing on all her videos and that’s when I stopped watching her. Sorry, but I’ll do the same to anyone who sinks to doing that, no matter how talented they are. It’s an insult to your audience.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I might try some of her tactics....'I'm giving it all up to become an assassin' or 'My super sexy Gregg's Festive Bake'

[@Doublebasist]

Or my top ten least favourite KZbin musician channels😅​@@AndyEdwardsDrummer

[@westmus]

I'm sure most youtubers really don't like click-bait, but end using it because they make an living on YT and click-bait titles and thumbnails are proven to bring more views. The media world are one big competition for peoples attention.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

It's annoying I cant just make a good video, but I try and integrate the click baityness into the discussion

[@ornleifs]

Same here - after a few of those I gave up.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Mary could make a killing doing voice-overs. She has an exquisite speaking voice.

[@officialWWM]

She sounds like a snob. Besides, AI has killed that market.

[@nickwrxsti]

She could do a response video, just overdubbing this video's images, putting some (other) words into Andy's mouth, giving some "behind the scenes commentary" on how she was directing Andy.

[@WayneKitching]

She once did the voice for an adult swim cartoon after the producer (I think) saw her video with Frog Leap Studio.

[@misterknightowlandco]

She was kinda interesting when she first started but she went from musician using KZbin to a KZbinr using music.

[@officialWWM]

Yep, she found her niche.

[@clayfoster8234]

We all gotta make a living 🤷‍♂️

[@paulmartinson875]

Thanks!

[@erikmaronde2244]

Andy Edwards got me into Cardiacs this year (2024). This I will never forget. His rants are also great.

[@duncansmith69]

Andy, you say all the quiet parts out loud. That's why we love you .

[@JackCerro]

I clicked because I wanted to see why it took a 45 minute video to give a word of advice.

[@scottbookman]

I don't want a Beato or a Spender album, i'm waiting for your english folk music deluxe box set that comes with a piece of that flannel shirt your wearing in this video.

[@Innerspace100]

This was one of your absolutely best ones, Andy! And the best part is, that all those who expected you to be all rant-city against Mary, got a bit of a "aaah..." inducing moment as the video wore on... ...if they could be bothered to watch it all, that is. And yes, Mary is great, I agree with you! No reservations, no caveats!

[@jamesrichardson8151]

Love the intro dude - made my day 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and family

[@WilliamofKent]

The dynamic of "scarcity" certainly fueled many artists before social media and streaming. I'd also add that a sense of mystery surrounding some of the great artist(s) and their songs also drove interest. When I think of Led Zeppelin's success in the 70's, there were long periods between albums after their 2nd release, and the songs, arrangements and the band members themselves remained mysterious. It all served to build anticipation and desire to hear more. But as the information about the band and their accessibility increased (to the point of filling sports arenas!), the less provocative, intimate and interesting they became - eventually becoming targets of the punk movement that followed.

[@stevenhanson6057]

Wow, that’s how it happened! Thank you

[@WilliamofKent]

@@stevenhanson6057 Well, that and the death of John Bonham (drummer) and dabbling in mind-altering chemicals.

[@robinschell8767]

Brilliant! Some real insights and truths in there. I see people telling musicians 'start a YT channel', but a YT channel has to deliver value and utility, and that is something completely different, you cannot later just bait and switch it for your music. The eternal catch-22 that people have to discover music for themselves. Which is why I am highly sceptical of all these 'marketing for musicians' courses out there. Music was never traditionally promoted that way (and think to yourself, 'would that work on me?' ). Anyway, Andy you're a gem! 'great stuff.

[@annonimouse170]

Rick Astley with Blossoms at Glsatonbury covering Smiths songs at was epic. You could tell he loved the music.

[@ChasingTone666]

The second she pulled up her LP I clicked “exit”

[@rodgrego7690]

Thanks

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thank you

[@Nihilist13]

Andy Edwards - Humor Scale - 9.8547 (out of 10) Rick Beato - Humor Scale - what humor?

[@Altres]

If Bill Hicks was as funny as Rick Beato he’d still be alive today.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Your videos make sense and are also informative and entertaining, Andy. I always appreciate your perspective; really don't care who doesn't like it..

[@west4coast77]

Well done! Comments are astute... All bases covered, except Camel! Yes indeed... I recall listening to Camel's Lunar Sea live on a great stereo system and being blown away by their collective musicianship. A gateway band that led to listening to Tower of Power, Uzeb, Weather Report, Chick Corea, Brian Auger, Yellowjackets, Sea Level (Chuck Leavell)... etc. Cheers to your wit and wisdom!

[@marcsullivan7987]

I could picture that “Mary Spender” as a Kinks song, circa Muswell Hillbillies

[@edyb2097]

Hallelujah, hallelujah, Mary Spender, have a cup of tea!

[@JackRascal]

I'm getting oddly addicted to watching this channel... it seems to get more demented every week, and it's drawing me in.

[@James-hd4ms]

RUN!

[@ectoplasma5]

Same

[@MysticOblong]

I keep coming back to Andy's videos because he's honest, down to Earth smart and funny. His rambling thoughts are fun to follow, whether I agree or not. I'll have to go and skim through Mary Spender's video now for a laugh.

[@larserickson2862]

All right, I give up, I’ve subscribed! That was very entertaining!

[@robbrooks5263]

That's you then on beans and toast for the next month. ;)

[@ChockHolocaust]

For those who never really had LPs, the truth is vinyl didn't sound better, but try to skin up on the CD case of Wish You Were Here or Sgt Peppers for you and your mates, and you'll get it. Failing that, listen to the medley of songs on side two of Abbey Road on the vinyl record, then hear how its ruined by being seperated into multiple tracks on the CD and that will probably convince you.

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a great weekend Andy ❤😊

[@whitneyjacobs7874]

Andy went from ASMR to Cookie Monster rather quickly.

[@ivanconnolly7332]

Insighted, nuanced, objective, yet strangely human.

[@Harrysound]

The only time I ever see a Mary spender video it’s always along the lines of “how much money I made on KZbin “ and that’s about it…

[@aliensporebomb]

That intro. Andy's folk-prog-filk record is a must buy.

[@adrianmercado3092]

I think her latest woes on losing money on her tour exemplifies your point.

[@11000038]

Andy you are proper funny. My sense of humour gets me into trouble but you are the master!

[@dinsy512]

The moment that Andy dragged that ELP record out of its sleeve with the well known finger-pinch-all-over-the-grooves manouvre, I knew the vinyl was in for a rough time 😂🤣😂

[@tony.worswick]

That's a brilliant impression 😂❤️ ...I so hope she sees this video

[@Altres]

I’m eleven minutes in and, despite feeling like I should have a shower, loved the Grouchoesqueness of the song delivery and general humour. The cringiest laugh I’ve had in an age. 😂

[@timarmstrong3251]

The strategy you outlined is, I suspect, that used by Nigel Blackwell and Half Man Half Biscuit. They only play about 5 gigs a year, people drive all over the country to see them and make sure they buy the latest album first, so they know all the songs.

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Enjoyed it, cheers and Merry Christmas.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Same to you!

[@mojobag01]

"This is not just an electro-acoustic parlour guitar, this is a Marks And Spencer's electro-acoustic parlour guitar."

[@michaelslahetka8371]

YOU Deserve To Be Picked Up By Netflix For ( YOUR Distinctive ) Music Insghts / ...Humor Brilliance ! & Instrumental Proclivities & Ponderings TOPPER MOST of the BEST !! !!

[@larryzink8978]

Miss Spender is not a "GREAT" singer...objectively speaking. Mawkish...somewhat adequate generic skill but sadly lacking in personal authenticity.

[@SteveMHN]

OK Rolf Harrris, I know it's you.

[@exploringthemusicaluniverse]

Andy's hair vs Rick Beato hair?

[@ledaswan5990]

I vote Andy

[@johnr4459]

it wont be long before he looks like jedward

[@JediMasterRick2]

That settles it. You are the best KZbinr of 2024. This is why KZbin exists. For people like you who there own way of doing things. When I get back into making my own KZbin videos again,I will be borrowing what I can from you as far as your out of the box approach.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Channel your inner idiot, Don't worry about lookin a fool, and don't feel you have to get everything right. and try and entertain the audience as much as inform them. Make sure your titles explains what you will be doing in your title and thumbnail. Make sure your typeface is large on the thumbnail. Then promise to deliver what the title says, then do what you promised and then take it beyond where promised it. That is what I have learnt.

[@JediMasterRick2]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer thanks for the tips. I’ll be getting back into it after the holidays. Have a Merry Christmas and or Happy Holidays.

[@jh5776-i8j]

The youtube master of banter... Lol. And it's surprisingly hard to stop listening...

[@bucklberryreturns]

I've watched a handful of MS"s videos, and when they were about the industry etc I always got that slightly icky feeling. It's the same feeling of corporate manipulation I got after showing excellence in writing technical industry blog posts at a former job. When the company founder asked me to co-write an "industry gear of the year" post, only to find it was a "here are five things you can buy from us" post. It made me feel dirty,, and I never wrote one again.

[@escapist502]

Laugh out loud, funny! And yes, the mystery of it all, discovering things for ourselves, feeling like it’s our little thing we found…. Only to find out much later that everyone else found it as well😂😂. I remember “discovering” now he sings now he sobs, feeling so connected to that, only to find out at music school and then as a working professional, in jazz, that I found my tribe of others that felt the same way! Everyone else found it too, but the way we found it was unique for each of us and made for fabulous interactions in that world Not sure how things would have turned out, if I had been watching a KZbin channel of Chick Corea, talking about losing money on tour, and then pushing his latest trio album😂😂. To your point in your video, I have to admit I probably would’ve subscribed to his channel but not purchased the album or even wanted to listen to it! All of my favorite records, the other way around….🤔

[@cbolt4492]

I'm looking forward to this, I like Mary and the advice will most probably be of use to me

[@WayneKitching]

I was so wrong. I thought that this was a reaction to Mary's video about losing £12k on tour.

[@francis-808]

As with most of Andy’s work, this video was informative and entertaining. However, I couldn’t give a toss about Mary’s channel and music. Great video, though. Merry Xmas, Andy. 🎉

[@wagstaff6135]

This is really interesting, and sad. ("The reality of it is really depressing," as you say). Many years ago, I heard Carla Bozulich make a "joke" from the stage, saying "I don't know if I have a career or just a really expensive hobby."

[@classicalbum]

Merry Christmas Andy, looking forward to more content in 2025

[@kyleh1127]

Can't get begind someone who's constantly posting disingenuous clickbaitey titles like 'im done', 'it's over', etc while taking questionable sponsors from scammy midi products, vpns, and predatory app games. Her content is mediocre at best, watchable but never must-see, often the uninspired and retread 10th take on an already severely beaten youtube horse.

[@tomy8339]

Oh man, that's harsh. Mary's music isn't my cup of tea, but I appreciate her as a person and artist. I think she's genuine as both.

[@StratsRUs]

The Glassy-Eyed Thumbnails 😂

[@williamdew7143]

You haven't mentioned his highly dubious take on the primacy of Black music, or his assertion that 'nothing' of the Transatlantic Slave Trade was 'as bad' as the territorial raids between tribal interests. His racism is grotesque.

[@tomy8339]

@@williamdew7143 Lol, what on earth are you talking about? Have you commented on the wrong video? 😂

[@Wayner71]

Its all about "the journey not the prize". Mary's journey towards stardom is what her audience wants to see. If she achieved superstardom, it would defeat the purpose.

[@G60syncro]

Your point towards the end about new sounds... King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard have totally gone Maginot Line on this and swooped around it in 2017 when they released 5 different sounding LP's that year... From then on, the fanbase is just waiting in anticipation for what the next one is going to sound like. I'm a huge fan and really, they're the best thing around these days. The shows are nuts, the albums are so diverse but with an identifiable core sound, they really have their shit together!! BTW, I'm a gen-X geezer who appreciates old music, stuff of my teens and new stuff!!

[@raycochrane3971]

M.S. is the very modern epitome of the Youtiber musician: all invested in the mutual cross promotional congratulatory micro ecosystem.

[@jrm2fla]

IMHO That’s Harsh… it’s a tough world out there, I enjoyed MS with Frogleap Studios (Sultans of Swing) and I think she has something to say… cross promo is legit in the biz, viewers will stick with the Tubers they think are best.

[@ectoplasma5]

The intro song was so cool,instant like !

[@jimmycampbell78]

I like Mary, she's the Nigella Lawson of Music KZbinrs 🙂

[@thetwtinthehat9123]

You have a haunting alan partridge quality to your comment 😅

[@Bristolcentaurus]

without the charisma

[@quasarsphere]

I like her too. I also like to imagine her off camera swearing like a sailor with a strong Cockney accent. I just find the mental image very funny. But yeah, she's awesome!

[@gerardpatrickaspin6150]

In one of your of previous broadcasts.you spoke about steely Dan hunting for guitarist's.they had Dennis Diaz .a man Roy Buchanan said was one of the best he had heard.

[@DJZarpRix]

She's just not good enough. Sorry, it's that simple.

[@craigtodd8297]

WHen did good have anything to do with success in the music industry? Though that died out with Fleetwood Mac.

[@DannyHood-j]

@@craigtodd8297You mean by the 70s.. I heard it in early 80s. The quality in song writing became very basic. Like formula. At least on radio pop rock songs. Simple like listening to Huey Lois . If it’s major key the change goes to relative minor. Simple formula

[@soundssimple1]

Having the mechanism is not enough. Having the right strategy is not enough. I have watched the MS channel over the years. Mary is a highly accomplished musician on more than one instrument. She has a nice voice, not unique, she has some nice songs, not unique, but none of these and what she has come up with has had me reaching for the 'buy' button. Her music just does not appeal to me, I'm sorry but that it straight. She is an artist as thousands of others are who want it, who have put in the hours learning, studying, perfecting their knowledge and skills in performing who have ideas for songs that they think resonate with others. Unfortunately there is no right of passage to success just because they think people should listen to them and their musical / emotional output. Maybe YT is the 'hub' that will hold things together for many musicians nowadays, there does seem to a large group of those emerging , all supporting each other, sharing YT ideas, appearing on each others content, sharing the gig as it were. All having each others back and scratching it appropriately. If this earns them a good living good luck to them but I'm sure the ultimate goal will still be to have the Adele, Duffy, Dido, Jewel or Sia breakthrough moment. YT and its audience will not be around for ever.....eggs and basket come to mind. Andy you mean well and with this video you began to sound like the parents you lambasted in your Warning Reply. How comical, did you notice ?

[@ftlpopeepopltf541]

Andy, did your friends not tell you not to put your LPs on the radiators?

[@alexcampbell3032]

Mary is blandness personified. Pretty young upper class woman speaking in her hypnotic NLP voice, but in reality saying absolutely nowt. Half a million subs provided to her by the equally bland Rick Beato. This ain't Rock n Roll, this is genocide!

[@craigtodd8297]

I bet you would though, Alex.

[@arnesaknussemm2427]

The patron Saint of blandness must be St Ellie of Goulding.

[@reshhaverstahm7729]

Watch where you walk people, mind the hyperbole.

[@alexcampbell3032]

@@craigtodd8297 I most certainly would Craig!

[@alexcampbell3032]

@@reshhaverstahm7729 Is Mary Headlining the Hyper Bowl?

[@dan_15mm]

I watched a couple of her videos of going on her mini tour, which was interesting to some extend or better say not unpleasant to watch. Then later she posted that video about the losses she had made, trying to sell some planning your tour course, which I thought was sort of funny, mostly because it didn't exactly work out well financially and such but maybe the course was then on how not to tour.. I don't know, didn't see the content. But, then it hit me.. once I started to think about the business as a whole, which is not only trying to be that musician going on tour herself.. honestly I believe she knows very well that vlogging about her 15k loss is going to get her a lot of attention, lots of people have to say something about and everybody seems to forget that those video productions are also part of the business , and so is everyone giving attention to the fact that she maybe should not be the one selling a course based on a 'failure' I'm quite confident to say that the balance sheet includes a whole lot more than just the items called out to attribute to the mentioned loss. The whole "I lost a lot of money" might have been very one part of that plan knowing how everyone talks about the incredibly hard life of touring musicians, its going to deliver surely a lot more attention than "I made a lot of money, I now made an online course" All of that might in the end just pay all the made expenses and turn it into a success for her of it isn't already.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I first went on tour in 1988, I have toured with superstars and in the back of transit vans. I once did 33 shows back to back without a day off. When I see Mary or Adam Neely talking about this stuff you realise how inexperienced they are, and how they think like a non musician. They think 8 shows is a tour and they stop in a nice hotel after every gig. It is so naive! They should not be going on tour if there is a £12k loss. Also, if you are at a level where you can financially get out on tour, i would never leave it to the artists to organise it. I could do a whole channel on Mary's videos...

[@ibanezlaney]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer 100% - I live in Australia where bands travel further in a day to get to the next gig than the entire length of England. If a gig is only 3-4 hours from home - You travel home after it. If it is further away - You take naps at truck stops along the way/sleep in the car. I think she wants the rock star life but doesn't understand it is not luxurious - especially if you want to turn a profit. I also don't understand that she paid to hire venues. I have never had to pay a venue to play there.

[@dan_15mm]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer If I'd limit the scope to just the 'touring' part I agree with you. I do however think we should see everything in the context of her making a documentary being on tour featuring herself which ended up costing 12k pounds under the line which is yet to be monetized. She is producing an online tv show basically. Same goes for the vinyl stuff, Time to produce, the pressing, promoting it, the why(s) of it, rants against spotify, etcs... just think about how much content she slurred out of hot topics that her subscribers watch (including me). it feels all so genuine which makes it almost genius in a way. I do believe she genuinely wants to be that artists though, but when I put it all together it seems to be a much more sophisticate business in which she uses herself as a character to sell the real product (content for streams snd subscribers), and that obviously isn't the concert ticket, not the vinyl, but views online views. That she sold tickets rather than inviting fans, sells vinyls is just lowering costs and making it real, she has to do that obviously. I also wondered why she wasn't putting her own music out and take money for views, and the answer you already gave in your video, it would scare people away, they are not watching the videos to see her making music, they want the stories and this is what she had to do to produce content about her experience. Anyway, these are my thoughts, I might be wrong on every assumption and maybe she is just genuinely vlogging about her route to fame, and then you are absolutely right about every point you made.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

My point is a positive one, for musicians now the product is KZbin, it is Patreon. So Mary's insistence on documenting her attempt at establishing herself is undone by the unreality of the situation she pretends to describe. This is further undone by the fact she is already wealthy, and so her attempt at becoming a music artist is itself an indulgence. In other words her videos are meaningless and misleading for the musicians who watch them. They are not real.

[@dan_15mm]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I am not disagreeing with your comments about the content in her videos, not at all. but I don't believe she was trying being realistic, it is just another form of 'clickbait', the place is seeded with content of touring not paying off, artists making 'huge' losses and she turned that narrative into some online version of reality tv milking this out with herself as main character. we all know that sort of stuff ain't real on regular tv but she looks genuine to a lot of people, 'small artist not backed by any label tries to break trough'. And of course its misleading and not helping musicians at all, obviously. (not that I ever had the feeling her channel was a good source from an educational point of view) I guess that on itself is a good enough reason for you to make this video, I am happy you did, maybe lot of people can't look through this kind of scheme.

[@AndrewjWilson]

My mate went to see Mary Spender with band ,at Liverpool Cavern club few months ago. Great funny video Andy 😂😂

[@erikmaronde2244]

"95% of music business is logistics" Devin Townsend

[@Activation1111]

If I am ever self fortune to record great music and have it to listen to and share with others,, on vinyl, cassette or CD. I would be extremely excited and happy. The hard work and dedication,, that goes into producing an album should not be taken for granted. The Financial challenges along with years and years of practice and hard work coming to fruition,, most be so gratifying. If I’m ever able to hold my own album/vinyl record in my hand,, I would kiss it as well & most likely cry. Reminiscing of all the challenges that I had to overcame (poverty, homelessness, the expensive vocal lessons, countless hours, practicing each instrument, understanding, production techniques, the expensive buying record equipment, learning how to communicate with musicians and other business types, booking gigs, making posters and flyers, creating art, losing my voice,, working extremely hard to get it back, losing family members along the way that I had wish I could’ve shared my dream with, proving the doubters wrong etc),, to manifest my dreams and hold it in my hand. To some people that’s no big deal. Maybe they have money or they were born into money. Maybe they have nepotism,,, famous or rich parents. That supported their dreams and goals. Maybe they struggled & starved,, year after year and found the way to make their dream come true. All of those descriptions of artist/people who work very hard to make their dreams come true,, are most fortunate. There are very few who will understand or even empathize,, with an artist that is struggling and trying to make their dreams come true. Most people only care about the end, result,, and can care less about how much you suffered in sacrifice to get to where you are. Very little sympathy for people while they’re in their struggle. But the artist must continue despite what others may think or feel. So if you’re an artist that has been able to manifest your dreams into this reality,, I commend you and congratulate you. For sticking it out and holding onto your vision. Doesn’t matter if you’re famous or not. Doesn’t matter if you’re rich or not,, you have proven something to yourself. That’s all that matters

[@JojoFryrocks]

A friend of mine once said I reminded them of Mary Poppins but they didn’t say why. I used to be a teacher so I’m inherently uncool 😂 conversely I think Mary Spender is pretty hipster-ish; she’s not a buttoned-up goody goody, there’s a cool, stand-offish thing in her portrayal of herself and I think it works.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

You may know more than me about this then. i can only judge it based upon my experience

[@Vertigo504]

lol she's about as hipster as Marks & Spencer or John Lewis

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

I do have trouble listening to her music, not my bag, maybe a little tooo nice and smooth... But she's done some cracking collaborations, maybe she needs to work with a musical collaborator to get the best out of her? Most of my favorite artists/bands writing is at least 2 people writing/arranging together, often a whole band chipping in little bits like "lets try it this way... nah, that didn't work, lets try it another way" and do it a few times before getting to the "Oh, that works better".

[@na-tusk]

Andy Andy Andy You were with drums quite handy Now talking down other musicians, is a plan to get subscribers out of them

[@A.I.vocalguy1096]

Mary's USP is her quintessential englishness,not something she does intentionally it's just natural

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

yes I agree

[@christopherkeller8189]

As a The Warning and Mary Spender fan I thank you for this perspective. The Warning was fan funded for years and wrote what they wanted. They signed and had to work with other song writers for their latest album. Their choice of the label's??

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

These two videos are related. My paternal attitude towards MS is a parody of the Warning fans

[@jerrypotente872]

Some very good practical advice Sandy a lot of the stuff you say really resonates with my own experience in the music business. I’ll have to check out this Mary spender. I know nothing about her, but I’ll look for her podcasts. Also, I can’t believe that you like two of my favorite blue eyed soul, singers, Rick Astley and the great great Michael McDonald. I bought that first cassette of Rick Astley and played it to death. Also, I have every CD that Michael McDonald has done as his own as well as a couple of those Doobie Brothers records OK nothing or shattering I’m saying here, but I really liked your take on being practical about the realities of working in the music business OK mate keep being a big spender.

[@jerrypotente872]

I meant Andy damn microphone typist lol!

[@tristanguillermotorriani5041]

Some people may regard this as unsolicited advice, but sometimes we do need it, particularly if it's coming from somebody in the know like Andy. Thanks to it, untold thousands might be spared from so much grief pursuing pointless dreams.

[@emanuelrusiecki6670]

Marys way more talented as a youtuber than as a musician. Same with Adam Neely.

[@JojoFryrocks]

@@emanuelrusiecki6670 Probably true

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Exactly!!!!! someone said it!!! Keep this to yourself...

[@westmus]

Mary actually got a lot of similarity with the ladies Warning. They all got really likeable personalities combined with an big talent for running the "company" right. Both Mary and the Mexican ladies clearly understand business and marketing and use it to the max for career gains.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes...and if you put these comments together it may be apparent what I'm saying here....

[@westmus]

​@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I agree with most you have said in the videos, despite having followed The Warning since they were just preteens. I found it really interesting to follow their journey, after realizing how perfect they as an new independent act were using the the modern possibilities to build an viable musical career. They were highly active on all SM platforms to build an supporting fanbase that in different ways also ment getting income sources and financing bigger projects. They basically acted like an lot of youtubers/influencers and used the same toolbox. They even later upgraded by hiring a guy that runs an SM marketing company as the bands manager. A guy that have an movie producer education and have worked in Hollywood. The "perfect" guy that knew the US showbusiness from the inside, while also having skills for making high quality music videos on low budgets and getting most out of all the social medias. Building an highly devoted fanbase was clearly a part of the bands business strategy.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Don't shoot me, and Mary seems like a great person, but her music/performance/persona is/are just too curated. Just no rough edges where I get an idea of her id/soul.Stevie Nicks (who I know she admires), let it all hang out, for good and bad, and became a legend.

[@babaluma77]

hilarious beginning. my feeling is that music youtubers don't do a great deal apart from pick at the carcass of rocknroll in a me, me, me, more me, desperate fashion , though a jazz rock fusion band with andy on kazoo and mary spender on a kurdish oud might be worth a shout.

[@blow-by-blowtrumpet]

Got to admit I cringed when you threw the vinyl. I thought they were empty covers but a pile of coats would also do it. Phew. Glad our priorities are aligned after all.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Hunter S. Thompson said it best: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side.” I like Mary Spender's music and all around vibe. She has a beautiful voice. The thing she lacks for me...is any sort of edge. I've been in bands that toured a little, and I worked for WEA. I've seen both sides and all I have to say is Yikes! Justin Hawkins had a really interesting interview with Rick Astley. He's an interesting guy. Actually, they both are. Justin Hawkins Rides Again is an excellent YT channel. Quite a few great interviews.

[@Payne2view]

Mary has already said that she isn't looking for a record industry deal.

[@mikeconway2383]

A KZbinr called Mary Spender, Had talent and became a trender. But the industry's faded. Best advice from the jaded, "Have you considered changing your gender?"

[@carlosgaspar8447]

how about the lyrics to "big spender" about popping the cork?

[@officialWWM]

Best video opening ever 😂😂 I feel like I’m watching an episode of The Young Ones 😂😂 Cheers for the laughs.

[@stevewest4994]

I hope Mary does a video where she replies to this. Particularly looking forward to her doing an impression of Andy--I don't know if she can do the Brummie accent, though.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I would be honoured if she did, and I hope she gets the humour...

[@nickvickers3486]

It's not the easiest accent to master... She'll probably scuff it and end up in the Black Country somewhere between Wolverhampton and Dudley!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Bilston

[@na-tusk]

Andy antagonises a fellow music communicator (with many more subscribers) in a bid to get more views. I doubt she will bite, she sounds far too smart for that.

[@PaddyBaxter-ji8in]

Rick Astley is very talented although his music isn’t my thing but the killer for me is that when he does interviews he keeps telling us how honest he is, “to be honest”, “if I’m honest”, “honestly”, “to be honest with you” etc. With Rick it never stops. You don’t say things like that to someone unless you’ve told them fibs or you know you’re going to tell them fibs even though you might not be telling them fibs at that particular point in time. I don’t know the guy but this makes it hard for me to take him seriously.

[@steverino015]

great job Andy.... not little pictures but big ones 😂😂

[@WiebeMusicClass]

Tasty chord at the end of your song

[@RossHMay]

and, i'm sitting here, smoking a White Owl, before i put my upright away,stoke a blunt 'n'go play hockey. Another great vid sir.Cheers from SpoCanada in the soon to be U$$@

[@theelderskatesman4417]

Oh dear he's on a Spender Bender again. Time for an intervention.

[@Gav24488]

Poking the bear again Andy? I'm all for it 😆

[@kgrant67]

I've watched a few of Mary's videos but I'm ashamed to see I never checked out her music until just now. Watched the live NAMM show she did. I can't believe how much she reminds me both in looks and the way her voice sounds of a younger Mary Chapin Carpenter. That's fine by me but I imagine it is kind of a niche market for today. I like her. I will listen some more

[@tombailey1059]

She doesn't want her channel to be her creative outlet. She wants to connect with hearts and minds through music. To say things that can't be expressed in any other fashion, and for people to hear what is being said.

[@peteratlanecove7436]

There are those who say you should not make your love your job, as it will steal the love. Not sure I agree with that, but its a perspective worth thinking about.

[@arzabael]

Cant beat it, andys like 99/1 for takes with me

[@coolguitarchannel]

Wow that opening bit with all the different characters was something else. I think Andy transcended

[@ledaswan5990]

He had a pretty good Wicked Witch of the East thing going for a second.

[@ArenHill]

A man giving a woman unsolicited advice - this is bound to end well 😂

[@giork2828]

..and he is white-r too! 😅

[@bluecrueful]

LOL

[@bimrebeats]

I’m pretty sure she won’t get past the 5 minute mark 😂

[@craigtodd8297]

@@bimrebeats He'll eventually take it down.

[@francis-808]

That’s partly why it’s great. 🎉

[@Randgalf]

That's the most roundabout way I've seen anyone working their way up to pleading for a Camel tribute.