For anyone who doesn’t know, Black Veil Brides front man Andy Biersack has veered off the path a little bit and created a solo project that he is calling “Andy Black”. It started back in 2014 with one song, which he did a music video for. Now, he’s got an entire album coming out in May of this year. (Stay tuned for a review immediately after release – I am BEYOND pumped).
Prior to the release though, he has, to date, released three songs off the album. Stay Alive is the second of the three, and I’d like to talk about it for a minute.
First of all, Andy had Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio come in and sing a little bit on the song. Anyone who knows Andy, knows that this is a HUGE deal for him. Alkaline Trio was one of his favourite bands growing up, and has always said that they are his number one influence lyrically. So having their singer on his new album, is really cool. I’m honestly super happy that that worked out so well for him. I know he’s pretty happy about it too.
So far, the album is (as expected) quite different from that of Black Veil Brides – hence why he felt the need to make it separate from the band in the first place. It’s heading more in the direction of pop, but he hasn’t completely lost his edge.
Another thing he hasn’t lost, is the meaning he puts behind his lyrics. He could release a song in the style of a top 40 hit for all I care, because I know that even if the music is different than anyone is expecting, his lyrics will not disappoint. Every single Black Veil Brides song has meaning behind it. Not a single line is trivial or frivolous, and it seems the same can be said for his solo project.
Andy has always been a huge advocate for standing up for yourself, staying true to who you are, and just generally being yourself. That’s the whole main idea behind Black Veil Brides’ entire message, and it’s the central idea to most of their songs. Andy Black is no exception.
“Stay alive for the good times, stay alive through the bad”
A simple line, and yet a powerful message. The whole song is an anthem for those who are struggling to stay positive through any sort of a tough time.
The music itself is catchy, bouncy and has more of a poppy feel, and yet the lyrics really do take on a darker message.
It talks about rage, pain, fear and carrying on alone. But, it talks about getting through it. It talks about Staying Alive.
In typical Andy Fashion, it’s dark, it’s deep, it’s meaningful, and it’s catchy.
I just really liked this song and I’m super excited for the album, so I wanted to share! 🙂
You can listen to the song below, don’t be afraid to tell me what you think in the comments!
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