Andy Smythe Band

Andy Smythe (guitar/vocals)
Jimmy Van Lin (mandolin)
Will Street (fiddle)
Paul Challenger (electric guitar)
Les Elvin (bass)
Oleg Katchinski (drums)

Support: Jo Girdlestone with Malcolm MacWatt (multi-instrumentalist)

Andy Smythe is a London-based singer-songwriter known for his soaring four-octave voice, poetic lyrics, and a distinctive retro-folk rock sound.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Bob Dylan and Jeff Buckley, Andy crafts songs that explore the human condition with emotional depth and melodic richness. His music blends intricate acoustic arrangements with thoughtful storytelling, often performed solo or alongside his talented bandmates Les Elvin (bass) and Jimmy Van Lin (mandolin), Will Street (fiddle) and Oleg Katchinski (drums).

Andy began his musical journey at 15, mastering guitar and piano before forming bands and writing prolifically during university. After moving to London, he immersed himself in the city’s vibrant live music scene, performing at iconic venues like The Green Note and The Borderline.

Over the years, he has released seven studio albums and is currently preparing for a 2026 folk club tour to support his eighth.

Despite the challenges of the modern music industry, Andy remains a passionate grassroots artist, committed to authenticity over trends. His live performances are celebrated for their warmth, energy, and lyrical resonance. With a sound that evokes the spirit of REM and The Waterboys, Andy Smythe continues to enchant audiences across the UK festival and folk circuit.

Jo Girdlestone is a Greenwich based singer-songwriter. Originally an ensemble theatre maker her life-long faith in stories (as a way of exploring what it is to be human) continues to drive her writing. Jo released her first album Somewhere Before in 2021 on the Global Fusion Record label, followed by a further 3 EP’s; Deep Water in 2022, Circle the Sun in 2024 and Pushing Back the Shadows in 2025. She’s been featured singer songwriter on BBC Radio Kent Folk and regularly performs on the South London live music scene, often in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist, friend and fellow singer songwriter Malcolm MacWatt.