INTERVIEW: Andrew Mitch Won't Apologize For Being Queer in Country Music

Nashville's Andrew Mitch has a voice that belongs on the radio and a pop sensibility that is way too catchy to ignore. On his newest single "unapologetic," Mitch's rich voice and pitch-perfect twang steadfastly reject what he terms the "Nashville normal" of Carhartts and pick-up trucks and instead asks how country music could be if people wore their hearts on their sleeves. In Mitch's class, that's living as an out gay man.

Mitch first drew attenton in September 2023, he released his first single “all in my head”, a heartfelt anthem that struck a chord with fans across the world. The song’s vivid hometown storytelling and heartfelt hook, “I know that it’s all in my head/ Cuz they’ll just wish you were a girl instead,” earned him a peak spot at #94 on the US iTunes country charts, hundreds of thousands of streams.

In our interview, Mitch discusses his influences and the ways he has found a home as a queer artist in mainstream country.

Who are some of your musical influences? 

My influences range quite a bit, but they're usually in that country-pop (sometimes singer/songwriter) crossover realm. Artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Avery Anna, Ashley Kutcher, Ingrid Andress, Josh Kerr, and Nicole Galyon are some of my favorite artists. I've always been inspired by their sonic approach to country/pop music and by their honest, relatable lyrics. They've shown me just how broad being an artist can be and that it's ok to not fit what is "normal" for a genre. They inspire other artists, like myself, to be authentic and real with their fans - and that's what I hope I can do for others too.

Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why? 

It truly depends on the song. For some songs, I've created an entirely produced backtrack before I even write a single word or know what the song is going to be about. And for others, I have a lyric in my phone that I play with on the piano or guitar. What's become so important to me now is just making sure that my lyrics and production are reflective of what I want to see under my name, and not necessarily what is "normal" or "better" for the fans, country music, etc. That raw honesty is starting to open a lot more doors, and it's helped me grow so much as a songwriter, an artist, and even just as a person.

What is your vision for a more just music industry? 

I've always said that I create country music purely for the love of the music. I'm not trying to stomp on anyone's cowboy boots or make my entire brand around pushing LGBT+ representation in country music. I'm simply being myself and telling my stories, just like any other artist. Because at the end of the day: I don't want any special treatment or a life different from straight singers. My love songs just so happen to be about men, and some of the heartbreak I've felt came from coming out - those are my stories. And as time goes by, the music industry is beginning to normalize that diversity and the real-life stories LGBT+ artists like myself bring to the table. A "more just music industry" would simply be one where we can all, regardless of gender/orientation/background, create art reflective of our real lives.

What words did you need to hear as you explored your identity? 

Coming out in a religious, conservative town was an...interesting experience to say the least. It definitely wasn't easy, but I quickly found people that supported me and my journey. And while I still feel like I'm learning so much about myself and what I want, the thing I needed to hear most, especially in those beginning stages, was from my parents: "You can always come home." Regardless of what we agree or disagree on, they've always told me that I'm their child, and that their children are always welcome home. Hearing my mom say that all those years ago still makes me tear up.

How have you healed or grown your relationship to country music/Americana? 

I've always wanted to exist in the industry and just be myself, and over time country music has become so much more accepting of LGBT+ artists. With representation from CMA Country Proud, CMT Pride, Proud Radio on Apple Music Country (all of which I've had the honor of being featured on), I've become so much more comfortable with being authentic and real with fans, strangers at shows, and even with myself. Country music is a genre based on storytelling - I'm just telling mine.

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