HE has recently been supporting some of the biggest names in music, but when he goes home, singer Andrew Cushin says his feet are soon planted back on the ground.

The Newcastle songwriter says there is no time to let things go to his head after playing alongside Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and The Libertines, as he has a “good set of pals, who are very quick to shoot me back down to earth, if I am giving it the big one.”

Laughing, he adds: “when I come home, I am always very quick to hit normal life again, either by going to football, putting my washing on or having to clean the windows.”

The singer is no stranger to playing acoustic sets, but when he headlines the This Feeling stage at Truck Festival tomorrow, he will play killer songs, including from his debut EP You Don’t Belong, with a full band.

And while he has made plenty of memories in 2022 already, Andrew says nothing compares with playing an acoustic set at St James’ Park at rugby Super League’s Magic Weekender earlier this month.

“As a fan, I have sat everywhere in that ground and have been all over the country watching Newcastle, so it was an absolute pleasure to walk out wearing the home shirt to play my music in front of 32,000 people.

Herald Series: Andrew Cushin. Picture by Rhona Murphy

Andrew Cushin. Picture by Rhona Murphy

“I thought I was going to be performing in the stands, so to be on the centre circle was amazing. The good thing about rugby is that you can drink in the stand, so most people were watching rather than being down on the concourse during the break.”

Andrew sees the timetable for his own ambitions to being like those of his favourite football club following its change of ownership last year.

“For both of us, it is about building the foundations now for a bigger achievement in five years’ time. No one is expecting an overnight success.”

He adds: “I am only 22 and I have the stamina to graft as much as I can now. I know young musicians don’t always have a massively long shelf live, so it is going to be hard work, but its what I signed up to. I suppose I am on a five-year plan just like the Toon are.

“I want to make this a career, I am fortunate enough that at the minute it is my job, and I can survive on its income now, but I know that may not last for ever. I am always looking for the next gig. Normally I get a little bit restless after two or three days not playing.”

On Saturday, before heading to Truck, the singer will play an intimate festival at Newcastle Benfield FC, the local club where he played his first gigs “singing covers during poker nights” and where he played to a “fairly decent standard” in goal before sacrificing saving shots for playing the guitar.

Herald Series: Andrew Cushin plays Truck tomorrow. Playing live, right. Picture by Rhona Murphy

Andrew is a big fan of Saturday night Truck headliner and fellow Geordie Sam Fender, who he says, together with Newcastle football club, “is helping unify the whole city”. He added that “it is almost becoming cool to wear a Newcastle shirt to support Sam Fender, even if you are not a football fan,”

He also hopes Truck may provide an opportunity for a reunion with Serge of Sunday headliners Kasabian, who was one of the first musicians he met at the start of his career and “someone who gave me advice”. He added: “Hopefully, he remembers who I am!”

Andrew Cushin headlines the This Feeling stage, Truck festival on Sunday.

He tours in October including London Lafayette on October 7. More at andrewcushin.com.