Andy was born and grew up in a quiet corner of Stourbridge in the West Midlands. At 19 worked and travelled in Canada for five months, returning to the UK where he began studying at Derby University with a few months out in the U.S as part of his studies. Time away from home gave him the inspiration and freedom to explore and fine tune his song writing abilities, creating the natural, warm and soulful sound that has become the core essence of his music. Through a temporary contract with Indie label Daddy Fresh Music he released his debut download track 'Rhymes of Reason' in June 2006 which received regular airplay on BBC 6 Music. "Rarely have a simple guitar and voice sounded so complete. Sounding both timelessly authentic and thrillingly new, its clear Andy Richards is destined to be the nation’s next favourite troubadour." - Daddy Fresh Music