One of music's finest new instrumentalists, Andy McKee is lauded by many critics and contemporaries as the most promising fingerstyle guitarist to arrive on the scene in some time. Born in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing on his 13th birthday when his father bought him a classical guitar. It was not long after that Andy got his first electric guitar and began emulating some of his favorite players: James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci of Dream Theater.

And then came a breakthrough: On Andy's 16th birthday, his cousin dragged ... (+) expand

One of music's finest new instrumentalists, Andy McKee is lauded by many critics and contemporaries as the most promising fingerstyle guitarist to arrive on the scene in some time. Born in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing on his 13th birthday when his father bought him a classical guitar. It was not long after that Andy got his first electric guitar and began emulating some of his favorite players: James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and John Petrucci of Dream Theater.

And then came a breakthrough: On Andy's 16th birthday, his cousin dragged him to an acoustic workshop by a guitarist named Preston Reed. For a budding metalhead, it was a truly mindblowing experience. Andy soon discovered the music of three other acoustic giants who remain his primary influences today: Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and Billy McLaughlin.

Four years later, Andy began composing. He released his first CD, Nocturne, in 2001.

In 2003, Andy toured Taiwan with renowned guitarists Jacques Stotzem, Isato Nakagawa, and Masaaki Kishibe. He also placed 1st in the Miscellaneous Acoustic Instrument contest in his home state of Kansas.

In 2004, Andy Released his 2nd CD, Dream Catcher. In the time since, he has won over audiences throughout the world, including Japan, China, Belgium, England and Canada. In late 2005, Andy signed to Candyrat records, joining his hero and new labelmate, Don Ross. He posted a video on YouTube.com upon joining the label and has since received over 20 million hits and is currently the #1 Most Downloaded Artist of all time.

Throughout Andy's rise to international recognition, he has remained the consummate musician with the purest of motives. "Most of all," he says, "I hope my music communicates something to the listener. I don't just want to be recognized for my technique. I hope listening to my music is an emotional experience!" (-) collapse