Fusing folk, pop and acoustic elements, Andrew Hoyt is headlining at Wooly’s on April 25 to celebrate the release of his first EP.
If you were at Wells Fargo Arena exactly one year ago, on April 16, 2024, to see AJR, then you may remember the opener who took the stage just before the main act. But what you probably don’t know is the opener, Andrew Hoyt, was contacted just hours before the show to perform on stage in front of thousands. A whole lot more people than he was used to playing for.
“Getting that call, it was such a surprise,” Hoyt says. “I knew this was an opportunity of a lifetime. Even if it meant I only had two hours to prepare, do sound check and lighting. It felt so surreal and was a very serious validation of my career.”
A Grimes native, Hoyt has been a musician for over a decade. He taught in the public schools for five years and played shows during the evenings and weekends. Sometimes as many as six shows in a week. But he always knew he wanted to play for bigger crowds, in larger cities, where his music would be recognized and sought after. He gave up his career as a teacher in 2023 to focus on music full time, releasing his first album, Fine, shortly after. But it was the unexpected call to open for AJR that gave him the extra push to do something bigger.
“I remember looking out into the crowd and in the first row saw one of my former students,” Hoyt says. “It was a full circle moment. Being on stage playing my music to hundreds of people and having someone I knew cheering me on from right in front of me.”
Now, a year later, Hoyt is taking to the stage but this time to headline his own show.
His newest EP is the product of two years in the making. He’s worked with producer Lucas Morton, among other writers and musicians, in Nashville to make the songs come to life. “I know what I want to say in a song, but I don’t always know how to say it in the best way. Working with other writers enhances the creative process and the words just roll,” Hoyt says.
He views this project as a step into a serious role as a musician.
“It’s original, genuine, buttoned up and chill,” Hoyt says of his EP. “I’m excited to share these news songs with everyone that are fresh but still hold true to who I am as a musician and what I put out into the world.”
To celebrate the release of his EP, Hoyt is headlining at Wooly’s on Friday, April 25. Typically a one man band, he will be backed by 10 other musicians, a treat for both him and the audience. You can already listen to a few singles from the EP, including “Moody” and “Caught in the Middle,” but two new songs will be played for the first time at Wooly’s.
“If any show would be fun to come to, this would be the one,” Hoyt says. It will be a whole new Andrew Hoyt experience, but don’t worry, if you’re used to seeing him perform solo, there will still be elements of just that. Grab your tickets to be part of this unforgettable night at Wooly’s supporting a local musician achieve his dreams.
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