Andrew Cushin’s journey from non-league football fields to sharing studio space with rock icon Noel Gallagher is a testament to talent, serendipity, and relentless dedication. The 24-year-old Geordie, once aspiring to be a PE teacher and honing his goalkeeping skills for Newcastle Benfield, now finds himself at the forefront of a burgeoning music career, with support from industry giants and a partnership with the prestigious Aston Martin Formula 1 team. This remarkable ascent began in the familiar setting of Newcastle pubs, where Cushin’s early performances quickly caught the attention of a manager with a fortuitous connection to Gallagher.
This chance encounter, stemming from the manager’s role at Heathrow Airport and his assistance in recovering Gallagher’s misplaced guitar, laid the groundwork for Cushin’s breakthrough. The manager, also a friend from Cushin’s footballing days, recognized the potential in his music and shared a video of Cushin performing his original song, “Waiting For the Rain,” with Gallagher. The Oasis star’s immediate approval and subsequent guidance propelled Cushin into the professional music sphere. Gallagher’s mentorship extended beyond mere encouragement; he produced, contributed backing vocals, and played guitar on Cushin’s 2020 track, “Where’s My Family Gone,” effectively launching the young artist onto a larger stage. This collaboration not only provided invaluable experience but also instilled in Cushin the importance of hard work and consistent songwriting, advice that has clearly resonated throughout his career.
Cushin’s recent performance at Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art F1 Technology Campus at Silverstone further solidified his rising status. Headlining the Soundcheck Concert at the team’s revamped £200 million headquarters, Cushin played to a crowd that included former England football manager Steve McLaren, further blurring the lines between his past and present passions. This partnership with Aston Martin, facilitated by team owner Lawrence Stroll, signals a commitment to integrating music and motorsport, two worlds that often intersect in terms of energy, passion, and global appeal. The performance, held in front of an Aston Martin F1 car, provided a unique and inspiring backdrop for Cushin’s music and marked a significant milestone in his career. He now counts two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso amongst his fans, a testament to the broad reach of his music.
The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus, with its brand new experience centre, stage, spin studio, running track, gym, and restaurant, offers a striking contrast to the muddy pitches of Cushin’s footballing days. While he admits to missing the sport and cites Shay Given as his goalkeeping hero, Cushin acknowledges the difficult but necessary decision to hang up his gloves in pursuit of his musical aspirations. The support he’s received from Aston Martin extends beyond the Silverstone concert. The team plans to feature Cushin on the F1 paddock next year, providing him with an even wider audience of media, fans, and guests from around the world. This exposure, coupled with the release of his second album in spring 2024 and planned tours across the UK, USA, and Europe in 2025, promises to further elevate his profile and solidify his place in the music industry.
Cushin’s story is a captivating blend of chance encounters, hard work, and the unwavering support of established figures in the music industry. From the serendipitous meeting orchestrated by his manager to the mentorship and collaboration with Noel Gallagher, each step has propelled him closer to realizing his musical dreams. His partnership with Aston Martin, a brand synonymous with luxury, performance, and innovation, adds another layer of prestige to his burgeoning career. This collaboration, coupled with his upcoming album release and planned tours, positions Cushin for continued success and solidifies his transition from non-league footballer to a rising star in the music world. His journey underscores the power of pursuing one’s passions with unwavering dedication and the potential for unexpected opportunities to transform one’s life.
From humble beginnings playing in local pubs to performing at a state-of-the-art F1 headquarters, Cushin’s trajectory is remarkable. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and the transformative power of mentorship. With the support of industry heavyweights like Noel Gallagher, the backing of a global brand like Aston Martin, and a clear vision for his future, Andrew Cushin is poised to continue captivating audiences worldwide and solidifying his place as a prominent figure in the music landscape. His journey is a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and the unpredictable nature of fate, ultimately propelling him from the football field to the global stage.
