Releasing new album at home 'feels awesome' says Thessalon musician (11 photos)

Andy Chillman and the Chill Men celebrated the release of his second recording, At the Fork in the Road, at the Grand Theatre this past weekend.

Although Chillman relocated from Thessalon to London, Ont. two decades ago, he regularly enlists the talents of two local musicians who just happen to be his best childhood friends – drummer Derek Turner and bass player Mike Bird.

Because of their connection, long distance recording and gigging are not issues.

“When you grow up playing from Kindergarten with the same guys… it makes it easier,” Chillman said. “We can get together the night before a show and do a run through a feel pretty good about it.”

He told SooToday he feels a bit more connected to this current release because of his relationship with the band and the recording process. His first solo release, Up Hill Both Ways, was a bit doctored together, he explained, attempting to record everything himself. That’s when he realized he needed “Derek, the human metronome.”  

Although Chillman says his touring days may be behind him, he does plan on performing a few shows around southern Ontario, and hosting an album release in Sault Ste. Marie “feels awesome.”  

“There’s so many more friends and family back here than down south,” he said. “I built up a community down there of friends and people I call family. But it’s not the same.”

More information about Andy Chillman can be found here. His music is available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify.