From Silence to Song: Andrew Spice’s Triumphant Return with Gentle Sentinel
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews


After two decades away from songwriting, Canadian artist Andrew Spice returns with “Gentle Sentinel,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad dedicated to his late cat, Bea. More than just a tribute, the song marks the emotional rekindling of a creative fire that had long been dormant. What began as a simple one-minute songwriting prompt from his friend and fellow musician Emm Gryner blossomed into a stirring, piano-led piece featuring Grammy-nominated string arranger Drew Jurecka. With Bea as both muse and emotional anchor, “Gentle Sentinel” captures the profound, often unspoken love between humans and their animal companions—a love that quietly carries us through grief, healing, and life’s most intimate moments.
We recently recently caught up with Andrew to ask some questions about his music.
Hi Andrew, tell us about your new single Gentle Sentinel and what inspired it?
Gentle Sentinel is a tribute to my cat Bea, who was 18 years old when I wrote it and has since sadly passed away. It was inspired because I needed to find a way back to music after a 20-year break, but was daunted by the prospect of writing again. I called up my good friend, accomplished musician and former Bowie bandmate Emm Gryner, to ask for advice, and she gave me the prompt of writing a "1-minute song about my cat." That prompt blossomed into Gentle Sentinel, which is longer than 1 minute and means so much more to me than I ever could have imagined.
You worked with Grammy nominee Drew Jurecka on the string arrangements - he’s worked with artists like Dua lipa - how did that come about? And what was the creative process like creating this song?
The producer of Gentle Sentinel, Matthew Barber, is a colleague of Drew's and asked him if he'd be willing to do a string arrangement. I'm very grateful that he agreed. Drew intuitively grasped what the song is all about and created some very touching moments, including a section in the later part of the song in which the strings seem to imitate the purr of a cat.
You’ve taken some time out of music and was nominated for the OutMusic award in 2003 - why did you decide to take time out and how has the industry changed since you last released music?
I decided to take time out because I was working several soul-sucking jobs to pay my bills. One of my jobs was at a call centre trying to convince people not to cancel their internet, which essentially meant getting yelled at all day. I wanted to be able to support myself and my art in a more meaningful and sustainable way. The time-out was a bit longer than expected - 20 years to earn a Ph.D., become a clinical psychologist, and build a thriving practice - but I'm very happy that now I can make music while also working as a professional who helps people.
The industry has changed completely since I last released music. Back then we connected through live shows, sold CDs, tried to get on the radio, and had no social media or streaming. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nostalgic for some of that.
Are you likely to release an album this year of full body of work - and what can we expect from that?
I'll be releasing my full album, 'With Animals', in late August 2025. You can expect raw, piano-based, brutally vulnerable songs. Sonically, there's a range from the soft, melancholy nature of Gentle Sentinel all the way to much grittier rock tunes.
If you could collaborate with any artist who would that be and why?
Right now it would be Tom Odell. He is a marvellous songwriter, pianist, and performer. If his lyrics are any indication of his true inner world, then there are some pretty deep similarities between his and mine.
What’s your relationship like with social media - do you love it or loathe it? How do you navigate it daily?
There are moments of both loving and loathing. Music and psychology have to do with hearing and words, whereas social media is visual, so it does not play to my natural strengths. I'm also not someone who likes to be photographed and filmed all the time. So I have to work really actively to accept that social media is now a necessity in music, and to try and find ways to make it fit with who I am.
When social media works well, it cultivates a sense of connection and belonging, sometimes in far-reaching places that wouldn't have been possible before. Lately, during these incredibly dark times in the world, the memes and humour can also bring a bit of levity.
What are the biggest hurdles you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Returning to music after a 20-year absence is a hurdle that I am very proud to have overcome. It's not a story you hear about very often. I could have easily just remained in the shadows, but I decided to work hard and make art again instead. I also don't make music for the masses, so I had to find the right support network who understands where I'm coming from.
When can we expect to see you in the UK - have you got any live dates planned?
If the fans go wild and ask for it, I'll be on a plane tomorrow!
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