Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

July 4, 1971 in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

 

Andy Creeggan is a Canadian musician and composer, best known for his work as a founding member of the popular band Barenaked Ladies. Born on July 4, 1971, in Scarborough, Ontario, Creeggan grew up in a musical family and began playing piano at a young age. His father, Jim Creeggan Sr., was a music teacher and his mother, Mary Creeggan, was a singer and pianist. Creeggan attended the University of Toronto, where he studied music composition and theory. While in college, he met Ed Robertson and Steven Page, and the three formed Barenaked Ladies in 1988. Creeggan played keyboards, accordion, and percussion for the band, and also contributed vocals and songwriting. Barenaked Ladies quickly gained a following in Canada and the United States, thanks to their catchy pop-rock songs and humorous lyrics. The band's breakthrough came in 1991 with the release of their album "Gordon," which included the hit single "If I Had $1000000." Creeggan's accordion playing was a key part of the band's sound, and he also wrote several songs for their albums. In 1995, Creeggan left Barenaked Ladies to pursue other musical projects. He released his first solo album, "Andiwork," in 1996, which showcased his skills as a composer and arranger. The album featured a mix of classical and pop influences, and included collaborations with other musicians such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Creeggan continued to work as a composer and performer, collaborating with a variety of artists in different genres. He composed music for film and television, including the theme song for the Canadian TV show "The Red Green Show." He also worked with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, arranging and performing his own compositions with the ensemble. In 2002, Creeggan released his second solo album, "Home," which featured a more stripped-down sound than his previous work. The album included a mix of original songs and covers, and showcased Creeggan's talents as a singer and guitarist. Creeggan continued to work on various musical projects over the years, including collaborations with other musicians and composers. In 2017, he released a new solo album, "AndiSongs Vol. 1," which featured a collection of original songs and covers. Throughout his career, Creeggan has been recognized for his contributions to music. He has won several awards, including a Juno Award for Best Children's Album for his work on "Snacktime!" with Barenaked Ladies. He has also been praised for his innovative approach to music, blending classical and pop influences to create a unique sound. In addition to his musical work, Creeggan is also an advocate for environmental causes. He has worked with organizations such as Greenpeace and the David Suzuki Foundation to promote sustainability and conservation. Overall, Andy Creeggan is a talented musician and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His work with Barenaked Ladies helped to define the sound of Canadian pop-rock in the 1990s, and his solo work has showcased his skills as a composer and arranger. With his innovative approach to music and his commitment to environmental causes, Creeggan continues to be a respected and influential figure in the music industry.

More....