Mt. Pleasant songwriter Andy Davis nominated for 3 Josie Music Awards

Mt. Pleasant native Andy Davis was happy to be nominated for an Academy of Country Music Award in 2017 for his work as an on-air radio personality at Pittsburgh country station Y108 FM.

But, after spending the past five years writing songs and working to gain recognition as a performer, Davis is even more excited about receiving three nominations for the 2021 Josie Music Awards, the nation’s largest independent music awards ceremony.

“I think it’s really cool because it’s all independent stuff,” said Davis, who is in the midst of working on new music. “I did kind of a re-branding effort to focus more on me as a solo artist, as opposed to the (previous version, the Andy Davis Band).”

After a year of covid restrictions and not nearly enough performance opportunities, Davis said he’s “being selective” about gigs this summer.

“Last year, I did a show at the Evergreen Drive-In that really started the momentum for what’s happening now,” Davis said. The livestreamed show was a benefit for the Westmoreland County Food Bank as well as the Theatre Factory and Greensburg Civic Theater.

“It showed me and my team that we’re capable of doing whatever we want, on our own terms,” Davis said. “We can do a lot cooler events when they’re based off of what we want to do.”

Much of Davis’ songwriting inspiration comes from shaking off the stress of his day and going for a drive in his truck.

“Sometimes the most inspiration is being able to drive around with a clear heard and not thinking intentionally about anything,” he said. “My favorite song is one that’s about to come out, called ‘Tonight.’”

Davis said he’s “been trying to write this song for three years.”

“It’s rock-edge, different-sounding song that I’ve been striving to have,” he said.

Work is under way on a music video, and Davis said he hopes to release “Tonight” later this summer.

In the meantime, he is working on scheduling performances and looking forward to the Josie Award announcements in the categories where he’s been nominated: Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

Davis said he looks forward to getting back out in front of fans.

“The ability to try and control the experience people are getting, and to control the financial end of it, is really neat,” he said.

The 7th annual Josie Music Awards will take place Sept. 17-18 at the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.