When he’s not lending his on-screen skills to projects as diverse as Sarah Polley’s Stories We Tell and TV shows like Being Erica, actor and musician Andrew Church fronts the Toronto indie band Hello Companion. We caught up with the native Haligonian to find out all about his intriguing career in the arts and where he kicks back in his downtime.
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I am a well rounded Haligonian who has been working in the arts for 10 years. I have acted in professional and independent theatre productions, and in such TV shows as Being Erica. A standout experience for me so far was acting in Sarah Polley’s recent documentary film Stories We Tell. I am also a songwriter, and I lead an indie/pop/rock group called Hello Companion. We released our debut EP entitled Here, in this over the summertime and played shows at Lee’s Palace and the Horseshoe Tavern.
If you had to choose between music and acting, which one would you choose and why?
Such a tough question! The two go together in so many ways in terms of performance, but I find songwriting can be a very intimate and personal experience because the only script you are following is your own. However, acting gives you the chance to bring out and share your most vulnerable feelings in front of an audience which is an amazing experience also. But, at this point in my life, I would say music. I am the Bo Jackson of the arts industry.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Music, family, friends!
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
In Toronto we are so lucky with having the food scene explode with amazing spots in the past two years. so many to choose from, but I always like The Harbord Room for its chilled out vibe and intimacy. I also like the late night eats at Oddseoul and Archive!
What’s next for you?
Up next is working on more music for Hello Companion and a solo side project of my own. I would like to work on a play this year too and do more film projects.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The band website is hellocompanion.ca.
