ANDREW CUSHIN was once playing Non-League football for Newcastle Benfield – now he’s sharing the studio with Noel Gallagher.
The 24-year-old Geordie, who wanted to be a PE teacher, has also now teamed up with Aston Martin and headlined a gig at the F1 team’s revamped £200million base.
Cushin has been championed by both Oasis star Gallagher and Pete Doherty, and has also played as the support act for One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.
His career cranked up another gear after teaming up with Lawrence Stroll’s Aston Martin to perform at the team’s Soundcheck Concert at their Silverstone HQ last week.
Ex-England manager Steve McLaren was in the crowd watching Cushin, who is a die-hard Newcastle fan.
Cushin said: “I’m quite new to F1 but learning about the sport. I’ve never performed in front of an F1 car before so that was pretty cool.
“It’s great to see Aston Martin Aramco getting behind music and showing support for artists.
“I’ve always felt that music and sport belong together so I’m really proud to begin collaborating with a brand that values creativity and inclusivity.
“Music always brings people together and these events will bring amazing energy to inspire the team and its fans.
“I’m a big Fernando Alonso fan now!”
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Cushin started out playing his songs around the pubs of Newcastle and within three weeks he had secured a manager with links to Gallagher.
Cushin’s manager worked for British Airways in Heathrow and Oasis came through the terminal.
Gallagher’s guitar had gone missing on a flight which the manager found and sent first class to the Oasis singer.
The two stayed in touch ever since through text, and Cushin’s manager, who is also a friend from his coaching days, came to his second-ever gig.
He took a video of Waiting For the Rain, a song that Cushin wrote, he sent it to Gallagher who got in touch and gave his seal of approval.
Cushin produced demos and sent them to Gallagher, who put him in touch with a record label – and the rest is history.
Cushin said: “Noel was interested to do a song with me. We got the ball rolling with it. He is a top bloke, he has given me the opportunity to change my life which I’m forever grateful for.
Gallagher produced, sang backing vocals and played guitar on Cushin’s 2020 track “Where’s My Family Gone”.
Cushin added: “The best bit of advice Noel gave us was told us to graft.
“He just said keep your head down, work hard and write, write, write.”
The Aston Martin F1 Team Technology Campus includes a brand new experience centre, complete with a stage which Cushin played on.
There is also a spin studio, running track, gym and restaurant at their revamped base.
It is a lot different to the muddy pitches which Cushin used to perform on for his goalkeeping days in youth Non League football.
He said: “Unfortunately I can’t play football anymore. It wasn’t an easy decision hanging the gloves up.
“My goalkeeping hero was Shay Given back when he was at the Toon. I had the pleasure of meeting him as a youngster once or twice, top bloke.”
Aston Martin are going to bring Cushin to perform on the F1 paddock next year for media, fans and guests.
His second album is due to be launched in spring next year and he also has tours planned for UK, USA and Europe throughout 2025.
