✦ The first spark from the new album Superior Vena Cava
In the ever-changing streets of East Nashville, Andrew Adkins has built his own silent universe, transforming music from a mere collection of notes into a story written with blood and pain. His new single A Mouthful of Blood captures a magical moment where the physical ache of a toothache meets the emotional wound of a broken heart. Born in just 20 minutes, this melody carries the weight and depth of years. In his home studio, Andrew stands as producer, musician, and harshest critic of his own work.
The track released today also offers the first hints of the upcoming album Superior Vena Cava, set to meet listeners on September 12th. Like its name, the album’s songs carry creative energy from the folds of the brain to the deepest chambers of the heart.
✦ In Andrew’s own words:
“At first, it was thought to be a calmer, acoustic piece. I almost gave up on it.”
But that night, sitting in front of an old Casio synth, listening to his inner voice, A Mouthful of Blood transformed into something entirely new.
Superior Vena Cava — one of the body’s most vital veins — carries the wounds in the artist’s soul, sometimes causing pain, sometimes healing. Andrew’s musical journey evolves from powerful blues riffs to neo-psychedelic touches; every note lightens the burden of the past while growing hope for the future. Now, he is mature, profound, and most importantly: uniquely himself.
✦ Interview: Andrew Adkins on “A Mouthful of Blood”
Before the release, IndieBird Studio sat down with Andrew Adkins for a brief conversation.
Can you tell us about the songwriting process? It sounds like an interesting story.
“It actually started as a much simpler, acoustic guitar track. Nothing was coming through, I almost threw it away. One night, I just sat down at an old Casio CZ-101 synth out of boredom. That sneaky, eerie bass intro just spilled out. I picked up the guitar, and the song wrote itself in 20 minutes. At the time, I was seeing someone — it was over. And I was also dealing with a toothache. Bleeding gums, a broken heart… The lyrics came right then. I was literally writing a love song with blood in my mouth.”
You handled everything on the album yourself. How does this creative process fit for you?
“It’s been like this for the last few albums too, I guess I’ve embraced this method. No waiting on others, no scheduling rehearsals… You move at your own pace, in your own space. It’s very liberating but also lonely. There’s no one to exchange ideas with. You make all the decisions alone, which sometimes leads to deep self-questioning. But when a song is born in your head first, then sounds exactly as you imagined — that feeling is priceless.”
Where does the album title Superior Vena Cava come from?
“I first heard the term in The Exorcist III. It just sounded cool. Then, when I learned what it meant, I connected it to the creative process. All ideas flow from the brain to the heart, just like this vein. I also liked the double meaning the name carries. It could even work as a fancy coffee or liquor brand — like ‘only the best vena cava.’”
How is today’s Andrew Adkins different from your past band days?
“Definitely different. As you age, you see life from a different place. I’m not chasing parties at night anymore. I listen to the same music, but my ears are more selective. I don’t want to badmouth the past, but the satisfaction I feel making music now — it’s a first in my career. This album is truly the Andrew of 2025.”
East Nashville meant a lot to you. How is your connection with it these days?
“Sadly, something’s been lost. The simple but magical vibe that drew me there is gone. I spent a year almost locked between four walls during the album process. This time, it didn’t matter where I was. Whether in Japan or Idaho, this album would have been the same. Because it was entirely introspective. Maybe that’s why it feels so real.”
✦ Final Word
A Mouthful of Blood is not just a song — it’s a state of mind, a moment of collapse, a creative explosion. Andrew Adkins stands before us with a track that carries the traces of his past and builds his future.
IndieBird Studio is proud to witness this moment. We’re already excited for the album.
