Michael Andrews

Biography

Michael Andrews is an American musician, composer, and record producer acclaimed for his innovative film scores and emotionally rich soundscapes. Born on November 17, 1967, in San Diego, California, Andrews developed a deep interest in music from a young age, mastering multiple instruments and exploring various genres before entering the professional music scene.

He began his career as a guitarist and keyboardist with the San Diego-based band The Origin in the early 1990s. Later, he became part of the experimental music group The Greyboy Allstars, where he honed his skills in funk, jazz, and improvisation. These early experiences shaped his unique musical sensibility, blending electronic, orchestral, and organic elements.

Andrews gained widespread recognition for his haunting and minimalist score for the cult classic film Donnie Darko (2001). His cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” featuring singer Gary Jules, became a global hit and remains one of the most iconic film soundtrack songs of the 2000s.

Building on that success, Andrews went on to compose for a wide range of acclaimed films and television series, including Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005), Cyrus (2010), Bridesmaids (2011), The Five-Year Engagement (2012), and Bad Teacher (2011). His music is known for its emotional depth, atmospheric tones, and ability to enhance storytelling through subtlety and texture.

Beyond film composition, Andrews has produced and collaborated with various artists across genres, earning respect as both a creative and technical innovator in contemporary music.