Wigan man says 'music has helped transform my life' after dark times

A musician, whose new track has been hitting national airwaves, has revealed how music helped him through some of the darkest times of his life.
Andrew Cantwell is on a mission to create more positivity across WiganAndrew Cantwell is on a mission to create more positivity across Wigan
Andrew Cantwell is on a mission to create more positivity across Wigan

Standish resident Andrew Cantwell recently released his new song, Watching The World Go By, which has already received airtime on the likes of Pulse FM, and the London station Dark Side of Camden.

And the track’s success is just the latest chapter in his inspiring story of recovery from alcoholism, to going teetotal, enrolling at a music college and setting up his own firm to help others in need.

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Andrew, a guitarist and vocalist, recorded the track at TMP Studios in Pemberton, where he is currently studying music performance.

The 48-year-old, who is originally from Renfrew, just outside of Glasgow, but has lived in Wigan since 2000, revealed how he had battled through some tragic periods in his life, to find solace in music.

“It’s been a hard two years, having lost my wife Diane to Sepsis, which took me to a very dark place and sheer isolation and negativity,” he said.

“But I decided to turn that around and turn my negative into a positive and stop drinking and do something with my life.

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“I stopped drinking 18 months ago and I know it’s a cliché but it’s the best decision I have ever made. I’ve lost seven stone or so in weight and have a far better life than alcohol and love nothing more than walking around this beautiful town.

“I also set up my own business, Positive Wigan, to give something back to the people and change the negative attitude of many.

“I hope to develop this further once I finish college and hopefully all going well have a hub for the music and Wigan’s first community radio station, turning a negative into a positive.”

He added: “There’s no better way than to create music write songs and play live. I couldn’t have done it alone and not being sober. Music is power.”

Andrew set up Positive Wigan last April.

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The marketing company aims to promote the town’s sometimes under appreciated businesses, community organisations and arts and cultural groups.

It is hoped that the business, which offers packages of sales and marketing services including adverts, social media content, web design and help reaching customers online, will help to counter negative views people still have of Wigan.

Watching The World Go By can be listened to at reverbnation.com/andrewjcantwell