More than two decades after its initial release, Andrew Spice revisits the haunting beauty of his 2003 debut with “Pretty Demons (Remastered 2026).” A seminal work of queer indie-folk, the album has been revitalized with a clarity that highlights its enduring relevance in a world still navigating the complexities of identity, isolation, and survival.
Stream the Remastered Album here
A Dream Realized: The Gryner Connection
The story of Pretty Demons began in 1998 when a 16-year-old Spice handed a cassette tape to his hero, three-time JUNO nominee Emm Gryner, while she was opening for Alanis Morissette. That moment sparked a creative partnership that saw Spice move from his parents’ basement in Winnipeg to a professional studio in Toronto.
- Critical Acclaim: Upon its original release, the album earned rave reviews, with The Toronto Star noting it “puts his finger on our collective hearts.”
- Accolades: The record earned a nomination for Outstanding Debut Recording at the OutMusic Awards, cementing Spice’s place in the queer musical canon.
The Psychologist’s Return
Following his debut, Spice took a nearly unprecedented 22-year hiatus to earn a Ph.D. and establish himself as a clinical psychologist. He made a stunning return to music in 2025 with the album With Animals, produced by Matthew Barber. The success of that sophomore effort—performing at the National Arts Centre and gaining worldwide airplay—paved the way for this thoughtful look back at the “Demons” that started it all.
Focus Single: “Unafraid”
The remastered collection is anchored by the moody, piano-driven lead single “Unafraid.” * The Context: The track reflects on the visceral anxieties of growing up queer in rural Manitoba during the late 90s.
- The Irony: While the title speaks to a longing for freedom, the tension in the arrangement mirrors the constant state of hyper-vigilance often required for survival—a feeling Spice notes is still strikingly present in 2026.
“Remastering Pretty Demons reaffirmed my pride in the record, feeling that it could resonate with listeners perhaps even more today than it did in 2003.” — Andrew Spice
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
In addition to making music I’m also a clinical psychologist, so that’s what keeps me busy when I’m not at the piano. My path has been a bit unusual. After releasing my debut album, Pretty Demons, in 2003 (which has now been remastered and re-released in 2026), I earned a Ph.D. and built a career in psychology. When musical inspiration struck again, it led to the release of my sophomore album, With Animals, in 2025 – after a lengthy 22-year break. All of my time in psychology has informed my music, and vice-versa.
How would you describe your music?
A queer male voice and piano steadily at the centre, driving vulnerable lyrics with dashes of dark humour. When NOW Magazine described my lyrics as “carefully wrought poems,” I felt so understood! Language is my tool in both psychology and music, and I try to use it to maximum effect. When arranging songs musically, it is all about what will serve the lyrics as well as the piano and vocal at the core. There are softer, ballad-structured songs with strings, lush full-band songs, and more rollicking rock tunes with wild electric guitar.
What about your music is rebellious, unconventional, or unusual?
A continuous thread throughout my music is the experience of being an outsider, which I think by definition is unconventional and unusual and also necessitates rebellion against the norm every day. I sing about topics such as surviving sexual violence, the privilege and danger associated with certain forms of identity, and an eternal search for belonging – not unprecedented topics of music, by any means, but also not terribly conventional. Have you heard a man singing about surviving sexual violence lately? I’ve often heard that I have an unusual voice, which I’ve learned to embrace. I’m not to everyone’s taste, but the fans that like me REALLY like me. Lastly, I think it’s rebellious that I’m out here at 43 years old and putting my songs front and centre as opposed to trying to sell youth, sex, or beauty. Whatever the outcome, there’s solace in knowing that that takes courage.
Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I want to do that!”?
I saw Tori Amos perform Caught a Lite Sneeze on SNL when I was 13 years old, and that caused a tectonic shift in me. She was switching back and forth between playing the harpsichord and piano, wailing, uttering heart-shattering lyrics, and looking stunningly beautiful. I perceived that she was accessing and providing a profound force. Mine is not the story of being a child prodigy – age 13 is quite late to start studying music. But that was the moment I started piano and voice lessons. I practiced hard, and it wasn’t long before I was winning classical music competitions. I was actually on track toward becoming a classical concert pianist, and then I met 3-time JUNO nominee Emm Gryner, who encouraged me to write my own music and eventually produced Pretty Demons. No regrets about how it all turned out.
Are you planning any videos for your music?
I’m really proud of the video for “Rage Stage,” a song from With Animals (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFLQhIiYVh8). I consider myself a bit of diss track queen – I’ve written quite a lot of them, and “Rage Stage” is my favourite. I made this video with my dear friend and filmmaker Mark Pariselli. I feel like we really captured the Carrie of it all. I have a few other lovingly-produced music videos that can be easily found on the internet. Another video, “High Park,” features my dearly departed dog Olive. Every video is a look into a vulnerable and honest place.
If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?
I have a Yamaha P90 that is probably 25 years old, an SM58, and my laptop. Everything is bare bones so that I can focus on the foundation, the lyrics and piano. There is some framed artwork on the walls: Tori Amos and Kathleen Edwards posters, a Sarah Harmer vinyl, a Kill Bill piece. Anyone who knows me is aware that I greatly admire Uma Thurman and the story that she told during Kill Bill. And on a second date with someone many years ago we bonded over our love of Kathleen Edwards and Sarah Harmer, and shortly thereafter… got married. So, I have an eternal soft spot for those two artists.
If you were a member of the Spice Girls, what would your spice handle be?
Spice Spice! I am uniquely positioned to answer this question given that Spice is my actual last name. It may have been brutal in Catholic high school (I was constantly homophobically called a Spice Girl), but it’s pretty great now.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
How about the hand axe? Uma Thurman uses it to great effect in Kill Bill.
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
Portuguese! My husband, international drag superstar Miss Moço, founded and hosts a yearly drag pageant in Portugal, Miss Drag Lisboa. Although it’s always a fantastic time and everyone there speaks English, I would love to integrate properly in the culture by speaking the language one day.
Do you shout out the answers at the TV whilst watching quiz shows?
I watch Jeopardy every single night. Jamie Ding is currently on a legendary run as I write this, and I feel like I’m witnessing history. I absolutely shout at the TV. I’m pretty good with the wordplay and music categories, but not so great when it comes to geography and the Bible.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Even though you’re scared, you’re much braver than you think. You have something valuable to give to the world, so go ahead and share it without shame.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewspicemusic
