About Andrew Neil

Meet Andrew Neil, lead singer and songwriter of the band Andrew Neil and Code Purple. His story is one of resilience and overcoming life’s greatest difficulties. In 2009, he planned to embark on a journey as a recruited athlete after high school and enter the US Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS). However, due to difficulties in concentration and being diagnosed with adult HDST, he had to resign. After that, he decided to join the US Marine Corps instead. However, a month before he was to report to training, he was involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that changed his life.

For the next four years, he fought with serious bipolar disorder and complex PTSD, but received inconsistent help with his condition and was in and out of hospitals as he experienced various psychotic episodes. It was during this time that he found music, declared himself a songwriter, and began to craft songs in his parents’ basement. 

In 2013, another dramatic life changing event occurred which would again change the course of his family’s journey forever. Andrew experienced a severe psychotic episode that injured his younger brother and found himself behind bars, facing charges of felony for malicious wounding. He endured more than seven months in solitary confinement until it was determined that he was not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI).

He admitted as a patient at Western State Psychiatric Hospital between 2014-2017. During that time he was inspired to write poetry and record music–creating hundreds of songs on a battery powered recorder! In May 2017, Andrew was conditionally released and expressed a strong desire to share the music he had composed while in the hospital.  

Eleven of his songs were selected to create the album aptly named "Code Purple." This unique album is distinguished as the only one in existence entirely composed and recorded within the confines of a State Psychiatric Hospital. Notably, it propelled Andrew to the top of Rankers Best Outsider Music Artist List: https://www.ranker.com/list/outsider-music-bands-and-musicians/reference , where he occupies the number one position alongside renowned names such as Daniel Johnston, Syd Barrett, Frank Zappa, and Brian Wilson and a host of other music legends.

Recently, Andrew formed a band named Andrew Neil & Code Purple, and they released their debut album, "Resurrection." Before establishing the band and this forthcoming album, Andrew had already released six solo albums. You can find Andrew’s music on all streaming platforms. Many of his earlier, lo-fi recordings are available on ReverbNation, and SoundCloud. His music showcases his remarkable journey and a body of work that encompasses nearly 500 songs, all conceived since the inception of his artistic endeavors in late 2009.

Andrew Neil's words are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering comfort and understanding to those who might feel isolated by their struggles. The “Aura Notes” collection serves as gentle reminders that no one is alone in their journey, providing a source of strength and inspiration.