Initially focused on visual arts and drawing, Andy Friedman eventually transitioned toward musical pursuits. A native of Brooklyn, he earned a B.F.A. in painting upon completing his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design. His entry into The New Yorker came via the mailroom in August 1998, where he started inserting his personal cartoons into the pile of submissions until the publication began acquiring his work, which appeared under the name Larry Hat. Over time, he established himself in the field of independent illustration. During spring 2002, Friedman departed from The New Yorker to pursue live performances that merged his spoken-word poetry with projected images of his artwork. In parallel, he created illustrations for releases by artists including Debbie Friedman, Natalia Zuckerman, Devon Sproule, and Paul Curreri. His first recording, the live album Live at the Bowery Poetry Club, was captured in July 2005 before its February 15, 2006 release through City Salvage. After picking up the guitar and adding vocals, he produced his initial studio effort, Taken Man, which came out on June 4, 2007. The follow-up, Weary Things, arrived on January 27, 2009.
