Following a successful spell in the fashion industry, strutting his stuff for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, and Valentino; Andreww has returned to his first love – music. Launching his unique line of pop music and challenging the musical norms, pathing the way for what he believes is the next big trend for music in 2021.
Although still in the infancy of his solo music career, the artist has managed to gain some early traction, accumulating over 88k views of his grungy-pop debut single ‘Talking to Myself‘ on his YouTube channel.
Andreww recently released the follow-up to his debut, ‘Medusa‘, a dynamically dark yet melodically-rich track. Collaborating with Berlin-based producer Markus Ganter, the pair have developed a highly progressive sound, incorporating 90’s Rock, 00’s pop and the latest hip hop beats to generate an eclectic backdrop to frame the narrative of Andreww’s angst-ridden lyrics.
We caught up with Andreww earlier this week to find out a bit more about him and to discuss the process that went into creating his original brand of pop music for the modern age. Read the interview below:
You have a very intriguing story Andreww, tell us about how you transferred from a successful career in fashion to releasing your own music.
I started with music. I joined my first band when I was 13 and then I got scouted at 14 by my model agent and went to Paris for the first time at 17. Before I knew it, that was my full-time job. The years just flew by but I knew I always wanted to go back to music. I would always regret it if I didn’t. I still work for some brands and most of my inner circle are from the fashion industry but I am very happy that I have moved on back to my first love!
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
Imagine 90s guitars, 2000s pop vocal melodies with 2020 hip hop beats.
What inspires you musically and creatively?
My friends and movies mostly. Don’t really have to listen to music much to get inspired. I go off of feelings or motives more than actual song ideas. When I do listen to music for inspiration I look for textures and sound designs. Trying to figure out what pedal the guitarist is using or what kind of drumbeat would work for my stuff.
Your music incorporates a mix of genres and styles to create a unique sound. Tell us a bit about how you developed it, what is your creative process like?
I was born in the 90s and my dad is a huge fan of rock guitar music so it was always on in our house. Growing up with MTV in my teens exposed me to pop music every day so that’s why I have an affinity for catchy melodies and with hip hop dominating music for the last 10 years (a time where I spent most of my nights in clubs, especially at hip hop parties as I’m not a techno guy) it was pretty clear to me early on that my vision for the new version of rock will incorporate the trap elements. It’s how I see rock music progressing.
You recently released your second single ‘Medusa’, tell us a bit about the song and how it came to be?
Initially, my producer Markus and I were playing around with some piano chords and I wrote the melody and lyrics over that. We left it for like a year and didn’t really think much of the track. During lockdown, I then played the chords with a guitar and it was much more our world so we rewrote the whole thing. At the time of writing it, I was cutting ties with a lot of toxic relationships and it wasn’t easy for some reason. I thought of the story of Medusa in which even though you knew you would be turned to stone if you looked at her, you still did and it reminded me of my situation.
Image by Manuel Nagel
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I mean where to begin. Most of them are artists that are completely different from what I do. Andre3000, Kid Cudi, Bon Iver, Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers. Those are the ones off the top of my head because they are on rotation atm. But the list would be huge! Anybody that said fuck it I’m just gonna do my thing and can separate from comparing themselves to others.
If you could support any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
It changes but at the moment it would be ”žThe Cranberries“. They are in my top 5 of all time. It wouldn’t really fit I guess but just to see Doloris O’riordan sing again would be so, so, so, amazing. There’s so many. I would probably give you a different answer tomorrow.
For the people reading this that haven’t heard your music before, why should they check you out?
If you like a large spectrum of genres and like a big wall of sound coming at you then come on over!
What can we expect from Andreww in the future?
I’m just gonna keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my favorite genres. Writing anthem-like songs that work great live is what I love doing so hopefully I’ll be coming to a mainstage near you!
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
What other interests do you have outside of music and fashion?
I love love, love sports. I’ll watch anything! But I am OBSESSED with golf. Greatest sport invented! That’s a fact!