Los Angeles singer-songwriter, Andrew Marks “creates heartfelt lyrics that really make you stop and listen”(Hear Say Music Magazine). Andrew released his debut album To The Water in 2014. His first full-length album was produced, written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Andrew himself. Andrew has been touring the country performing at colleges, coffeehouses and clubs across the country. Andrew has made appearances on college television, local radio and his song Feeling Better was featured in the independent film The White Year. His unique voice, playing style and poetic lyrics create the captivating and intimate performance that have earned him a solid and growing fan base among the college crowd.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Andrew about his new project, influences, the digital music landscape and more.
Q&A as well as links and a video stream for Seasons below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from way upstate New York, born and raised in the tundra that is Syracuse. My music is Singer/Songwriter influenced Indie Pop.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I grew up in a very musical house. My parents had an extensive record collection and my brothers were all playing instruments. Music is the one thing I always have to turn to. No matter how I feel, I listen to music. Making music is the best feeling. When you can harness all these feelings and this energy and end up with music that someone else can feel something from, that’s the motivation.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?
I have a lot of influences these days, songwriters like Matt Nathanson, Ryan Tedder and Gregory Alan Isokov have always influenced my lyrics and the structuring of my music. Now, artists like Flume, Rufus du Sol and Chet Faker are steering my music in this new and different direction.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My previous release, To The Water, came from a very personal place and it was more traditional acoustic pop music. This new music is inspired by my time living in Los Angeles and the people I have met. The songs explore more instruments, more experimental sounds, driving beats and have more energy overall.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
There are lots of us indie artists out there and the challenge is peeking through and being heard. The digital age is good though, I’m quite certain more people have heard my music today than they would have years ago.
How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?
Streaming services are the new wave and I’m cool with it. Of course the pay day isn’t there, but it’s how people are listening now and I want my music to be a part of it. I do have a love for CD’s. I had a blast taking the photos and designing the artwork for my last album which is available on CD. Nothing beats the smell of that paper when you finally get the plastic off.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
My website, andrewmarksmusic.com is a great place to see and hear everything I’m doing. You can see the day to day over on Instagram @andrewjmarks and all my music is and will be on iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc..
Anything else before we sign off?
Be on the lookout for the next single and video in the coming months, and for the full EP out in February!
