Image credit: Mario Andonovski
Singer Andrea’s latest single ‘Talk To Me’ (via Alter) is the second offering since the release of her highest streamed single of her career thus far- ‘I Don’t Know Your Name’. Andrea is known to blur genre lines, and ‘Talk To Me’ is a perfect example of this; a synth pop dance floor anthem is what one can expect from listening to this latest gem. Growing up surrounded by a diverse range of musical influences throughout her life, the songstress has the ability to wave between various electronic music genres with finesse.
We chatted with the dynamic songstress – Andrea below.
Describe a pivotal music moment for you in your favourite film, television show, brand partnership etc. Has this influenced any of your own compositions?
Well, maybe it sounds a little cheesy, but every year I watch Sister Act 2 at least once for my own mental health, haha. The movie was the start of my love affair with Ms.Lauryn Hill. Apart from hearing her beautiful voice, there’s one sentence from the movie that I still think of until this day and probably until the end of time: “If you wake up in the morning and can’t think of anything but singing first then you’re supposed to be a singer girl.” This small sentence gave me the strength to take the first step to truly believing in myself.
What does your current software/hardware setup currently consist of?
I work with an amazing producer Aleksandar Masevski. I’m lucky we have a studio in our small country. His DAW is a Cubase 11 from Steinberg. The vocal chain (very important for me, since our music is vocal-based) and its hardware Mic Neumann U87 preamp/compressor Focusrite Red 7; and AD/DA master converter UA 2192 from Universal Audio. The whole production and it’s processing he does using VST Instruments, samples and Plugins.
Outside of music, what inspires you?
Outside of music, a lot of things inspire me. It can be as simple as playing with my dog, spending time with my friends and family, or even eating a piece of the amazing fresh fruit we have in Macedonia. But it can also be hard to find inspiration when one is going through a rough period in their life, whether it’s a broken relationship or even working on being in a healthy relationship with yourself. This constant battle of ups and downs is what inspires me to share them, because I don’t want to feel alone. If that’s what music does for me, it probably does it for someone else and that’s what matters.
What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?
I have a love-hate relationship with the Internet just because there’s a lot of things out there sometimes it can make you feel good about yourself. But then again because there’s so much information, It can make you feel so small and unworthy. But that said, I try not to look at the latter because there’s a lot of music and a lot of artists out there that I can learn from. Everybody is different, so instead of comparing myself I strive to become a better version of myself. I can only go up from where I started, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
As a performer or as a member of the audience, what single show has been the most memorable for you?
As a performer I’m a perfectionist. And I still haven’t had the magical night I dream of. And now, because of the pandemic it’s difficult. But I’m practicing constantly so that I can fulfill those dreams soon.
As a part of an audience, I have to say that it was when I heard Vlatko Stefanovski play the guitar. While he is from Macedonia, he truly is an international legend. The way he plays melodies touches your soul, and I definitely want to relive that experience again.
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
It has to be Brent Faiyaz, because even though a lot of people know him ,he still doesn’t have the recognition he deserves and I can’t wait for that to happen.
Please suggest an album for us to listen to.
Oh my God, without a doubt it has to be The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. There’s not a song on that album that I don’t love. If you want to be inspired, touched, loved,laugh, dance and literally everything else, do yourself a favor and please listen to this album.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
We’re always experimenting with new styles and sounds. As for gigs we actually have one live streamed every sunday. It’s a way for my band and I to practice until the venues open again and we can play in front of a real audience. If you want more information about anything I mentioned or are interested, you can find it on all my social media platforms that I’m sure will be linked somewhere.
Famous last words?
Famous last words hmm… I guess they would be – I hope the world is ready for me as much as I am for it.
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