"And where this Carnival will lead, I don't know - but I still want to go..."
As an air force brat, singer/songwriter Andi Rae Healy found herself traveling all around the world before settling in New York City and, as a musician she has covered many genres before settling into her own sexy, evocative brand of acoustic pop-rock, which you can find on her new acoustic CD, Rising.
Andi Rae fell in love with singing in front of a crowd while dabbling in classical, jazz and musical theater. None of these genres completely represented her, however, so she decided that the world of pop music was where she belonged. Upon moving to New York, she became the new front person for the high-energy, funky rock band, Dolores Slim. Before Andi Rae came along, Dolores Slim had been enjoying packed audiences in East Village clubs like Arlene Grocery and Luna Lounge. But when Andi Rae added her powerful vocals and passionate lyrics to the mix, Dolores Slim's popularity soared. Entertainment lawyers started vying for the opportunity to represent them and well-known musicians were ready to join the band.
But as fun and exciting as this was, Andi Rae was not completely satisfied. Being influenced by artists like Stevie Nicks and Tori Amos, she wanted to express herself in a more meaningful and specific way. With just her acoustic guitar to accompany her, she went solo, breaking out the fiery and melodic songs that she had been keeping to herself while with Dolores Slim. Andi Rae's new style is very personal yet, at the same time, easy for anyone to relate to. Her melodies are exciting and addictive, the lyrics straight forward and intriguing.
Thrilled to finally find her niche, Andi Rae tried out her new project in the intimate acoustic settings of places like CBGBs Gallery and Sidewalk Cafe. At one of these shows her unique sound aroused the interest of hip-hop mixers and producers Rich Keller and Adam Gazzola, who could be found working on projects for Sean "Puffy" Colms, 3rd Bass and Jay Z, among others . She was ready to take her project to the next step, so for a while she holed herself up in a writing room at Sony Studios, both writing with the guys and working on the production to her songs.
Eventually, though, Andi Rae needed to get back to playing live. Seasoned from years on the stage in various other genres, Andi Rae's performance is honest and intoxicating. Since starting to play again, she has been invited to do showcases in the West Village, with the 'Songwriters for Songwriters and Friends Showcase', and in Boston, by CNC Music Productions, at the All Asia's Sunday Night Songwriter Series. She has also put together a new band. It's small and to the point - she plays acoustic guitar, with Tom Welsch on bass and Kevin Sport on drums.
Most recently, Andi Rae has just completed her first full length CD, the above-mentioned Rising, something she has been wanting to do for a long time. The CD features Andi alone with her acoustic guitar and is mostly about "ups and downs in relationships - mostly downs!, and then trying to crawl back up again, which is why I chose 'Rising' as the title song." But it is about discovering yourself, as well, and where you want to be, like in the songs "These Sounds" and "The Other One".
It's been both exhilarating & challenging to keep all of these things going and help along the way has been so important. So far, this has included the talents of Katie Agresta, her voice teacher, who has also taught Cyndi Lauper and Jon Bon Jovi. And she has had the good fortune of finding, while participating in events and taking classes at the Songwriters Hall of Fame, award winning songwriter Lorraine Ferro, whose guidance has been amazing. Both their contributions have been priceless, as has been the help and support from her friends and family. Without their belief in her, she would never have made it this far.
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