2021 has been a super solid year for ANDY, the indie pop artist currently residing in Melbourne.
With honest, achingly raw vocals that serenade emotive feels, ANDY has released a string of singles throughout the year: 'Not Today', 'More Like You', 'In The Rain', 'Pinky Promise' and 'Quick Love'.Raised in Darwin, ANDY aka Andrea Rose moved to Naarm in 2019, quickly building a local following playing a mix of intimate bars, restaurant happy-hours and drag queen shows.
'Not Today' is ANDY's current single they recorded in their bedroom during Melbourne's sixth lockdown; the track explores the fall-out from a narcissistic relationship that ultimately lead to personal growth.
"To find your power once someone takes that away from you is a long journey, but it can lead to self-discovery," ANDY says.
"'Not Today' is about remembering that your story is as valid as those around you."
Who is... ANDY's smoky, stylised vocals and indie pop sounds are the creation of Andrea Rose, a Darwin-born singer-songwriter performing in Melbourne (Naarm).
I sound like... Halsey, Amy Winehouse, Lorde, Lily Allen.
My first gig was... At Baxter's Lot in Melbourne City in 2020, just before the first lockdown.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name ANDY came from my childhood-into-adulthood nickname of Andy, mixed with the idea of living life as if you were stuck in capital letters. As a non-binary artist, I also wanted the name to be a reflection of my sound, story and energy.
In the studio... You can usually find me behind the piano creating new harmonies with my cat Boris cuddled on my lap.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be Billie Eilish. I've always thought our styles would mesh quite beautifully and she's a huge inspiration.
Social media is... I think that social media has become a great way to gain and maintain friendships with people who feel a connection with your music, as well as being a way to watch yourself grow through your content and have fans with you for the whole journey.
Life on the road can be... Exhilarating; being able to connect to different communities through my music is the most wholesome feeling.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose? Greece 100 per cent. The mixture of sun, water, music and community is beautiful, as well as the gorgeous architecture.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I make a mean vegan potato bake that I swear by for all gatherings.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Absolutely love. One day I dream to live on a property surrounded by cows, goats and dogs just creating melodies.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last year when I worked as a disability-focused swimming teacher, which was an extremely wholesome position where I got to meet amazingly strong people.
I haven't actually used a gym since my bronchiectasis diagnosis a few years ago, and instead have found that yoga and pilates in my own space is more beneficial to my healing journey.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? All of them, which is hard for my friends to believe as I have Order and Symmetry OCD, but I think this is actually a misunderstood aspect of OCD – the need to have the objects around you clean doesn't mean that the task is actually an enjoyable process. But if I had to pick one, washing the dishes has got to be the winner.
Do you have any phobias? I am both terrified and intrigued by the ocean; it feels likes a whole other universe we've only just begun exploring.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I love the variety of reality shows that are coming out lately, and can definitely see the potential for a flow arts reality show, which I would definitely say yes to being a part of. During lockdown I started learning LED hoop flow and discovered so much about the culture and beauty of flow arts performance.
Best local takeaway joint for a 2am feed that will leave you with a food coma? There's an amazing place in Fitzroy near my favourite drag club with the most delicious gozleme, especially amazing after a good boogie.
