We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andreas Werner. Andreas is a music producer and songwriter who has worked with a who’s who of American roots music performers including The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tony Joe White, Jason Isbell, Bettye LaVette and soul singers Eddie Floyd and Sam Moore. He’s been heavily involved with the legendary musicians and songwriters coming from Muscle Shoals, where Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones recorded some of thir hits in the 1960s and 1970s. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andreas below.
Alright, Andreas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
There are too many to mention and being able to work with many of my musical heroes and mentors is something special I’ll never take for granted. That being said, the one I’m working on at any given time is the most meaningful in that moment as I dedicate myself completely to it. That’s the one that matters and the one all my energy goes to.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I produce music and I’m a songwriter. I’m active in American roots music from soul to blues, jazz, gospel, singer-songwriter and rock ‘n’ roll. I get asked by artists to produce their records. Over 100 of my songs have been recorded by a wide array of artists. I also write and produce music for film an TV. Usually people ask me to work with them because of my work with some of the great studio musicians and songwriters associated with music mecca Muscle Shoals that shaped our music in the late 1960s and 1970s. As a producer I’m responsible to shepherd a project from start to finish, help an artist realize her or his vision, make her or him comfortable in the studio and be the main sounding board. Often I’m also involved in finding, selecting or writing the songs that make up the record. Besides my work in the recording studio, I get asked to put together unique multi-act live shows for music festivals and TV broadcasts. I also host a podcast called Crazy Chester Radio Hour where I have conversations with my favorite music people.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?
It’s in the act of creation. The journey is the reward. You start with a blank page and at the end of the road there’s a finished product that chronicles that journey. That’s incredibly gratifying. My mind, my body, my heart and my soul are immersed in my work so it’s a really wholesome experience. I get to collaborate with many really creative, smart and beautiful people and that interaction energizes me. Every day offers something new. Magic is a part of it too. You don’t really want to (or can’t) rationalize everything. We let the music do the talking.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
My motto is making great music with great people. If the music moves you and the human interactions are inspiring, then the journey is worth pursuing. That’s what I’m looking for and I only take on projects where both criteria are met. I always strive for excellence. I know a lot of great records inside out so my benchmark is incredibly high. I’m not that interested in making just another record with an artist. I want it to be unique, something really special and meaningful. I believe that is in the best interest of the artist. While it may take a little longer to make the record, I believe that’s always time well spent. It starts with writing or choosing great songs and not just settle for the first best ones that come up. That being said, sometimes the first thought is the best thought and that needs to be acknowledged too. Every project is different and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crazychesterrecords.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazychesterrecords
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crazychesterrecords
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaswernermusic
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/crazychesterrec
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crazychesterrecords
Image Credits
Crazy Chester Records