Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Bateman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Andrew , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful and memorable moments of my career have been those in which I was able to provide the soundtrack to the poignant milestones in the lives of others. Meeting with clientele to discuss how to personalize their events has yielded many ensuing relationships and I’ve often felt more like family than a vendor as a result. It’s a privilege to play even a small part in such significant moments.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As I child I can recall plucking my mother’s vintage silver tone electric guitar as I pretended to play along with old records. This eventually gave way to taking lessons at a local shop. My first gig was at my year end intermediate school talent show where I played a mash up of old rock tunes. From there I was a bit of a music nomad wandering between several groups spanning many genres. It was not until attending San Jacinto College under a guitar scholarship that my musical path was solidified. Under the ever-patient tutelage of Jeremy Garcia, I went about learning the techniques of flamenco.. around this same time I was also introduced to another local player named John Acevedo. He introduced my to the process of looping before looping had any real mainstream Spotlight. Armed with this knowledge and ability I began performing my signature style of flamenco fusion at many venues throughout the greater Houston area. Venue performance began yielding a high volume of private events such as weddings, galas, benefits, receptions, quinceaneras and many more. And with that I became a Houston household name… a humbling prospect given the other tremendous talent in the area. This formula has remained essentially unchanged for the past two and a half decades as it remains my privilege to pursue my life’s passion, edify others thereby and glorify God with the precious gift He has so graciously given.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
There is a notion that full time performers party hard, sleep late and are only “on the clock” when an instrument resides in their hands. In the experience of myself and many of my contemporaries, this is far from reality. The independent artist quickly learns that maintaining a full calendar along with exposure, marketing and producing media is an ongoing juggling act. For most, they remain in a perpetual job search even while bearing a full calendar. It can be quite demanding and at times overwhelming… and yet it remains a privilege beyond measure.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
This question has never been more poignant than now. The days of physical record sales providing a sturdy foundation for artists is all but a memory at this point. The best support for artists at present is to share them by any means. Shared media, testimonials and purchasing music is a can make the difference in a striving and starving artist. Lastly I would say that a little bit of encouragement goes a long way. We certainly appreciate an overflowing tip jar, but simple interaction means more to us than the audience often knows. I find the exhortation, “never miss a chance to encourage,” to be words to live by.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andrewbateman.com
- Instagram: @andrewbateman4
- Facebook: Andrew Bateman
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@andrewbateman653
Image Credits
Debbie Porter
Jack Schwarz