Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrew Dean. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I started in rock bands in my 20’s on a local/regional following. Later I got involved in the Country music sound, in writing after inspiration from many, such as Travis Tritt, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and more. I felt a strong connection with country music because it related to my life and a lot of the things I was going through. My writing style shifted to a lot more life-story, life-lived type songs. I do try to keep an upbeat sound in my songs because I feel they need to be encouraging, uplifting folks, to help day-to-day celebration of living. I do write a few ballads, I mean – life does have its ups and downs, but I like to look at life as the glass is half-full, not empty, and want to encourage and support others in their musical journey and in life in general. I am a pretty “what you see is what you get” kind of writer and guy. In helping other people, I had decided that my record label would be a good way to help other independent artists and songwriters find avenues to get their music to radio and other industry people, mainly getting their music heard by followers and fans alike. I am so honored and blessed to have received numerous awards for my music business: Andrew Dean Music, Songwriting, Publishing, Music Producer, Record Label- NITE*SKY, Black Hat Promotions, Recording Artist, Musician, and Entertainer. These awards culminate my 25 years of professional music industry work, music career accomplishments and achievements, of which I’ve been bestowed upon by God these talents to use to leave an everlasting gift of music for all to enjoy. Dreams do come true, persistence pays off, and accomplishments are fulfilled.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started in rock bands in my 20’s on a local/regional following. Later on I got involved in the Country music sound, in writing after inspiration from many, such as Travis Tritt, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and more. I felt a strong connection with country music because it related to my life and a lot of the things I was going through. My writing style shifted to a lot more life-story, life-lived type songs. I do try to keep an upbeat sound in my songs because I feel they need to be encouraging, uplifting folks, to help day-to-day celebration of living. I do write a few ballads, I mean – life does have it’s ups and downs, but I like to look at life as the glass is half-full, not empty, and want to encourage and support others in their musical journey and in life in general.
I am a pretty “what you see is what you get” kind of writer and guy. In helping other people, I had decided that my record label would be a good wat to help other independent artists and songwriters find avenues to get their music to radio and other industry people, mainly getting their music heard by followers and fans alike.
I am so honored and blessed to have received numerous awards for my music business: Andrew Dean Music, Songwriting, Publishing, Music Producer, Record Label- NITE*SKY, Black Hat Promotions, Recording Artist, Musician, and Entertainer. These awards culminate my 25 years of professional music industry work, music career accomplishments and achievements, of which I’ve been bestowed upon by God these talents to use to leave an everlasting gift of music for all to enjoy. Dreams do come true, persistence pays off, and accomplishments are fulfilled.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In changing my music style, from rock to country, life dealt me a pretty strong blow. Through a divorce and becoming a full-time Dad to two children, looking upon that challenge made me wonder a lot if I was ever going to be able to pursue what my heart yearned for, the passion of writing and performing country music. This time in my life I was working a factory job, being Dad and Mom, sometimes washing the dishes at 11 at night to wake up the next morning at 6:30 to get the day going. Life got heavy, but I decided rather than getting down, that I would let my songwriting start carrying some of that weight. So, when I got time between the diapers and the children’s needs, I would write. Sometimes a song, sometimes an experience, but remembering these are the things that make my story relatable.
I then married the love of my life Terri, four and a half years after my divorce. Terri has been a lifeline for my music, an encourager, a best friend, that I am so blessed to have in my life. After our marriage, we hit the road and have never looked back. Kids and all, we continued a music career, and to follow our dreams. The road can be harsh and tough. It’s easy to get discouraged, but the truth is, if you have a passion, desire, and drive – you will find a way to make it work. You may make it to the big stage, you may make it to your local stage, but if it’s your passion, you’ll make it to the stage!
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Sharing the gifts God has given me with others; that can mean writing, singing, however I can help anyone else in their career. I truly love seeing people succeed. It’s my motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.andrewdean.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewdeanus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewdeancountry
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndrewDeanMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewdeanofficial
Image Credits
Terri Dean