Junior's Cave - April '08
Don't think of this next artist as a newbie; Singer/Songwriter Andy Kostek has been making music for the last 18 years. Most of his musical background comes from performing in various bands. Now, flying solo, the artist is pouring his heart into his music and making us wanting more. Here is a recent spotlight Andy did with Junior's Cave.
Isaac-Joseph: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Andy: Well, it really started when I was a kid watching my big brother-in-law playing the guitar. We were all quite a musical family. My family couldn't afford too much back then, so it took to me to well in my teens before I got my first guitar, but it kind of lived with me after that and there was no looking back. Soon after I joined a working band and it became my main living.
Isaac-Joseph: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
Andy: It's hard to single out any one thing, It's a great feeling when someone you've not met writes to say how much they enjoy the music, makes me want to drop everything and jump in the studio. I think hearing the songs played on the radio is up there too.
Isaac-Joseph: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Andy: I can't recall many times when I felt discouraged, and my friends do a great job of keeping me motivated, but sure, we all have times when things just don't quite go as well as hoped, getting a song finished can be very quick, or take weeks. I guess the longer it takes the more frustrating.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Andy: I feel music is something that crosses over so many boundaries and barriers. It invokes emotions in everyone. I would love to be in a position from where I could help others grow in music at some stage. By its nature it's something that should be passed on.
Isaac-Joseph: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
Andy: There can be so many, I still get nervous when in front of any audience, and the number doesn't matter so much as wanting it to be a perfect performance and for all to enjoy it. I often feel the moment reflecting to what the lyrics are about.
Isaac-Joseph: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Andy: I have been in so many bands and worked with some truly exceptional artists, and often there are different points of view, or desired directions. Being independent while not that important to me does allow me to express and do what I personally want, but what really important to me is that the listeners enjoy what I do. That said I also do very much enjoy collaborating with others.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Andy: definitely, the first thing I would say, is that bands don't have to work as hard to reach their fans, popular bands grow so much faster and it's the smaller venues that no longer see them as they seem to bypass this heading for stardom. I've seen a huge rise in the popularity of sound-a-like bands, in these smaller venues. I also think artists have many avenues to go it alone on a smaller scale, without the backing of a major label.
Isaac-Joseph: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
Andy: Absolutely, get it out there, use music portal sites to communicate to your fans, and get the word out talking to radio stations, and people like Juniorscave. Don't expect it to be easy though, and listen to the feedback you get to help you improve.
Isaac-Joseph: What kind of recording software do you use?
Andy: I use PC based recording software called Cubase, it allows me to layer tracks one at a time, so I can work on the music without relying on having other musicians there.
Isaac-Joseph: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist, someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your "dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
Andy: There are so many great artists out there I would love the chance to perform with; one would be Mark Knofler of dire straights who was one of the most inspiring guitarists out there when I started playing.
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Andy: I feel music has given so much pleasure to me already now that anything more is a bonus, sure I'd love to be able to earn a good living from music alone some day.
Isaac-Joseph: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2008?Andy: 2008 is a very exciting year for me. I've recently signed a non exclusive deal with a US Indy label who will be promoting my music out there leaving me to concentrate on the writing. There have also been numerous contacts made on various opportunities in film and other avenues. The 1st CD One by one, is already out there doing well and I am crazy busy working on the next release called Mirage, which is expected to hit stores in Feb 09.
Isaac-Joseph: Final Thoughts?
Andy: I just want to thank you for the opportunity to speak with you, and think its great what you are doing for artists like myself, thank you Isaac-Joseph.
By Isaac Joseph Davis Junior Junior's Cave