Andy Joe Stewart

It's all about the music !

Andy Joe Stewart

INTERVIEW WITH ANDY JOE STEWART AUGUST 2009
with Bruce Maier

DGT-Andy, after listening to some of your demo works and watching a video which was recorded in Nashville, I find you are truly a multi-faceted musician and entertainer. You play various acoustic styles as well as electric guitars which accompany a very strong voice. In addition to all of this, you are a very good song writer so what do you feel is your main strength?
AJS -Hello, and thank you for this opportunity. Wow! I feel like a 'star' when you say those things about me ...thank you very much! I feel it's my 'live' performance that I do best. Like Joe Bonamassa once said, "every 'live' moment is it's own" ..you never will have that moment exactly the same again ...ever ..that musical moment drifts off into the universe never to be heard again. Recording and getting it perfect is great and fun, but when you play 'live' ..those notes are gone forever. That's why 'live' recordings can make or break a performer/artist. Don't get me wrong, I love recording, but in a live performance you're whole life can be in that moment. I live for those moments.
DGT -Are you a “ schooled “ or a self-taught musician?
AJS -I'm both ..in the 7th grade after an 'ear' test they caught me in the halls and said "show up in the band room tomorrow morning" ...I did and since there was no guitar program in Alamogordo, New Mexico they gave me a French Horn which I would play happily for the next 6 years.
DGT -As a guitar player who would you want to give credit to as your top three influences, and why?

AJS -Good one! When I was very young it was Ricky Nelson's lead guitarist James Burton, he had 'touch' and 'feel'. Then came Lonnie Mack with speed and control ..."Wham" blew my mind! ...I knew I wanted to play like that ..I still can't! (laugh) Next I found the super gifted Chet Atkins ...I would work for hours on finger picking like Chet ..again, I still can't catch him! Now it's Steffen Schackinger, which in my opinion, is the very best I've ever heard by far ...he makes me cry. Most people say: "there is always somebody better" ...I don't agree. ...the best in the world are obvious ...like Tiger Woods.
DGT -In the past twenty years, how would you think you have grown or evolved the most?
AJS - My songwriting approach is different in that I actually use 'simplicity' as a tool now! My guitar playing has changed emmensely. While in college, my friend and duo partner Jeff Wilson (he wrote "Let me Love You Tonight" with Vince Gill and The Pure Prarie League) would tell me "it's right there under your hands" and I would try and understand him ...I finally got it about 1998. You 'say something' not just play the notes. It's been totally fun since then! Now if I could see and play with Jeff again that would complete the process! Also I have never been totally comfortable with my vocals until I signed and recorded with master producer Micheal Radford at AMI Records in Nashville in 2005. Since then I have a 'confidence' when I sing that seems comes naturally now ...and a serious studio recording with the best players in Nashville helps! Now, I actually hit the notes I intent to! (laugh)
DGT-You have been a professional entertainer for more than twenty years and we note that you have toured or worked with many well known groups such as the Association, played all over the country and have entertained and rocked crowds by the thousands. Why do you think the “ big break “ eludes so many talented artists like yourself? Is it the politics of the industry, timing or some other elements?
AJS -Probably a little of all those ... for me it was that I paid for my first two Indy songs and got the ball rollin'   ... I'm still a dreamer.
DGT-Being a diversified artist Andy, you have Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop and all these beautiful colors on your palette to paint with. If you could pick one shade that really describes where you are today and where you want to go with your music, which genre would you like to settle in to? That is, if you had to chose only one.
AJS- That is very hard question to answer ...very hard when you love, and have written almost all kinds of music and actually perform them at live shows. Writing for 'Sesame Street' and Indy porn movie scores will take you around the circle!(laugh) For the next few years anyway, I'll be writing and playing 'new country'. David Kerschenbaum, a producer and A&R exec once said "Artists don't realize who they are or which audience they're trying to reach. Some feel that if they cover several musical styles, they may be able to reach a wider audience. All that does is confuse people."
I don't know if I totally agree, but it sure is fun!
DGT-Andy you have been a recording artist for many years and have recently entered into a new deal with Colt Records. Why did you sign with Colt and can you elaborate on the opportunity that this has presented?
AJS -I signed at the invitation of JK Coltrain, a super person and Indy award winning artist himself. He let's me produce my own recordings and knows the ins and outs of the business. With JK I know I'll get every opportunity that presents itself. He is aggressive on the promo end and one of the nicest fellows I've ever known.
DGT-What do you think of the music, the lyrics in particular today in popular music? You and I grew up with writers like Elton John, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Stevie Wonder and numerous Grammy winners. Do you think that the new breed of writer’s music will prove to have been as influential twenty years on from now?
AJS -Actually I don't ...I think our generation has had the finest original artist and writers ever ...e.g. Bobby Darin. And a period in the music world like no other. Seems to me the kids today are 'narrow listeners' ...just one genre. No real musical variety in todays listening youth. Of course I'm being general ...because it's generally true!(laugh)
DGT-For the young people and those who are relatively new to the music industry, what advice would you have for them if they are considering a career pursuing their passion for music? Are there some pitfalls they might avoid, roadmaps they might follow which may help them along their path?
AJS -GET OUT WHILE YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!!! Seriously though, the lifestyle is not easy! If you make a decision to give 100% then 'Focus' is main task at hand ...try and sort out the rubbish from the helpful and keep a positive attitude ...expect to 'make' it and you probably will, especially , if you work hard and practice. We all have seen people with little talent and tons of great attitude do well in the industry. Remember, a little 'ego' goes a long way ..keep at least one foot on the ground at all times.
DGT-Andy, you are working on the new record right now and we certainly hope you all the best. When might we be able to purchase your new album?
AJS -I should have it finished by Christmas ...should! If not, by the spring of 2010. Can you believe it almost 2010 already?! Wasn't that a futuristic movie! (laugh)
DGT-Anyone you would like to give thanks or credit to who is now or has in the past supported your music and believed in you that you would like to mention?
AJS -There are too many to mention here! Some that come to mind are ...my family, my wonderful business partner Lorraine Cooper, my agent Robert Poole, Michael Radford and Teri at AMI/Tamara Records, JK Coltrain at Colt Records, the people at Warner Bros, and many many more.
DGT -Andy , we’d like to thank you for taking the time for this interview. We look forward to your deserved success with your music.

Photo from Andy Joe Stewart's soon to be released
CD on Colt Records.
http://www.andyjoestewart.com

Mr Stewart's schedule HERE

Search the Printable Sheet Music site for music sheets and guitar tab with lyrics and midi here!

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