INTERVIEW: Andria Piperni — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Nat Carson

Andria Piperni

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THE fantastic Andria Piperni...

has been talking with me about her current single, Say Something, and what its story is. I ask what sort of music inspires her and whether there is a strong music scene in Montréal and which albums are most important to her.

Piperni tells me what is coming up next year and which artist she’d support given the chance; if there are any tour dates approaching and whether there are rising musicians we need to get involved with and support.

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Hi, Andria. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi! I’m great. Busy week!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure! I’m a singer and songwriter based in Montreal and I like to describe my sound as a blend of Neo-Soul and Alternative-R&B. Fresh but familiar. I’ve done a lot of collaborations with local artists and I’m now putting out my first solo work. Finally!

Say Something is your new track. Is there a story behind the song?

Say Something is about a situation where you're really feeling someone and you know they're feeling you too, but neither of you has had the courage to admit it - I think we’ve all been there! It’s hard to put yourself out there when it comes to love, so you hold back in order to protect your ego and your heart. You hope the other person will be brave and make the first move…but sometimes you just have to take control and be the one to step up!

Do you think there will be more music in 2019?

Oh, definitely (smiles).

PHOTO CREDIT: Nat Carson

What sort of music did you grow up around? Which artists inspired you to get into music?

I listened to all kinds of music growing up. My parents introduced me to a variety of artists, but especially a lot of amazing female artists from Carole King to Bonnie Raitt to Norah Jones. I loved all the great Jazz queens too, like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.

As I got older, I always gravitated towards the sounds of R&B and Soul. Alicia Keys, Corinne Bailey Rae; Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill - their voices and words spoke to me (and still do) in ways that I can’t explain. They make you feel things deep in your soul. That’s what I hope to do.

You are based in Montréal. Is there a strong music scene there right now?

Absolutely. There is so much talent here. And, with the strong French music scene, it’s especially diverse.

PHOTO CREDIT: James Traf

Do you already have plans for 2019?

You will be hearing more new music, that’s for sure.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

There was a performance I did this summer here in Montréal, for a new single that I was featured on - it was a beautiful summer night; the venue was packed and everyone was singing along! Also, the stage was extremely small so I was very close to the audience and it was so cool to see everyone having so much fun.

PHOTO CREDIT: James Traf

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

John Mayer’s Continuum album sticks out. I just remember many car rides of listening through the entire album over and over and thinking about how great his writing was. I think it was during that time that I realized I wanted to write lyrics.

Amy Winehouse’s work is definitely up there. I especially fell in love with her debut album, Frank. It’s just so wonderfully soulful and jazzy. Her voice was unparalleled. She remains one of my favourites.

Finally, I have to mention Regina Spektor’s Begin to Hope. I’m not sure how I even fell upon her music at the time - she certainly wasn’t mainstream. But that’s what I loved about it. Her writing and her voice are (so) unique and powerful. That album made me realize that music comes in so many forms; there are no rules.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nat Carson

As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?

Hmm…how about a live Christmas house concert by Michael Bublé? Too much to ask?

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Can I choose Michael Bublé again? I just love him.

PHOTO CREDIT: Nat Carson

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Honestly...I still consider myself to be a new artist. And the number-one thing I try to live by is to just be myself. I don’t think you can find success (or happiness) in this business if you’re not true to who you are. And people are drawn to authenticity, so why not give it to them?

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

No official tour dates for now, but I do have some local shows that you can find out about on my website.