Get Lost in the Music of Van Andrew
When Indie Rock meets Folk music, you get a passionate Northwest Washington singer/songwriter creating heartfelt stories with his guitar. With every tender word sung and melodic note played, Van Andrew touches the brain, heart, and soul through his poignant and insightful music.
Van Andrew’s latest single from September 2018, “When You’re Dancing”, is a whimsical gem waiting to be discovered. Everyone who’s danced for the sole reason of dancing knows how liberating it can be, and this song, inspired by that idea, exudes an atmosphere that makes you want to lose yourself to the music. His voice comes across as naturally gentle, creating the perfect calming melody for you to get lost in as your worries wash away. This song is such a genuine and pure song, you can’t help but smile as you listen to the lyrics so beautiful and bright, I had to simply include a snippet of the beauty here:
“But you always seem to find a way
To smile through the pain
And when you need some time to get away
Just one song
And an empty stage
Cuz when you’re dancing baby
The weight of the world just fades away
And you know, you’re free as a bird on this dance floor
And when you’re smiling baby like a disco light
You brighten up this room”
Additionally, Van Andrew has partnered with Rescue Freedom, and the proceeds from this song benefit this organization that fights against sex slavery around the world. With this thoughtful and generous choice behind his second single, the impact of “When You’re Dancing” extends far beyond the individual level, and you can support this remarkable artist and cause here.
Now that your heart is all warm and fuzzy in all aspects, we also look back to Van Andrew’s first official single. Released in February 2018, “The Valley” features his vulnerable vocals, a pounding drum beat, and a simple yet soothing guitar. His live performance of this song is one of my favorite tracks to listen to, his acoustic tenderness just radiating off the stage and filling the space. In exploring the fraught reality of time, the balance of light and dark, and the struggles between faith and the devil, Van Andrew alleviates that tension for his listeners.
He sings, “In the valley of the shadow / Nothing ever makes sense,” which is a very accurate and astute line that resonates deeply. However, while listening to “The Valley,” one of two things happen: 1) the things that never make sense start to make sense, or 2) nothing ever makes sense, and that’s starting to feel okay. Either way, Van Andrew delivers a moving story that is indeed my “light at the end of my tunnel.”
Van Andrew has a strong passion for storytelling, and with these beautifully crafted lyrics paired with captivating guitar riffs, it is safe to say he has achieved the status of a lovely, masterful storyteller. Fortunately, this is just the beginning of his musical journey, and I look forward to hearing the many more stories Van Andrew has to tell and seeing the impact he will leave in the musical sphere and beyond.
