Pittsburgh, PA Musician, Vicky Andreis, Proves Area's Talent Scene

Vicky Andreis is one of the Pittsburgh area's Independent musicians. Vicky has graciously taken a few minutes from her busy schedule of family, wife, mother and business woman, to grant Associated Content a reflective and personal interview.

DL: When did you first discover your passion and realize that you had a gift of playing music?

Vicky: When I was 14. I played in a local rock n' roll band called Cottonmouth( what a name). I was the youngster in the group. I played guitar and sang. Loved being part of the whole sound. I was hooked!

DL: What musicians inspired you when you started playing ?

Vicky: For sure, Bonnie Raitt. Nancy Wilson from Heart, James Taylor

DL: What types of music have you played and can you tell us a bit about your musical history?

Vicky: I have played everything from folk to heavy metal. I love new country though. Some of the bands I have been a part of are Cottonmouth, Hill Station, Hurricane, The Magnetics and most recently High Regard. I currently am playing acoustically with another guitar player Bob Giacometti (BobbyG). We play coffee houses, private parties as well as outdoor summer events and corporate functions. I also am the worship leader at the church I attend. I love to modernize old hymns. Kind of eclectic, I guess.

DL: How many songs have you written and tell us a bit about how you approach songwriting?

Vicky: About 15 songs....but I have pieces of many. I guess I need a collaborator LOL.

The melody usually comes first. I have to tell you this very important thing. God is my inspiration, without Him, I can't write a note. When I try on my own, I fall short!!! Truth!!!

DL: What kinds of music do you listen to now and who are some of your favorite artists?

Vicky: Everything really. Love new country, Trisha Yearwood, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascall Flatts and I am a huge Steely Dan fan!

DL: What is your opinion of the Pittsburgh musician scene and the ability for beginning musicians to succeed in the Pittsburgh area?

Vicky: Pittsburgh is full of talent! If you have that special something and can get a following of people who love what you do, I feel you can make it anywhere!! Especially with the availability that everyone has to myspace, youtube and facebook. It's all about getting yourself seen and heard!!

DL: What is your opinion of how music has changed over the years and do you think it has changed for the best or not?

Vicky: Sure it changes! But the threads are still the same. There's only so many notes! It's what you do with them and how much space you leave between them. Create something interesting!

DL: As technology has changed and the growth of the Independent Recording Artist has progressed, what are your opinions of remaining Independent as opposed to signing with a Manager/Promoter for up and coming musicians?

Vicky: As I said, you tube, myspace, facebook etc. You can remain independent as long as you can handle both the musical part and the business part. When they start to become too much of a burden.....time for a manager.

DL: How do you balance your personal life and work with the time required to follow your passion for music and performing?

Vicky: I love music......but you have to pay the bills. I have a small tax preparation business which I am pretty busy with most of the time. I am a wife and mother of 2 adult children. It's very difficult. I say I work my job so I can pay for my real passion. I don't do it for the money....never have!! I try to make time for my music because I need it like breathing. God gives you the strength to do all things...you just have to trust Him.

DL: What's up and coming for your music career...any new projects in the works?

Vicky: As we speak, I am working on recording songs for an up and coming CD. It is a compilation of about 7 or 8 tunes. Playing at local coffee houses, private parties, etc. I am also looking for new venues to play at. If anyone out there is interested look me up. Hey, Dave maybe you could be my manager....LOL