INTERVIEW: Andria drops debut single “Liberty”

18-year-old singer-songwriter Andria has just unveiled his sonic vision that sits at the crossroads of classical training and a contemporary desire to break new ground. Having graduated as a valedictorian from the French Conservatoire de Lyon in classical piano, Andria took a leap of faith by purchasing a one-way ticket to London, where he ventured on a journey to craft his own unique musical output.

Armed with a mission to inspire those who are voiceless, Andria is determined to create music that encourages freedom of expression. His artistic story first took shape with the release of “Ereka,” a self-produced track that dropped on Soundcloud in April last year while his performances around London, headlining events like the Imperial Festival and Sorbonne Music Days in Paris, have seen him win over fans while bringing his music alive on stage.

Now, making his official entrance into the music scene, Andria shares his brand new debut single titled “Liberty.” A celebration of freedom and unity, the track stitches together global sounds, echoing the artist’s commitment to universal values in a world where they are increasingly buried and forgotten.

With his first release, Andria makes a compelling artistic statement wviaith a slick alternative pop cut packed full of danceable rhythm, vibrant instrumentation and lively vocal leads spinning hook-focused writing. Opened by a rattle and smash, the pulse of the grooving bass line rides the thump of a kick as distant sonic textures float around the mix.

Punching rhythms and playful instrumental flutters collide before Andria’s voice glides in, backed by the colourful stabs of brass tones. Launching into a bold sound of rumbling bass lines, infectious rhythms and memorable melodic leads, “Liberty” sees Andria distil his stunning creativity and musical talent into a stellar debut single full of twists, turns and thrilling energy.

The production of “Liberty” is a fusion of global rhythms, drawing inspiration from Africa, South America and Asia. The single also signals the start of a string of singles set to drop on the first Friday of each month, meaning fans won’t have to wait long to get their next dose of Andria’s sensational sound.

We caught up with Andria to find out more about his musical story so far, his debut single “Liberty” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Andria below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

As a child, music was always playing in my house. I started singing before I could speak. My parents managed to save enough money to pick up an old, used upright piano when I was seven, but I had already started writing songs and poems in small notebook since I was four years old, before I even touched an instrument or had anything to record them.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I have a weakness for assertive art, but self-assertive people sometimes say or do disappointing things. Some, however, like Beethoven, Glenn Gould, or Rabearivelo weren’t afraid to pick a fight with the status quo and sometimes tragically ended up fighting with themselves, but it propelled their art to a place beyond the limits of their time.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

To me, inspiration is a muscle you can train to make stronger, more responsive, and more flexible. When I’ve been writing consistently for a certain amount of time, everything becomes a source of inspiration; world news, movies, or even Instagram posts.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

2023 was catastrophic for the world in many regards. For me personally, it has been a year of constant progress. Looking back, my father’s ongoing recovery from a stroke and my mother’s support are an example of courage and resilience that greatly motivates and inspires me every day. My father lost a lot, and my mother carried that loss.

What do you love about the London music scene?

I’m in love with London, aside from its rising cost of living. Culture and especially music truly live in the UK’s DNA, and London is the very heart of it. Londoners made me and my music feel welcome.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Ideally, I would want everyone to be able to listen to my songs anywhere, at anytime. My dream is to write a song you could both play at a wedding party and at a funeral.

How have your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I am not attached to any genre in particular. I started with classical music, then I was part of a rock band, and I am now producing pop songs, but the message of my music never changed. I want to help people fight against inequality and injustice, even if the only way I can do it is by rhyming on a backbeat.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Any artist who would want to collaborate with me, really! I don’t close the door on anyone, but Kendrick Lamar would definitely be on that list.

How did you find making your new single “Liberty”?

I wrote the song I needed to hear at that time. In a time of horror and violence between communities, I needed to hear an upbeat song about tolerance and freedom. Writing and recording it took me two days, and mixing and mastering it took less than a week.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Before writing ‘Liberty’, I had just finished reading a book titled ‘L’Assignation: Les Noirs n’existent pas’ (‘Black People Don’t Exist’). In her book, the writer cleverly deconstructed the mechanisms of racism or any other kind of bigotry. ‘Liberty’ is an ode to those who have the courage to liberate themselves from these mechanisms.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I recently dived into Bob Marley, Rage Against the Machine, and Mahaleo. I find their music more potent and relevant today than ever.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want to denounce the wrongs that are being done to those who are abused in silence and encourage those who are unfortunate or afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

While at university, I enjoyed competing in the Battle of the Bands. While music isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about competition, I feed off the competition in the music industry. Conquering an audience with my music is thrilling to me.

Who would be the three artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

In all modesty, I could do worse than headlining Glastonbury alongside Kendrick and Bob Dylan.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I would tell them to treat people well, trust their gut, be open to receiving help, and be weary of people giving advice.

Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?

‘Liberty’ marks the debut single of a series of releases scheduled for the first Friday of each month, with each track aiming to push the limits of pop songwriting and messaging. I’m also working on increasing my audience to be able to perform in bigger venues around London.

Listen to Liberty below