What is your name?
Andria Piperni
What is your genre of music?
A blend of neo-soul and R&B
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a singer and songwriter based in Montreal, Canada. I grew up singing and dancing to R&B/jazz sensations like Corinne Bailey Rae, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill. I released my debut single “Say Something” in November of last year, which made its way onto Canada’s R&B/Soul iTunes chart. I have since released another single called “Without You” and have a new song coming out this week, called “Instinct”!
What made you go in to music?
I had a musical childhood. My father is a pianist and introduced me to a lot of great music, especially female artists. I started taking dancing lessons when I was young and music just naturally became a huge part of my life. Singing, on the other hand, was something I kept to myself for a long time. It wasn’t until I was finishing school that I realized how much I truly wanted to pursue it professionally, so I decided to let go of my fears and just go for it.
Are you signed?
No, I’m independent.
You are set to release your new single ‘Instinct’, tell us more about the single.
‘Instinct’ is a feel-good contemporary R&B song that’s about a laid-back, sunny romance. It’s easy, it’s right. It’s instinct!
What is the meaning behind the single?
I just think a lot of us can get caught up in our heads about how to act or be around someone new that we’re into. We worry about the dating “rules”, making the “right moves”. But if you’re lucky, you’ll meet someone who sort of melts all those worries away and it just feels natural. You can let go and lead with your heart, instead of your head.
Describe the track in two words.
Sunny & carefree.
What was the writing process like?
This song sort of just happened by accident. I was sitting in my room, playing around with chords on the guitar (trying to improve my guitar playing skills!) and a little melody just came to me. A few days went by and I couldn’t get it out of my head, so I decided to write a whole song.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process was a lot of fun. I got to work with some great musicians and producers who really brought the song to life and made it was it is now.
Who did you work with on the single?
Connor Seidel and Felix Le Blanc, two very talented fellow Montrealers. They helped me write a great bridge, and arranged and produced the song.
Will we see a video for ‘Instinct’?
Yes! There will be a lyric video for Instinct, coming shortly after the single is released.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
Not quite yet, but keep an eye out in the future!
Do you have any shows coming up? I have a few shows lined up this summer here in Montreal.
What else can we expect in 2019?
More music!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Of course! Always up for a new collaboration. They can reach out to me directly.
Who are your influences?
I always have a hard time answering this question because I feel like I have so many. Amy Winehouse is a big one. Her voice and her song writing were unparalleled. Regina Spektor is another standout. Her music is so unique and daring and special. She showed me that there are really no rules to song writing and what it means to be a great storyteller. Oh, and John Mayer. I remember listening to him on long drives in the backseat of the car and thinking, wow I want to move people the way he moves me with his music and his words.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Listening to great music, definitely. But also, taking note in the little moments of life that we all experience. That’s what makes great music right? A song that we can really connect to.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Usually hanging with the people I love! Or if I’m alone, I’m reading, writing, dancing, or…watching movies. 🙂
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I ever received was to stop waiting for perfection. Just go for it. Take action. Try it out. It’s the only way we can move forward! The only way to grow and get better. Otherwise, there will always be an excuse not to.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I would say, just be true to who you are. The people who will love you for your authentic self are the people that you want to connect with. So it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Not only will you feel happier and more fulfilled, but I personally think it’s your greatest chance at finding success.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Just because you haven’t been somewhere, doesn’t mean you don’t belong.” I’m not sure who originally said this but when I first heard it, it really stuck with me. In life, and especially as an artist, we often stop ourselves from doing things or going places we haven’t before because we’re scared that we aren’t good enough, that we won’t be accepted, that we will be different. But there’s a first time for everything. And if something, somewhere, or someone is calling you, that’s reason enough to go for it. Proof enough that you belong.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
ALL the restaurants!!! Or as many as possible anyway. Montreal has the best food!
Your coming off tour; I haven’t been on tour yet, but I would imagine something like this…
1/ Where do you go first? My bed!
2/ Who do you see first? My boyfriend 4
3/What do you eat first? Some homemade cooking from my mom or grandmother!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
water
throat lozenges
the lyrics (lol)
snacks (obv)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Come say hi!
