An Interview With Folk Singer-Songwriter, ANDREA NARDELLO On Her Recently Released EP, “Fire”!

Last month, the Philly-based folk/rock singer-songwriter Andrea Nardello released her latest EP, titled Fire through Noble Steed Music.

Here is what Nardello had to say about “Fire“:

“When I wrote ‘Fire’ I thought about life and how often you need to pick yourself back up after being broken. We as individuals need to keep our internal light burning. No one else can do that for you. Life is short so it’s critical to feed your soul, enjoy what you do, and figure out what lights you up.” 

Andrea Nardello has garnered favorable comparisons to Melissa Etheridge and Shawn Colvin for melding pop songwriting smarts with a confessional and literate songwriting style which often explores relationships, romance, and her own “out” family life. Andrea has been busy touring in support of her EP, entitled “Echo” opening for Brandi Carlile, Tony Lucca, Gabe Dixon, Ron Pope, and Emerson Hart of Tonic fame. Andrea’s refined accessibility draws from folk, rock, soul, and even the swagger of hip-hop. Andrea is once-again collaborating with trusted producer Matt Chiaravalle (Warren Zevon, Josh Joplin) for this emotional new EP, Fire.

Learn more about Andrea in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! How’s 2016 been treating you so far? What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you and your music?

2016 has been busy so far. The amount of work leading up to the release of “Fire” was exhausting but it’s so worth it. Now that the EP is out I am ready to get on the road.

2015 was an exciting year for me. I got to open for one of my biggest influences, Brandi Carlile and won Tri-State Indie’s Acoustic Artist of the Year award. “Home To Me” also won WSTW’s award for Best Folk Song. It’s been an exciting ride for sure and I’m feeling pretty grateful for these past few years.

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

I always loved playing music. My earliest musical memory is definitely when my parents got me a drum set for Christmas. My parents also had a baby grand piano that I loved to play. I finally picked up the guitar in middle school and started writing songs.

I can say that I always wanted to play music but I can’t say I always wanted to do it in the spotlight. Writing songs and performing them live was something that took me a little bit to get used to. Now it’s something that comes naturally and is almost like a drug. I love it and can’t live without it.

You recently released your EP, “Fire.” Can you talk about the journey you hope the listener goes on with this collection of songs?

This EP is pretty raw and honest. I feel like this is the type of EP you listen to when you’re taking a long drive. The songs all touch on heavy topics. I hope listeners can reflect on their own lives while listening to this EP. Music is powerful and the most I can ask for is that listeners can relate to my songs. Music is also subjective so the song “Fire” can mean two different things to two different people. Everyone’s journey will be different I’m sure. That’s one thing I love about music and the way it makes people feel.

Why do you think Noble Steed Music is the right place for you and your music now?

I’ve been working with Noble Steed for quite some time now and it’s been a great ride. It’s a label that allows me to be myself and put out the music I want to write. They have a great team and provide support while continuing to push me outside my comfort zone and that motivates me.

You’ve been very busy touring with some incredible acts like Brandi Carlile , Tony Lucca, Emerson Hart and others. What’s that been like for you? What’s been a favorite touring partner? Who do you think you have learned the most from? Who would you love to head out on the road again with in the future?

Touring is my favorite thing to do. We get to explore unique cities and meet new people. It can be exhausting but it’s totally worth it. I feel very lucky to have toured with and opened for artists like Brandi, Tony, and Emerson. Everyone is so different so it’s hard to say whether or not I have a favorite. It has been a dream come true though. The one thing that is clear to me is that we are all human. When you get to open for artists that have had huge influences on you it’s hard to remember that. Everyone works hard. They all motivate me to keep driving and pushing myself. I would go out on the road with all of them again in a heartbeat.

How do you think you’ve continued to grow as an artist through the years?

I am constantly surrounding myself with talented artists. I think exposing yourself to as many types of artists with different skill sets will help you grow. I also work with people that push me and want me to succeed. Life is hard. We need to surround ourselves with people that lift us up. I also have an amazing wife that supports me. I also go to a lot of concerts when I’m not performing/touring. Watching other artists has been a huge inspiration.

What’s the music scene like in Philadelphia? How do you think being from there has influenced you and really your music?

Philly has an amazing music scene. It’s also very diverse, which I love. Philly has a lot of musicians that support one another. It’s so important. Music doesn’t need to be a competition. Moving back to this area also brought me closer to my friend Matt Duke. I would say collaborating with him has definitely influenced my music and songwriting the most lately.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? Who would you absolutely love to collaborate with in the future?

I love a lot of different music. Some of my favorite artists are Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Brandi Carlile, Patty Griffin, Amos Lee, the list is endless! To be able to collaborate with any of these artists would be a dream come true.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

Life is what you make of it…keep taking swings and working hard and good things happen.  I’m proud of these songs and I hope the listeners can connect with my music.