Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Nolte.
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I come from a family of musicians, but I didn’t take an interest in learning until 8th grade. I studied guitar, bass, wrote songs and sang for the first ten years. I moved from my hometown of Corpus Christi to Austin in 1999; played in a few bands and waited tables. I moved back to Corpus for a few years and that’s when I started playing piano. Moved to Austin again and began playing in bands as a keyboardist. Found a lot of work as a hired gun: wedding bands, tribute bands, studio session work, sitting in with friends’ bands. I stayed busy touring and saying yes to whatever gigs came my way. In 2013, my wife and I had a son. I officially left my day job to be a stay at home dad, and playing music became my sole income. I made a lot more connections and began to develop a reputation as a side man in and around Austin. In 2018, I embarked on a passion project to record my own solo record. What started as a vanity project became a regularly performing live band. My album was met with very generous support by local critics and fans alike. This allowed me to play many of my favorite venues under my own name and with this amazingly talented group, I somehow managed to assemble as a backing band. This career path has afforded me to work with and meet many musical heroes and to constantly be challenged and rewarded by being able to collaborate on a lot of amazing records.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve had a hard time understanding how best to apply my skillset for my own goals. I don’t identify as a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist or singer. Nor do I fit neatly into one specific genre for easy marketing. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to team up with other musicians in the hopes that a band would find success before I finally had the confidence to pursue my own songwriting.
Even in the face of success, I’ve found myself struggling with imposter syndrome.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer/songwriter who leads a large ensemble band of orchestral players. I have two records: Tied To A String (LP-2018) and Climbing Uphill (EP-2019).
I specialize in writing complex and beautiful pop songs in the style of the great American songbook. I’m also known as a hired gun as I get a lot of work by being able to learn a LARGE amount of music in VERY little time without a rehearsal.
I’m most proud of my first record, Tied To A String. Every success and opportunity I have had as a solo artist traces back to that initial leap of faith when I decided to make that record.
I have a very distinct sound. I play many shows without a single guitar involved and will be accompanied by woodwinds and a string quartet. So, we’re a very stark contrast to nearly every other band you see in Austin.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Having a passion for your work and making art that you truly feel satisfies you creatively is its own success.
Contact Info:
- Email: andrewnoltebooking@gmail.com
- Website: www.andrewnoltemusic.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/andynoltemusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndyNolteMusic
Image Credits
Denise Nolte Kyle Girgus Derrick Davis
