Her origins may have started in France but she has been to many places abroad, both in Europe, South-East Asia as well as the other side of The Atlantic. As an artist, her musical influences come from some strong singers such as Tina Turner for stage presence, Florence Welsh of Florence and The Machine and Coldplay for song-writing, and Whitney Houston for her vocal skills. An interesting mix there. Andrea Dee has been in the music industry for over a decade now but it could be argued that it’s in her blood (her mother was a professional dancer). In the years she has been active in the music business she’s seen a gradual improvement in regards to the representation of women, but like many, says that more can be done. Not one to shy away from hard work she made an album whilst in lockdown, Truth & Dare. If you want to hear some of her music, use the links below such as Aller and Je Suis Seule.
“Fully accepting yourself is not an easy process, it takes time”
So, you’ve been in the music scene for over 10 years now. What was it that first attracted you to a career in music?
My mother was a professional dancer, she would take me when she was performing, rehearsing. I remember loving the lights, the stage, the energy but I think what really attracted me to the music itself was the power of a song, the connection that one could have from a feeling to a vocal sound. The fact that with music you are never alone, somebody wrote a song about what you are going through right now.
Which artists did you grow up listening to and which ones inspire your style of music?
Each artist has a special place in my heart, Tina Turner for her stage presence, and power. Whitney Houston’s incredible vocals performance Coldplay and Florence and the machine for the songwriting.
Now, you’ve toured quite a bit over the past few years in various parts of Europe, the UK, and the USA, is there much in the way of a difference when it comes to touring either side of Europe or the Atlantic and further afield?
From my experience touring Europe was much easier and fun, the audience was more welcoming when it came down to new music. The US tour was much harder for my band and me, however, I believe that you can’t make up your mind with only one experience, so I will be happy to go tour again anywhere in the world, that is my favourite thing to do, and I can’t wait to go back on the road.
Since we (UK) left the E.U in 2016 a lot of musicians within the music scene have spoken about their concerns and worries in regards to touring internationally. Have you come into such problems?
I am French originally, and carry on doing what I do, so no that has not had any impact on me yet. I have a visa to be able to work in the UK, and for now it works for me.
As a female in the industry do you feel that it has changed much when it comes to the representation of women in music?
I think that we only are at the beginning of change when it comes down to women being more involved in the music industry. More and more women are taking bigger roles in the industry inspiring the new generation to create a sense of awareness and equality but we still have a long way to go.
And do you think that more could be done?
There is always more that can be done. To this answer, I would use a quote (forgive me I can’t remember where I heard it) “Women talk about being paid the same as men, but have you ever heard of men asking to be paid the same as women?”
Since March of 2020, we’ve been in lockdown due to the current COVID situation, though we’re gradually leaving it. How much of an effect did that have on you as a musician?
To me, the lockdown served me well. I used the first lockdown to record my electro-pop album Truth & Dare in English and French. I used the second lockdown to spread the word through social media doing live streaming shows, and starting a podcast called “Do it your way”. Obviously, I am one of the lucky ones, I did have to find a part-time job to support the music, but that is life as an artist, you always have to re-invent yourself, and adapt to whatever is happening. My heart goes to all of the people that have suffered from the pandemic, mentally, physically, and economically
You’ve also written an album in lockdown called Truth & Dare, tell us more about it,
Truth & Dare is an electro-pop, English, and French album, where I take you on my journey to self-acceptance. From the first song Not Sorry, which sets the mood, “I am not sorry, for who I am and what I do”, to our newest single Aller which comes to term with fully accepting who you are (the good, the bad, the imperfections, the ugly) by going on a date, choosing the outcome with no shame, just recognizing your own desires.
Fully accepting yourself takes time, it is not an easy process. Each song takes you on a different path, exploring what’s happens to think about it like each song being like an episode (think of Netflix episodes of a season). The album cover starts with my face being fully covered with butterflies and feathers, each song a part of the mask falls, revealing my face.
Sonically it’s heavy, intense but also light at moments using synth, electro beats to acoustic guitars, and piano.
What can we expect from you for the remainder of 2021 and for 2022?
My album has been released one single at a time, a month, we just released “Aller” as our 7th single of the album. we have 3 more to go, which will bring us to have the full album released in September. we are planning a big live performance launch event that will be available invite-only, and probably perform around the UK for the rest of the year.
And finally, where can people listen to your music?
Please Follow me on Spotify
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA5oDT_CABkjPzQztmxKapw
Website: https://www.andreadee.me/
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