Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Big Internet

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I grew up in a house where music was always present. My father was a bluegrass picker on banjo and guitar and some of my fondest and earliest memories are of him playing while my sister and I danced wildly and jovially around him, loving every second of it. 

How did your passion for creating music begin?

The first time I remember hearing the Beatles I knew I wanted to do that! The way they were able to tell a story, not only with words but with instrumentation, creating a visual so strong with music was something I did not know was possible at 8 years old and by the time I was 9 years old I asked my dad for my first guitar. 

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The song “Digital Breakdown #21” is an observation into todays disposable culture. Not only in the tangible objects but our relationships and interactions with our fellow human. We seem to be so willing to easily “write off” what we don’t like. It’s a digital breakdown. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Someone once described my sound as “raw indie charm” and other critic described it as “a indie Beck”  I’d say that is pretty accurate. My sound has depth and dimension without being over bearing or pretentious.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

I will para-phrase but there is this great Miles Davis quote that goes along the lines of this, “You know when you are playing and you are feeling it and you are going with your gut and it’s telling you exactly what to do? Yeah, don’t do that! Don’t play what your gut is telling you, instead play within the open space that was left behind in what your gut told you to play” Play within the open space. This idea forever changed the way I write and thus execute a song. 

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

My 1937 Chickering upright piano is a must have in my writing and recording process. Once you have a real piano with ivory keys it is pretty tough to go back to a keyboard. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Currently “Lowlegs” “The Otto Modest” and “Westend Junction” all out of St. Louis, MO. 

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Personal pain, joy and thought always play a role in the creative endeavor. I think the key is to not make it too personal as the creative endeavor is also there in part to feed the ego of the artist. 

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope they take away the complexities within the riffs and find them to be interesting to dissect. My music isn’t exactly easy listening. It takes some concentration to get the most out of it. 

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

To be patient. With everything and everyone. 

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

St. Louis has a really cool sculpture park that would be a fun place to play in the outdoors. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Robert Randolph & the Family Band. I think it would be a blast. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

My main project is called “Modern Andy” and you can find my entire catalog here. 

Spotify: 

Youtube Music:

“Big Internet” is a side project I created for fun. The song “Digital Breakdown #21” can be found here: 

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

The dream is to get one or some or all of my songs into movies and television. My music is very visual and lends itself well to the visual storytelling medium. 

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That I write music worth listening to and worth sharing with others.