Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Andrada.
Victor, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The year 1990 is when I joined a band based in Abilene, Texas and became their bass player. For the next ten years, I played with a variety of groups until 1999 when I wrote eight songs and recorded my 1st CD and transitioned to solo singers/songwriter. Since that time, I now operate as a solo artist playing various events including farmers markets, private events, festivals, and retirement communities/memory care facilities and that continues to this day.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Has it been a smooth road? No. Certainly has smoothed out along the way but in the beginning, I had no idea the amount of challenges were coming. One of the challenges was coming to understand where an artists music fits and more importantly doesn’t fit. At first I was booking any and every place I could find to play in and although I became familiar my work ethic and how willing I was to go after what I wanted, spending too much time playing in places that were not conducive to my type of music was at the same time necessary, took a while to refine where I was presenting myself. And then there is outright rejection and indifference. That was tough and still is but I’ve learned to handle it and refine the ways that I do things.
We’d love to hear more about your music and career so far. What else should we know?
I’m a vocalist/guitarist playing music from artists in the country, jazz, blues and Latin genres. In the retirement atmosphere especially, the interaction with residents is key in assisting with cognitive/brain issues and so what I’m most proud of is that aspect of trying to connect with a person who is dealing with health issues or just old age, to witness either a foot tapping with the music or a smile or singing along with me, that makes me feel purposeful and it’s like I’m providing this person, even if for just a short time, an escape from whatever their problem/health issue is and allow them to be free and enjoy the moment.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was a curious and adventurous kid! It would not be uncommon to see me riding my bike all over my town, finding new bike trails or making new ones! I was also into fishing when I was a kid as my dad took along with him on fishing trips and I still fish except I do it in a kayak.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.facebook.com/victorandradamusic
- Phone: 469.974.7184
- Email: victorandrada1@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Melanie Stanford Murphy
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