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ANDY RODA – THE CURRENTS OF LIFE
They say there’s a current to every person’s life. A calling, a vision, a bliss each of us have the free will to follow. A script we all have the ability to write. For most, it is the hardest undertaking in a world of exclusion and competition. Yet, born out of this are the mavericks, the dreamers, the artists, and visionaries who defy the limits, and inspire us to take a step closer to living life to the fullest. In this case, we’re talking about ANDY RODA.
A musical prodigy and the youngest child of two Filippino immigrants, Andy grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark in a home with no music other than the radio and a limited vinyl collection. It was apparent Andy was no ordinary five year old; he was able to sing almost anything he heard while accompanying himself on a piano, which his sister Jessie and he had inherited. He spent his formative years honing his craft singing in church, while alternating between classical pieces, sung with the Danish Boys Choir, and his favorite Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston songs, which he performed at many of the local events. “I’d sing anywhere and for anyone who’d listen,” Andy says humorously. By the age of eight, he was the youngest finalist in a local talent show. During an event, a famous Danish production duo discovered Andy, which gave him his first taste of recording professionally. “Around this time, I also started writing songs, and it became very apparent to me this was to be my path. I remember making a clear decision to ditch my initial dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot, and instead become a world class artist. I was eleven at the time, and already aiming for the stars, but instead of getting there through flight, I wanted to soar through music,” he confidently adds. While still in school, Andy was discovered by Virgin Records after a demo of his had rotated locally and found its way to the desk of the managing director.
The Debut
Andy wrote, and co-produced his debut album “DISH”, released in 1999, earning him wide national acclaim, three hit singles, and a “Best New Artist” nomination. His remake of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “Something To Talk About” firmly established him as a rising star in Denmark while he embarked on a nationwide tour culminating in a date opening for the Backstreet Boys and Emma Bunton (Spice Girls). Plans for Andy’s second album ensued, but the company’s politics seemed restraining on Andy whose music had now taken on a more global feel. “I felt a yearning to expand beyond the borders, and to express myself in a way that was authentic to me without being a carbon copy of the boy bands who dominated the charts at the time.” A new demo was sent to New York City, and landed in the hands of hit-maker and producer, Gary Haase (Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Jessica Simpson) who immediately took him in. Shortly after, Andy was on his way to the Big Apple to write and record his second album.
Life’s Expansion Through Contrast
“I landed in the beginning of September 2001, only a few days prior to the historical events of 9/11, which I witnessed from a roof top only four blocks away. While escaping the scene, I said to myself, if I can live through this, I can live through anything. I became an instant New Yorker, though they said it would take ten years.” The following week, Andy was in Las Vegas competing on national TV on “Next Big Star” (America’s Original “Idol” show) earning him runner-up honors in the grand finale. “I’ve been fortunate to collaborate and work with many accomplished writers, besides performing at some of the most famous venues in New York. Most notably my friends, the legendary Ashford & Simpson, have been an important source of growth for me, as I weekly would mirror my own potential by watching and learning from many of the greats who graced the stage of their venue, The Sugarbar.” But life being a constant experience of duality and contrast schooled Andy on a deeper level, off stage, through the harsher realities of being simply human in New York City - let alone in this world. “One thing I’ve learned, is that behind every turmoil and obstacle lies a gift that leads to further expansion, and understanding of who we really are and what we are capable of.”
As Within So Without
“A profound change in my life occurred in 2006, which lead me to this new vantage point. Like a phoenix risen from the ashes, life prepared me through its hardships and obstacles, to what I call an ascended awareness of limitless possibilities. Last year 2007, I truly started to see the effects of this new found freedom. Not only did a vacation to the Philippines, lead me to releasing three songs on a highly successful commercial release, which to date has reached GOLD status, but personally, I was deeply moved by experiencing the simplicity of life in the Philippines, which made me realize, life is too short to live it fearfully.” So what became the next logical thing for Andy? To start his own label. “There has never been a better time for a musician to grow as an entrepreneur and to take charge of ones own destiny. So in launching POGI Entertainment I hereby free myself from limitations, and share with you my passion for some GREAT music,” exclaims a passionate Andy. “Aiyahh” (pronounced: Ahh-ee-ahh) the self written and produced single, is a lush, soulful, classic, melodic and timeless piece, inspired by the tropical nature and the white sandy beaches of Boracay, (the most famous in the Philippines) as the sun is setting on the horizon. Think of it as an infectious “four-minute escape to Paradise” with a can't-get-it-out-of-your-head hook, reminiscent of the soulful and soaring vocals of Prince. The best way to describe this song is LOVE. It’s another form of that indescribable feeling of utter well-being, be it lying in the arms of a loved one, or simply that thought of relief, which takes away any form of stress or limitation. Words matter not, since it’s a feeling... an experience...and “Aiyahh” is Andy Roda's testimony of his LOVE for LIFE. With his ability to write, perform, produce combined with his wisdom in life and fearless business tactics, one can only imagine what the future holds for this young powerhouse.
My One Message
“I used to think I had to prove something, but Life taught me I am not separate from anyone. In fact it is through being as authentic as I can, in all I do, I believe I’ll reach my highest potential. I was given the gift of music, and through this, my only goal is to communicate the fact, that if I can live out my dreams, so can you.” Andy’s message is simple: Be who you truly are, and shine your light unto the World.
