Today we’d like to introduce you to Brien Andrews.
Hi Brien, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been in the music industry professionally for over 20 years. My love for music started at the early age of four, influenced by my mom, who minored in music in college. She also served as the choir president for years. So, growing up gospel music was always being played in our house. Especially on Saturdays when it was time to clean up the house. There were times my oldest sister and I would play church every week. She was the worship leader and of course, I was the drummer that had the shoe boxes set up as a drum set and I played the organ and bass with my mouth all at the same time. I’m laughing as I am recalling these moments. Lol So it was during those early years, I realized music was in my DNA.
What has gotten me to where I am today was moving from St. Louis, Missouri to Atlanta, Georgia in 1991. My move to Atlanta was not like most that moved here. Many move here to become successful. For me, my dad saw that I was not focused and my life wasn’t heading in the right direction. So he basically told me I was going to Atlanta for a fresh start. I went to school for computer technology and had in my mind to move back to St. Louis once I graduated. Well, those plans quickly changed once I was exposed to the music industry as I know it now. I became a sponge and begin to learn how music was done on a professionally level. One door leads to another. During the early stages of my career, I was working a full-time corporate job while pursuing a music career. I remember one day asking God, “How much longer will I be able to maintain this schedule?” After a while, my music career was just as demanding as my 9 to 5 and balancing the two became a challenge.
Well, one day I was sick with the flu, had missed several days from work. Returned to work the following week still not 100%, missed the next day and attempted to return the following day. When I arrived, my supervisor had informed me that I had been terminated due to so many absences. At that moment, I couldn’t explain the peace that came over me as she was talking. I politely accepted and told her thank you for everything. As I was driving home, I received a phone call from a great bass player friend of mine who was scheduled to leave out of the country to Sweden. His call was to ask me if I had a passport and if was interested in doing the gig, they needed a drummer at the last minute. With great joy I accepted and it’s been nonstop since that time!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In the beginning, the transition from corporate to becoming a full-time musician/entrepreneur was smooth, fun and exciting. However, as time went by, I had to face challenges of not being accepted, my abilities being question, I quickly had new perspective of the famous song by the O’Jays, Back Stabbers. (They smilin’ in your face) All the time, they want to take your place, the backstabbers. Instead of it being my woman, it was the doors that music was affording me that develop the haters. Being a lover of people, those actions were hard for me to deal with at first. All I wanted to do was music, enjoy my gigs, get my money and go home. So I quickly had to develop tough skin and pressed my way through it all.
My other challenge was my parents. They have always been super supportive however they couldn’t quite wrap their heads around me doing music full time and doing it successfully. My dad wanted me to be a doctor or major in some form of business degree so in my early years of college, I went to school for business, it didn’t interest me at all and I ended up dropping out. Both parents were hard workers with traditional jobs and no one in our family had explored being full-time entrepreneurs. So I became the new model. It wasn’t until they found out I was on a tv show that the light bulb came on that I was really doing this music thing seriously and beyond the walls of the church.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently an artist, drummer, producer and songwriter. I’ve been fortunate to travel internationally to places such as South Africa, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Gotland, Visby, Japan, Italy, Guatemala City and Germany. A few of my music accomplishments are; performed on Good Morning America with Grammy award winner Mandisa, performed and toured with stage play “Woman thou Art Loosed” by T.D. Jakes and Tyler Perry, Tyler Perry’s “ I know I’ve been Change and “Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned”.
I’ve toured and performed with artists such as Mandisa, Toby Mac, Jennifer Holliday, Ann Nesby, Kelly Price and Dave Hollister. Recorded with Gospel greats, Dottie Peoples, Bishop Paul Morton, Ted Winn, Ted & Sheri, the late LaShun Pace and the soundtrack for Greenleaf Soundtrack. Also performed with many great jazz artists such as Walter Beasley, Willie Bradley, Marqueal Jordan, Kim Waters and Ragan Whiteside.
I am most proud of the release of my own music. 2010 was my very first solo project release entitled “Change.” Since then I’ve released three Christmas singles and two smooth jazz singles and excited to be releasing my 3rd smooth jazz single entitled “In The Moment” which will be released to radio August 29th, 2022.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Down through the years, I’ve been blessed with a village of friends, supporters, advocates and teammates. As I mentioned earlier, my friend Alex Evans gave me my first break to travel overseas and often encouraged me to get better and to get over my fears. My cousin, Anthony Green who in our younger years was a drummer the same time I was but changed career paths. He has been in my corner since we were kids and now we are older, he has been a big brother, a wise counselor, and a shoulder to cry on.
My recording/studio mentor Derrick Stevenson. I wouldn’t be doing any type of recording if it wasn’t for this guy sowing his time, energy, knowledge and even gave me my first hard drive and a few drum mics to get my started.
I must give my wife, Anita huge credit. She was the glue that kept things together as I was traveling all over the country. She’s been an encourager, someone I could share my ups and downs with, she remember those nights crying because things didn’t go the way they were planned. I am most grateful to her! Also a host of cousins, friends and my siblings/cheerleader squad, Tiffany, Whitney, Joseph and Tommie. I can’t name everyone. Just know I appreciate each of you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brienandrews.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/brienandrews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brienandrewsmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brienandrews
Image Credits
Photo credit James Andrews Neal Wyms
