We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andy Kahrs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andy below.
Andy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
There is so much to be inspired by in the world. I try to look for the best in things, and I’m constantly amazed by everyday experiences – a beautiful song, a touching conversation with a friend, a colorful flower, or a stout old tree – it’s an amazing world we live in, and to participate in it is a gift.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an musician and songwriter with a deep love for the blues, retro soul, and classic country. As an artist, I do my best to meld those genres into my own distinct sound. I’ve been amazed by the power of music since childhood – I’ve been healed, inspired, and amazed by music countless times, and my hope is that my own songs and performances remind my audience that we all share a common connection, and that we are not alone in our searches for meaning.
My song ‘If You Love To Be Right’, a bluesy celebration of diversity and identity, was included on Spotify’s ‘Best Blues of 2022’ editorial playlist, and has been streamed over 65,000 times. I try to take the sounds of the past and create something of my own that is forward-thinking.
I will be recording some new material this fall featuring acoustic, slide-guitar heavy songs. I’ve fallen in love with playing slide guitar, and hope to tour this style soon, alongside my ongoing tours as the singer and guitarist in ‘Rhinestone: The Songs and Carer of Glen Campbell’ and ‘Always On My Mind: A Country Songbook’.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Patience
Instruments, singing, and songwriting are all hard – I’ve been playing for 17 years now and feel as though I’ve only scratched the surface of all those art forms. I try to be inspired when I hear amazing musicians, rather than compare myself negatively. You must have patience for yourself to learn and improve, and beating yourself up won’t help.
Resiliency
Negative feedback and criticism are inevitable. If you’re just looking for approval, you’re going to be disappointed. As long as your dream is truly yours and your own heart is your guide, you’ll find a way to move past (and learn from) criticism.
Believe in yourself
I still have so much to learn about believing in myself, but I’m better than I once was, and I can recognize negative pathways when I see them. The truth is, your dream starts within. No one can accomplish it for you.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I would like for my business to be built more around my original music than performing covers. Of course, this requires dedication to building an audience, which takes time, touring, perseverance, and of course, a steady stream of great music. I aim to tour regionally more in 2024, with the hope of building a following in several southeast cities before expanding my reach. I’ve simplified my approach to recording, as well, which ought to lead to more organic sounding songs. Social media is also a reality of the industry, and one that I can take better advantage of as I try to reach new ears and hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andykahrs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andykahrs/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/andykahrsmusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-kahrs-a7700250/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@andykahrs
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FvylUNtOpotZOfJMa2udu?si=tBMKC2vNTNeJqEa_4LWPyA
Image Credits
Erik James Media Jordan Merrigan
