Andy Waldeck was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He became fascinated with music at an early age listening to, and eventually stealing, his parents folk and jazz records.At the tender age of 10, Andy received an electric bass for Christmas and began the life long love affair with the stringed instrument. He took lessons for a while but that proved too confining, Experimentation would be his real path. He played bass throughout junior high, and high school, always with the older kids. Andy learned quickly that the best way to grow as a musician was to surround himself with better, more experienced musicians. This ethic is an important part of his musical thought.
After high school, and many teenage rock, jazz, and pop gigs, he turned his eyes eastward. He enrolled in Boston's Berklee College of Music,thinking it might be a good time to try the "traditional" approach to music education again. He was wrong.After one semester at the famed music school, he left and moved with his family to Washington D.C.s Northern Virginia suburbs.This is where the real story begins.
A career in music is often forged like iron, from heat, hard work, and a lot of banging around.Shortly after arriving in D.C. Andy joined a top-40 touring band playing all the dark dance halls throughout the south east. He lived, loved, and learned on the road from then on. Playing 6 nights a week, the work was grueling , but the payoff was greater still. Andy developed chops and showmanship that would stay with him throughout his musical life.
Returning to DC, Andy formed his first original music band called Egypt. The idea was simple, Heavy funk riffs ,a la Parliament Funkadelic, mixed with the youthful energy of bands at the time (Living Color, Chili peppers etc.) This band brought the songwriting skills out of Andy, and he began to love the crafting of a song as much as he loved the delivery.
After Egypt broke up, Andy switched to rhythm guitar, re-made himself as a lead singer and Earth to Andy was born. The awesome pop power of this band was easily visible, and within a short year they had signed a management contract with Coran Capshaws, Red Light Management. New recordings were made, and found their way into the hands and ears of Warner Bros. boutique label Giant Records. A deal was signed and Earth to Andy was on the way. They spent 2 months in L.A. with producer Nick Launay making Chronicle Kings, which brought critical acclaim for its Beatles meets Soundgarden energy.
After several single releases and some solid countywide touring with the likes of Stone Temple Pilots, Fuel, and Tonic. Giant records folded. This was the beginning of the end for Earth to Andy. Unable to get back on their feet, find a new label and continue on productively, they disbanded in 2003.Becoming a solo acoustic artist was the last thing anyone really expected from this consummate rocker/band leader, so that's what he did.The essence of a song is really felt when it can be played on acoustic guitar, and sung, and understood.
In 2004 Andy released "Offering", an acoustic EP that showcased the artist in him. Songs are stripped bare of the sonic trimmings, and left naked for the listener to interpret.
The new thing.....
Andy has always been about the songs. Early in 2006 he began recording with a new design in mind. A full length, full instrumentation CD with most of the parts being played by him. He wisely enlisted the help of drummer extraordinaire and good friend Nate Brown, who's work with Andy's songs has been nothing short of amazing. The process has become a rebirth for Andy. A return to the sounds and grooves that have shaped his musical image. Titled "Long on Summer" and set for fall 2006 release, this work is his finest moment yet, and is sure to bring the attention this artist so rightly deserves.