Artist Profile: Andi Rae Healy

A Chat With Porch Stomp Musician Andi Rae Healy!

What is your earliest music memory:

Listening to my mother's awesome record collection. It's where I developed a love for ABBA, the Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac to say the least.

Where is your favorite place that you have performed, and why?

I always love playing at Hank's Saloon in Brooklyn - the stage looks great, the staff is amazing, people dance, and we just in general have a great time. But last summer we also got to play in the Celebrating Red Hook Festival under a giant crane on the water, while fireworks went off in the background. That was pretty epic.

Why did you start playing music?

Because I love it. Can't think of a better reason!

What does your creative process look like?

In terms of how I write a song... I'll get an idea for something I want to write about usually while I'm on the subway or walking down the street and start making it into verses and choruses. Then as soon as I can I'll get some music under it. Lyrics and melody almost always comes first for me.

Who are some artists you admire? (Musical or otherwise)

I'm in love lately with Shovels & Rope and Lissie. Of course ABBA as I mentioned. Their combination of writing and singing skills kills me. I'm impressed and jealous by how out-of-the-box brilliant Fiona Apple is. I was always a Prince fan, but since he passed away I've discovered more and more the sheer volume of brilliant work he's got, not to mention his performances. I never got to see him live and I'm pretty sad about that. Of course I could go on and on.

What's your secret special skill that nobody knows about?

I can fold up a napkin to look like a chicken.

If I could play anywhere, I'd play [location]

Maybe Paris? At the base of the Eiffel Tower? While it's twinkling! Which would be a little like the Red Hook show, I guess.

Click below to check out Andi's music!