Andrew Canlon: Redefining Electronic Music with a New York Edge

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the world of Andrew Canlon, a talented musician and Producer whose passion for music has driven him from his early days singing in choirs to becoming a dynamic force in the Electronic music scene.

Andrew shares insights into his background, revealing how his New York City upbringing and classical music education have shaped his musical journey so far; with a focus on self-production and a relentless work ethic, Andrew discusses his unique approach to music-making and live performance; from memorable career highlights to his creative process and views on the future of Electronic music, in this interview Andrew shares a glimpse into his world and what drives his artistic vision, join us as we uncover the story behind the music of Andrew Canlon.

Hi Andrew! How are you?

I’m doing very well, thank you. This is actually my first interview and I couldn’t be happier to be able to talk about music with you guys. Thank you for having me!

Can you tell us about your background and how you first got into music production and DJing?

I’m very fortunate to have grown up in New York City, where music education is something that’s taken very seriously. I grew up singing in choirs, taking piano lessons and learning about music the old-fashioned way. I didn’t get into production until many years later. I’d been working corporate jobs in the city for over a decade, until 2019 when I finally wore out my welcome. I enrolled in a music production course at Juilliard in 2019 and have been devouring as much knowledge as possible to be able to self-produce my music as a form of freedom and empowerment. During the pandemic, I built out my home studio and haven’t looked back. I was intimidated at first by the tech aspect of producing, but that solid foundation I have from my education in music has served me incredibly well. Nowadays, I feel like I’m just beginning to scratch the surface of what I know I’m capable of.

What inspires your music and sets you apart from other DJs/Producers?

My primary inspiration is New York. It’s given me everything. I’ve been scratching and clawing my way out of adverse situations my whole life. Heartbreaks, disappointments, failures, betrayals, etc. Those things can create a real edge for you to work with. Meanwhile, on the other side of the spectrum are things like falling in love, travelling, sunshine, pleasant memories from my childhood and on and on and on…

You get it.

The point is, ya gotta be willing to live boldly and be receptive to the idea that your experiences will materialize in the form of a song or a motif that you can bring into the studio and begin to mold to your liking. I think that cross-section of musicality and storytelling is what sets me apart in the Electronic music landscape. Lastly, I think what sets me apart is my work ethic and desire to be remembered as a generational songwriter and/or musician. I’m willing to outwork anyone because this isn’t really a choice for me. It’s something I was born into (meaning music) and I intend to earn my way into the business. I am well aware that there are no shortcuts on your way to greatness and I’m good with that. So whether you see me, hear me or not…odds are I’m working; doing everything I can to move the needle.

How would you describe your music style and the journey you’ve taken to develop it?

I would describe my music style as very atmospheric, catchy, poppy and well constructed. The beauty of Electronic music is that it gives you a massive palette to work with. I fully embrace that. The sweetest, most intimate song idea can take on a huge sound that can fill arenas and stadiums and that’s the stuff I dream about. As for the journey? How much time do you have? It hasn’t been easy. I’ll leave it at that for now.

What has been the most memorable moment in your music career so far?

When I was still in High School, I performed the Mozart Requiem at Carnegie Hall, which was conducted by John Rutter, a highly decorated classical composer and conductor. That’s an early highlight for me. Another highlight was being asked by a band to play piano at Williamsburg Music Hall in Brooklyn. We played Bohemian Rhapsody and we played it by the book. I had a few days to learn how to play one of the most complicated Rock anthems of all time in front of several hundred people during a Wayne’s World tribute show. The whole production was timed to the millisecond, while the movie was being projected to the crowd. If I played a single note incorrectly, that crowd would have booed me all the way back to Queens. When I played the final few notes, which we’re all familiar with, I realized that I’d absolutely nailed it and the crowd fucking ROARED. To this day, it’s the most intoxicating feeling I’ve ever had. That was a huge moment for me because I realized that if I put my mind to it, I can play anything. Well, mostly anything.

Can you walk us through your creative process when producing a new track or preparing for a live performance?

My primary instrument is the piano, so my writing process really starts with me sitting down and ironing out the framework of the song on the piano. I don’t have an acoustic piano at home right now, which isn’t ideal, so I’ll rent a practice room for a few hours and I’ll just simply write down any lyrics or chords in a notebook that I can come up with. That way, when I get into the studio, I can track it and really fill out the sound with lush pad and synth sounds. I can play in the drum parts, which really changes the energy of the piece and start to round it out with vocals and other fun ornamental elements that add that extra bit of sizzle.

How do you stay innovative and keep your sound fresh in a constantly evolving music industry?

The best way for me to answer this question would be to say that I’m not a believer in template songwriting. I’m a sound explorer. I’m not repeating myself. I’m constantly finding new sounds to play with. I don’t use samples. Any sound you hear in a song of mine was played on an instrument (virtual or otherwise) or I sang it myself. I’m constantly working to incorporate instruments and performative elements into my set. I’m most comfortable with a hybrid setup and I think audiences really respect that too, because they’re going to get their money’s worth.

If I’m not applying effects on my sampler, I’m playing a top line on my synth. If I’m not playing, I’m picking up the mic and singing, so it’s pretty much a juggling act and there isn’t a ton of room for error. It keeps me sharp. I’ll say that.

What are your thoughts on the current state of Electronic music, and where do you see it heading in the future?

I think Electronic music is in an incredible place right now. I don’t feel limited in my ability to translate my ideas into an actual piece of music because companies like Arturia and Roland (to name a few) have continued to push the boundaries of sonic innovation. When I’m in the studio I feel like I have access to a galaxy of sounds. You can really get lost in that sandbox, but it’s important to play, experiment and have fun because that’s when innovation can really happen and you’re creating something unique and new in real time. That gets me going.

Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans can look forward to?

Sure, well you can follow me on Instagram, where I always share live show dates. Right now, I primarily play in the NYC area, but my goal for 2024 is to take this show on the road. I recently released a new demo called “Sunshine Over Sad Times” and will be releasing at least two more singles in the next few months, both of which I’m really pumped to share. I think DJs will love remixing these tracks because they’re dance-y as hell so stay tuned for that!

How do you connect with your audience during live performances, and what do you hope they take away from your music?

There really is no better feeling than performing for a live crowd. My favorite way to connect with an audience is through a solid vocal performance. I take a lot of pride in being an Electronic music Producer who sings his own songs, and I know that’s something that audiences have said they really love. Also, there is nothing better than a sizzling synth solo. If there’s anything that makes me feel like I’m a rockstar, it’s showing the crowd what I can do with an instrument in my hands. I hope what people take away from the performance is that they remember my songs. I hope they want to listen to them again, add them to their playlists and get them stuck in their heads. That’s the ultimate compliment.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring Producers who are looking to break into the industry?

The best advice I’ve ever received, which was from my professor at Juilliard, is that “if it sounds good, it is good”. That was game changing for me because I am critical to a fault. I’m definitely a perfectionist when it comes to my music and it can be hard for me to be objective or to like what I’m doing. It usually takes someone else giving me a compliment for me to actually believe that what I’m doing is good. That’s not always healthy. Learn to give yourself a break. If you like something, trust that feeling. Be willing to play loose and fast with the rules and don’t allow yourself to get discouraged. If you work hard consistently and do the little things day in and day out, progress is inevitable.

We finish this interview thanking Andrew for his time and for sharing a deeper look into his background and beginnings as a music Producer in the Electronic music world. His commitment to creating music that is both innovative and deeply personal, surely sets him apart in the Electronic music landscape, and we can’t wait to see where his musical journey takes him next; make sure to follow him across social media te learn more about the releases and live shows of this talented Producer.

Andrew Canlon Online: Instagram | Website