andrea lane and Freedom Rocks

Singer/composer Andrea Lane will release her inspirational cd "Churches and Prisons" in a performance Saturday at 8pm at the Synergy Cafe Lounge 4417 Sepulveda Blvd. in Culver City.

The 10 song CD was written during a time when Lane was performing in churches and prisons exclusively. She has been writing and recording songs for 20 years and has a dance background. - Culver City Observer

As a freshman at the University of Louisville in 1985, Andrea Lane "wasn't really into music at the time." A French major turned singer and songwriter now residing in Los Angeles and pursuing her solo career, Lane has lived in California, New York and France but her roots are in Louisville. "I grew up in Louisville," she said.

Lane's appreciation of language was nurtured at U of L. Though she only attended the university for one year as a freshman, what she learned has followed her in her career as solo artist. "U of L was a very integral part of my growth," said Lane. "They were very kind to me." Lane said her experience in learning a different language has helped to influence her career in not only song-writing but also in the social aspect.

"When you're studying a language you're always communicating with people," Lane said. "Also, sometimes I'll write a song in French."

As much as Lane enjoys the French language, she said she came close to deciding not to pursue it further. "I had a very good professor; she really encouraged me," Lane said of her French professor at U of L.

Upon leaving U of L, Lane went on to attend school in California. However, in 1994, a massive earthquake occurred which put an obstacle in her path. "I couldn't go to school because during the earthquake much of it literally crumbled to the ground," Lane said. During the aftermath of the quake students had to attend classes in trailers but shaken by the catastrophe, Lane stopped going to school.

Soon after, Lane began to pursue an acting career but quickly realized it was not a realistic pursuit. "Acting seemed so superficial, like I was chasing a Hollywood dream," Lane said. This is when she turned to her love of punk rock and began to sing in a band.

"I loved the punk rock scenes while I was growing up in Louisville," said Lane.

Lane was into rock for a few years but finally found her niche singing inspirational music in churches. "Andrea is a rock star for God," said Rev. Michael Beckwith. Since then Lane has added prisons to her repertoire. "Singing for this type of audience is more meaningful to me because they need it," said Lane.

Lane will be coming to Whitley, Kentucky in July as a guest on the radio station WHAY. Her music can also be heard at www.myspace.com/andrealane.

- www.louisvillecardinal.com