Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
January 2000
"First-rate melody... set apart from standard singer-songwriter fare." - Richard Skanse
June 2004
"An impressive turn of phrase and likeable world-weariness on the four well-crafted tunes on this fine EP "Anybody Ever Really Know Anyone?"
The title track is the obvious 'radio' song and kicks off the EP. It's excellent too: a finely-turned comment on America's own Kim Philby-style superspy Robert Philip Hanssen, the long-serving secret services ordinary Joe who was never given a second glance, yet was caught collecting his pay from the Russians in a park just prior to his retirement. The song itself is an irresistible slice of classic power pop a la early Cars or Elvis Costello, with a gutsy vocal from Germak, reined in venom from the band and some perfect, fruity organ. Immediate in a word.
The other two tunes featuring the full band allow the players to stretch a little, though Andy's songs are always the key issue. "Emily's Changing" has a similarly chugging rhythm, but is a little more wigged-out, revelling in its' own darkness, while "Think It Through" is plangent'n'propulsive, with Byrds-y guitars and a distinct nod to that other terminally under-rated singer/songwriter Freedy Johnston. It's a cool two and a half minutes made by Matt Beck's lazy slide guitar.
The final track "Crazier Than You" showcases Germak's folkier, acoustic side... a good example of how Andy's songs can still be effective when pared-down.
"Anybody Ever Really Know Anyone?" is a quality EP from an unassuming East Coast performer who deserves better than to remain under the critical and commercial radar. Andy Germak is a name to keep in mind." - Tim Peacock
October 2000
"A sense of maturity and depth that belies his age." - Mick Skidmore
"Angsty, Counting Crows-esque songwriting... earnest and thoughtful." - Time Out New York
"Intelligent, soulful and catchy, Germak's depth and strong grasp on effective songwriting technique offers much more than the usual singer/songwriter fare." - Cincinnati Citybeat
Discography
2004 - Anybody Ever Really Know Anyone? (EP)
(Orchard/Rough Diamond/Independent)
2003 - Communications
(Rough Diamond/Independent)
2002 - Vigil
(Conscious)
Tribute CD compiled by Suzanne Vega featuring Germak's song "Spoonfed," recorded in his New York City apartment.
2000 - Color Through the Smoke
(Orchard/Captain Ron)
1997 - Side Streets (EP)
(Captain Ron)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Having grown-up in six different states, lived in Italy, and explored most of the US, Europe and South America, Andy Germak (pronounced Ger'mack as in Gertrude) presents a well-traveled perspective in his songs. Germak's mix of intelligent, sometimes social-political, lyrics and roots-pop musical hooks yields "a distinct form of 21st century protest music," according to All Music Guide.
In 2002, Germak's song, "Spoonfed," was selected for Vigil, a tribute CD compiled by Suzanne Vega with proceeds benefiting families of victims of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. In support of Vigil, Germak opened for Suzanne Vega at the Library of Congress in Washington DC. The event was part of the "Summon the Heroes" concert series in remembrance of 9-11.
Germak's 2000 CD, Color Through the Smoke, presented a thought provoking collection of meditations on an unpredictable world. Rolling Stone wrote, "first-rate melody… set apart from standard singer-songwriter fare." Relix added, "a sense of maturity and depth that belies his age."
Germak has showcased at the NEMO Music Conference (2001), Dewey Beach Music Festival (2002, 2003), and the Millennium Music Conference (2004).
Germak is presently on tour alternating between full-band shows and intimate acoustic sets. He is promoting his new EP, Anybody Ever Really Know Anyone?, released in March 2004 and described by Time Out New York as, "angsty, Counting Crows-esque songwriting... earnest and thoughtful." The EP is currently in heavy rotation and charting at radio stations across the USA and Canada. Please check the website for station details, or contact Jon DeLange at Tinderbox Music at 1-612-375-1113.
e-mail: info@andygermak.com
tel: 1-888-511-ANDY
Links
