AndyVenture

AndyVenture is an eclectic visual and recording artist who lyrically and literally paints images of the diverse aspects of modern Caribbean life, as it straddles global pop culture. He touches on most topics; love, money, issues affecting the community, and having fun; providing rhythmic, thought-provoking commentary on society in general, on bass-driven riddims. 

His music is an exciting motif of urban island hip hop, his first and strongest musical fascination; at times brushed with elements of reggae, calypso, and electronic music. Inspired by the increasing emergence of Trinidad artists but, disillusioned by the dwindling awareness of Trinidad and Tobago's rich vernacular and cultural contribution to modern music, 'Venture experimented early with the indigenous genre known as 'rapso', considered loosely to be the "rap of calypso", deeming it similar to American rap in cadence. He formed a short-lived duo called Circumference, as he was awakened to teachings of black consciousness post the 1990 Coup attempt, and amidst the emergence of young Trinidadian voices like those of the popular Kiskidee Karavan. He launched his foray as a solo artist, with a socially conscious track entitled "I Don't Feel To Cry", which won the favor of the more popular rapso exponents, and late rapso pioneer, Brother Resistance. He also befriended local hip-hop acts from different parts of the island, attending parties and talent showcases pursuing recording and network opportunities. 

While studying Visual Art and Design at the University of the West Indies, he enjoyed spirited response and media attention when he initiated "The Honey and Lime Tour". This joint art and live music project, served as a launchpad for new artists like himself, setting ablaze social hotspots across the nation. This also established 'Venture throughout the local underground music scene, forging his love for performing. He spent the next few years releasing songs such as "Moneymaker", and "TEEF". During this period, internal and external creative conflict began to unfold, as his attempts for personal identity and expression as an alternative "rap artist" clashed with what was developing as acceptable and popular with the local masses, soca music. Lines blurred, as the artist began to feel conflicted about the material he produced, whether it was too soft and not militant enough for the hip hop audience, or too indigenous (the Trinidadian accent), too wordy, or just didn't make strategic sense. Despite this insecurity, Venture produced a 10-track album, "The Remedy". Included on the album were songs such as "Let U Know", a soca-influenced track, along with previously and newly released tracks like "D.i.D.o.". The video for the former received favourable rotation on several Caribbean radio and cable TV stations. He released a few singles in the years that followed, "Real Money", "Sound A Trinidad" and "See You". 

In 2015, AndyVenture successfully completed the Music Technology Diploma Program at The University of Trinidad and Tobago, where he learned the music production skills that he currently employs for his new vision and repertoire. He now has to date, hundreds of self-produced projects. He began using his new-found skills to make a descriptive yet soulfully unrestrained exposition called "Over Ya Head". The song invites people to proclaim display their power and strength, by the symbolic raising of hands, in resistance, resilience and in jubilation as part of the complex citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago. 

Venture is putting the final touches to his forthcoming EP, which includes new music like "Over Ya Head". 

At present, AndyVenture belongs to a vanguard group of artists that look toward a global future forefront that includes the distinct Trinidad & Tobago sound and aesthetic. A veteran in what he calls “The FullRange Movement”, 'Venture argues that while most artists ultimately seek approval from a mass global audience as a measure of success, he focuses on “bringing the world to his house” and creating demand for what he views as the next generation of modern music, by presenting the Trini option to hip hop, reggae, and other lyrical, musical genres; 'FullRange'. 

AndyVenture plans to incorporate visual art, with his music, presented as whole curated works. He is currently exploring ideas to bring to fruition. He is also a graphic artist and experienced streetwear designer, and is the owner of the OVER YA HEAD brand of t-shirts and apparel. 

AndyVenture cites influences from numerous musical icons, such as Lord Invader, Shadow, SuperCat, Chuck D, A Tribe Called Quest and Kendrick Lamar. He is an avid fan of hip hop music and culture, science fiction/fantasy books and films, Marvel comic book lore, and documentaries on any topic. His all-time favorite character is The Incredible Hulk. He is also a vegetarian.