corey andrew

I'd like to begin by introducing you to an amazing young talent. His name is Corey Andrew. One part Seal one part Lenny, Corey sings as good as the big boys with passion, soul and a wide vocal range to boot. Check out his full length debut, We're All Stars, at your favorite records store and get ready for remixes of the title track that are being produced now. Stay tuned. You may also want to take a look at his slick site at www.coreyandrew.com - Louis Morhaim

While September's Dewey Beach Music Conference & Festival featured an emphasis on modern rock, Corey Andrew's set at the Rusty Rudder stood out.

The New York City-based performer and his band jumped back and forth between shades of psychedelic pop and neo-soul, and they did it well.

Among the audience members at the Rudder was Dogfish Head booker Chris Lausch, who approached Andrew as he exited the stage and invited him to play the Rehoboth Beach brewpub.

Nine months later, Andrew is scheduled to play a free concert there on Saturday.

Andrew's bassist Thom Catts, who plays a 10-string guitar/bass hybrid by the Warr instrument company called the Touch-guitar, is already a Dogfish fan. "Thom likes to travel all over the place, and the Delaware shore is one of his favorite surfing spots," Andrew said. "He likes the beer at Dogfish Head."

Catts has been in the band about six months, while guitarist Eran Phillips climbed aboard just last month. "Eran moved to America from Israel about five years ago," Andrew said. "He learned all of our songs in a week. He's amazing."

The group is rounded out by keyboardist Alvin McCrae and drummer Michael Reale. "I've known Michael since I was 7 years old. We grew up together in Trenton, N.J.," Andrew said. "He ended up going to college and getting a degree while I was singing all over New York City."

The childhood friends later bumped into each other and discovered they were both pursuing music in the Big Apple.

Andrew had a side gig, however. "I was a comedian. Comedy is something people always said I was good at, so I did it. I'm definitely a wise-ass, sarcastic person. But music was what I really wanted to pursue.

"I was on 'BET's Comic View' before. I was lucky that I never had a show that bombed when I was a comedian. But you're always going to have a joke or a song that doesn't go over, and you have to recover quickly. I've relied on my comedic timing."

His standup days aren't completely behind him, Andrew said. "The Gotham Comedy Club still calls me once in a while," Andrew said. "I'd like to develop a one-man show at some point. I'd like to incorporate some music into it, but my songs are usually rather comtemplative. It wouldn't be like an Adam Sandler thing; I think that market's been covered."

Andrew's album, "We're All Stars," may have been independently released, but it has major label sound quality, partly due to the participation of producer Neil Krin and executive producer Joesph Bennett. "Neil has worked with everyone from Destiny's Child to Bette Midler to Jessica Simpson," Andrews said.

"My music is a hodgepodge of things," said Andrew, who has been compared to Seal and Lenny Kravitz. "I get compared to Lenny Kravitz all the time, even if I'm walking down the street. I guess it's because I'm a black man with an afro. I don't think my music sounds much like his, but I'm flattered if other people do. I respect the fact that he didn't succumb to going R&B just because people told him to."

Indeed, white divas like Joss Stone are more plentiful than black rockers like Living Colour.

"In today's market, it's more commercially viable for a white artist to sound black than vice versa. It's a double-edged sword," Andrew said. "It's something that goes back to Teena Marie, and even back to Elvis Presley. I don't think the people who listen to my music really care what color I am."

Andrew's influences are myriad. While his family members listened to gospel, his uncles were fond of Deep Purple and Jimi Hendrix.

"I love psychedelic music. One of my favorite albums of all time is 'Surrealistic Pillow' by the Jefferson Airplane. The music was a lot more organic in the 60s. These days, if the computer breaks down, you're out of luck. But if you listen to what they were singing about back then, it still applies in 2004."


E-mail Roger Hillis at rhillis@gannett.com

- Roger Hillis/Delaware Coast Press

Corey ROCKS!
by the Spindoctor Rating: 10

Working here at cdstreet, I get to hear about everything that comes in the door. Total surprise here with Corey and his band. What an act. The vibe is unique and tight. Modern yet classic. Corey seems to have the total package here! Buy this CD before Corey goes to the big leagues!

- Spindoctor/CDstreet.com

Corey Andrew was always one to try to stand out from the crowd.

Even as a fourth-grader at the William L. Antheil School in Ewing, he figured the best way to get noticed in the school band was to think big _ so he chose the imposing upright bass as his instrument.

``It was so ridiculous, it was bigger than I was,'' he recalls. ``But I was always into drawing attention to myself and that was the biggest instrument they offered.''

Now ``20-something'' and based in New York City, Andrew is still thinking big, and still aiming for the spotlight. Trading in his double bass for a guitar, he recently released his debut CD and has been raking the college- and noncommercial-radio circuit to gain notice.

He will perform with his band tonight at the Conduit nightclub in Trenton.

``This will be my Trenton debut, barring the elementary school choir performances I did in fifth grade,'' notes Andrew (whose full name is Corey Andrew Powell). ``All my friends who are still there and my teachers and all have heard me talking about doing something like this since I was 10, so now it's time to show them what I've been up to.''

Actually, Andrew has been up to a number of spotlight-grabbing ventures since his Antheil School days. His first foray into the entertainment field was at age 17.

``I had a substitute teacher, Diane Wagg, whose son was in the Broadway production of `Peter Pan' with Sandy Duncan,'' Andrew says. ``She, quote- unquote, discovered an ability in me and sent me to her son's agent.''

He eventually scored a dancing part in the film ``Rooftops,'' directed by Robert Wise of ``West Side Story'' fame.

``I was originally booked as an extra, then was upgraded to a principal extra,'' says Andrew. ``I thought, `OK, this is what I really want to do.' ''

But it wasn't all Andrew wanted to do. When he first moved to New York, it was to pursue a career as a standup comic, which led to an appearance on BET's highly touted ``Comic View.''

Andrew never strayed too far from his musical urges, however. He started out playing at a number of small city clubs. At first, he would sing along to prerecorded instrumental tracks, then formed a band _ including fellow Trenton- area native Michael Reale on drums, Alvin McCary on keyboards and Pete Risano on guitar _ and entered the recording studio.

The result, ``We're All Stars,'' is a collection of 12 original tunes released on Andrew's own Xcalibur Records label last summer. (Check out www.coreyandrew.com for samples and purchase information or visit makradio.com, where his song ``Next to You'' is featured as part of a Valentine's Day promotion.)

Two of the songs on the disc were recorded when Andrew was a teen, working out musical ideas in his friend Michael Pantaleone's basement recording studio, but they show a maturity that fits right in with the newer songs: ``Miss Mabeline'' is about a lonely, elderly woman who has given up her dreams (``Now Miss Mabeline's wilting like a summer flower. Miss Mabeline's youth is slipping away''); while ``Aimless'' paints a portrait of a young man who is set on pursuing his dreams.

``Some people call me a rolling stone, cause where I live is where I roam,

If there's a place where I belong, it's on a stage singing songs,

Oh, I'd be happy, I would be so carefree.''

The music on ``We're All Stars'' veers from pop to rock and simple acoustic to flashy show-worthy numbers. The themes range from uplifting numbers such as the title track and ``Your Time is Coming'' to more brooding pieces, such as ``Forgive Me'' (about a fatal drunken driving accident) and ``Dying'' (about a failed relationship).

``I've always been a nonconformist. Maybe it's the `only child' thing, but I've always followed the beat to my own drummer,'' Andrew says. ``I think the albums that are the most successful _ emotionally successful _ not necessarily commercially _ are the ones that take you someplace.''

Andrew acknowledged his nonconformist approach has made it difficult to attract a major record label _ especially since some feel his music doesn't conform to the stereotype of what a young, black singer is supposed to sound like.

``It has been frustrating at times. I've gotten a lot of `You're not black enough' or `You don't sound black enough,' '' he says.

Citing such acts as Cat Stevens and Jefferson Airplane as influences, Andrew credited his mother, Mercedes Powell, with being his biggest inspiration. But, he added, she too was a bit puzzled by his musical approach.

``She wonders where certain sensibilities of mine come from, remembering she would play Motown and Mahalia Jackson around the house when I was growing up,'' he says, noting his mother is also very active in her church's gospel choir. ``I had to remind her that she also loved Kenny Rogers when I was young, and my first record was Kenny Rogers' greatest hits.''

Saying he also has been described as ``a cross between Lenny Kravitz and Seal,'' Andrew - The Times, By: Patrick O'Shea

Qualify to win a Sweet Heart Basket filled with chocolates, body & bath products, a gift certificate from Victoria's Secret, DVD's and other delectable goodies valued over $500.00 when you hear Corey Andrew's single "Next to You" on MakRadio.com.

MakRadio is the number one Pop/Rock station powered by the largest internet radio content provider Live365.com Corey Andrew is in heavy rotation on this #1 station. You can also win Corey's debut Album "We're All Stars" just for listening.

Each time you hear "Next to You" be the first of 100 people to enter the Sweet Heart Giveaway on MakRadio and you can with the CD. Check out MakRadio.com and click on the Sweet Heart Giveaway tab for more details. Contest runs from February 2 through the 13th '04. Good Luck!



- PRWEB Press Release for February 7, 2004

February 12, 2004

Listen to Corey Andrew Live Tonight when he gives an on-air interview and performance at radio station WUSB 90.1FM Stony Brook, Long Island New York. If you are not in the New York Long Island area you can listen via WUSB's live internet stream at www.wusb.org. The show is entitled "The Music Never Stops" and is hosted by Jill Morrison. WUSB is the largest non-commercial radio station in Long Island. Tune in for Corey Andrew tonight at 7PM EST.



- CDStreet.com Press

We're All Stars is the debut release from singer/songwriter and producer Corey Andrew. Corey is breaking both musical and racial barriers with this twelve-track eclectic mix of music. His influences vary and include Cat Stevens, Motown and Lenny Kravitz. Andrews writes insightful poetic lyrics that are accented by sizzling electric guitars, driving beats, intense drum rhythms and rich keyboards. A wide range of moods and emotions are expressed in smooth ballads to edgy rockers. The title track opens the CD on a high note. Ambient instrumentation compliment Corey's velvety tenor. This song has spirit and spunk. 'Clever' is aptly named with skillful guitar leads, a catchy beat and an upbeat vibe. 'Forgive Me' is a textured tune that starts with a soft strumming guitar and than a solid but subtle beat speeds up the pace as the song flows on varied vocal styles and cool key work. Corey is a trendsetter and his debut CD shows plenty of star potential!
- Laura T Lynch of Kweevak.com

Bill Board Charting Dance Remixer / Producer and DJ Chris Brophy (London) will be spinning Corey Andrew's Sam Pena Extended Tribal Vox Mix of We're All Stars for the World on his radio show on CMP Radio (www.cmpradio.co.uk) This show airs live this Sunday October 12th between 12PM & 1PM EST. This is a great show and great presenter, so If you like high energy peak dance music tune in and listen to Chris turn it out! You may have to download the free CMP Radio Player...but it's worth it! (www.chrisbrophy.com/listen.htm)


- CDsteet.com /Press Release

The album's anonymous cover art and title suggest a much less interesting and more mainstream release than Corey Andrew's debut release actually delivers. Andrew has an expressive, soulful voice that easily shifts from the singer/songwriter vibe of the poppy "Next to You" to the Mercury Rev/Flaming Lips-style dream pop psychedelia that colors a number of the album's strongest songs. Like Stew, the L.A. based singer/songwriter who also records with his bands the Negro Problem and the Lullabies, Andrew acknowledges the R&B tradition but refuses to be pigeonholed by it; a song like the gorgeous, expansive title track owes at least as much to the Cocteau Twins as it does to Donny Hathaway. Corey Andrew could be a formidable talent and his debut CD hints at better things to come. — Stewart Mason - AMG/All Music Guide

Vocalist Corey Andrew defies convention, with heart and soul


Driven Corey Andrew seizes the initiative.

It’s hard to put a finger on Corey Andrew’s soul-folk-rock fusion brand of music, and that’s just how he likes it.

In his new debut album, We’re All Stars, one track features a wailing harmonica, another silky violins, and the title track boasts a guitar-blast crescendo that sounds sampled from ACDC circa 1978. After a fruitless search for the right record deal, refusing control by “major label bureaucracy,” Andrew formed his own company, Xcaliber. This self-proclaimed “20-something wacky artist” recently spoke to Gay City News about making music from his heart, on his own terms.


David Kennerley: How long have you been trying to break into the music biz?


Corey Andrew: I made a really bad demo at age 13 and sent it to the major labels. I think I sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” Some generous executive at Warner Brothers records wrote a long letter advising me to write my own songs, to really hone my musical craft. He steered me in the right direction at an early age, and I’m still following that path.


DK: Do you write your own material?


CA: My original goal was to write 100 percent of the debut album. Most new artists don’t have that capability, and I wanted to prove I could. But mid-process, I discovered two great songs my guitarist Peter wrote that I wanted to include. While it’s important to stick to your guns, I’ve learned a little flexibility goes a long way.


DK: How would you describe your music style?


CA: As you can imagine, my past influences are varied: Cat Stevens, Jefferson Airplane, Velvet Underground. I was also inspired musically at home. My mother was raised Southern Baptist, so on Sunday mornings, she’s singing gospel downstairs in the kitchen and my uncle is blaring Jimi Hendrix upstairs. It becomes what it becomes. I don’t want to be categorized as an R&B singer. Not that I have anything against that genre, but that’s the immediate assumption because I’m black. I’m militant that R&B is not what I’m singing. If you have to assign a genre, I’d call my style “soul-influenced rock.”


DK: Describe your uphill battle finding a record label.


CA: No major record company can get a handle on what I’m doing. I don’t have a problem getting a meeting. Their biggest quibble isn’t with my talent or quality of music, but that they can’t fit me neatly in a package to serve me up to the public. Shockingly, I’ve been told that I just don’t sound “black” enough. Once I was lucky enough to meet with a top record mogul—better not identify him. “I don’t really hear a single,” he said flatly.


DK: So you gave up the chance for a record deal?


CA: I refuse to compromise artistic expression just for the sake of creating a “hit single.” A clever songwriter should be able to combine the two. It’s amazing to see that early footage of Alanis Morissette on Star Search, pretending to be a sweet 14-year-old Debbie Gibson-style sweetie. That’s a far cry from the angry chick that was really trying to get out.


DK: Why has Seal been able to break through?


CA: Amazingly, Seal was able to create his own category. The sound he got famous with didn’t even exist before. We hadn’t heard strings for the past 20 years. He does a great job at reinventing a classic product. I like him a lot and am flattered to be compared with him. We both deeply care about the process.


DK: You’re embarking on a national radio campaign. How’s it going?


CA: It’s too early to tell, but we’ve picked up some airplay in small pockets, such as in Florida and Louisiana. And of course I’m getting played in my hometown of Trenton, New Jersey. We’re getting play on Internet radio shows. It’s a slow process, since I don’t have the backing of a Clive or Quincy, who could make one phone call and have my record played all over the planet. But other artists have built success with their own label. It’s exciting I’m like a five-year-old kid.


DK: What else have you been up to, musically?


CA: I’ve launched a music company to produce songs for film and Broadway shows. I had a song placed in a picture called Xpatriot not too long ago. It was one of only two songs chosen, quite an honor. I’ve also recently released a killer dance remix of We’re All Stars, the title track, thanks to DJ Graflin [the veteran Memphis-based producer]. I’m a club kid at heart, going out since I was 15. I love Victor Calderone, Junior Vasquez and have deep respect for the dance music world.


DK: When can we next see you perform in New York City?


CA: I’m playing at ACME Underground on Saturday, September 27. I always love performing there. When I first got to New York about three years ago it was the first club that gave me a break. I didn’t even have a band, just recorded background tracks. They’ve stuck with me. Legend has it that Madonna was a waitress there years ago. Apparently, she got fi - Gay City News, NYC.