You've heard it all before. Probably more than once. There's this young new artist, really talented. I mean REALLY talented. He can sing, Sing like you've never heard before. He can write. Wonderful catchy songs, infused with cant-get-it-out-of-your-head hooks. He can produce. Produce lush tracks that are, in a phrase, radio friendly. He can do it all. What do they call it a Triple threat? Thats right. Hes a triple threat or so the story goes.
Problem is, once you listen to this over hyped triple threat, most of the times there's clearly something missing. But sometimes, yes sometimes, the real deal actually does appear. That magical, usually elusive talent that promises a lot, and delivers even more. A genuine triple threat. A gifted talent who sings from the soul, writes from the heart, and produces a marvelous brand of pop music which blends a myriad of styles you'll recognize, and some you wont.
Just how does this gifted talent come to be? In the case of Andy Roda it all began in Copenhagen, Denmark where and Andy was born and raised by his native Filippino parents. Young Andy started singing and taking classical piano lessons at the tender age of five, and by eight he was performing weekly in church. Andy wrote his first song by the age of eleven and continued to perform, joining the Danish Boys Choir. By the time he was 15, and while in school, (he attended the leading school of performing arts, St. Anne's in Copenhagen) Andy landed his first contract with an independant label. Soon after, he was discovered by Virgin Records.
Andy Roda's debut album for Virgin, entitled “DISH earned wide national acclaim, generating three hit singles, and firmly established him as a rising star in his native Denmark. He embarked on a nationwide tour culminating in a date with the Backstreet Boys, before 20.000 screaming fans. Plans for Andy's second album ensued, but something seemed to be missing for Andy. His music was slowly, but surely taking on a more global feel and Andy felt constrained by the demands imposed by the executives at his label. A change seemed necessary, and Andy informed Virgin that he wanted to relocate to New York City, to help in taking his music in a new uncharted direction. Andy hasnt been in the U.S very long, but what hes accomplished so far would make a native born seasoned veteran envious.
Almost immediately, Andy appeared on national television, in the legendary Ed McMahons Next Big Star, a spin-off to “Star Search, earning a runner up honors in the very first grand finale. He was also the chosen artist to perform at the annual Michael Awards held in New York City, following the foot steps of Lenny Kravitz, Jewel, Brian McKnight to name a few. As a live performer, Andy has been showcased by the legendary Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, whose famous venue The Sugarbar, in New York City, have been a regular outlet. In addition, he has showcased and graced the stages of some of the other leading live venues in and around New York City.
In fact Andy opened for b star Jon B, as well as been a featured artist at an Alicia Keys/MBK event. As a songwriter/producer, Andy has been equally busy and just as noticed. Most notably, he has collaborated with hitmakers Gary Haase (Chaka Khan, Celine Dion, Heather Headley) and Rob Fusari (Destinys Child, Jessica Simpson) to name a few. A big affirmation was, when one of Andys songs was on hold for the last Whitney Houston project. This fueled the interest of several label executives, who have requested songs from Andy for their already signed artists.
Currently Andy Roda continues to write and perform his unique blend of pop/neo-soul music, and produce the tracks that are already garnering the interest among music industry talent scouts. His goals for the future include finishing his new album for a release worldwide, while writing and producing for other artists as well. Its an ambitious, almost dizzying plan for most professionals. But not for a Andy Roda. What else would you expect from a genuine triple threat?!
ANDYRODA.COM // MYSPACE.COM/ANDYRODA
