What Am I Looking For? Interview with Singer and Songwriter Andie Case

Andie Case is a singer and songwriter whose new song titled “What Am I Looking For?” is due for release on September 6th. The song is an ode to her resilience and artistic growth after overcoming drug addiction. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Andie rebelled against her conservative upbringing, got expelled from high school, and moved to Los Angeles with her boyfriend (now husband) — fellow singer-songwriter Ajay Marshall — where they subsequently faced homelessness. Throughout the hard times, Andie recorded herself singing and uploaded the videos on YouTube which helped her build up a fan base. She currently has over1.4 million subscribers and some videos nearing 40 million views.

Andie recently discussed her career and more via an exclusive interview.

Meagan Meehan (MM): What got you interested in music and how did you find your unique style?

Andie Case (AC): What got me into music was being from a big family and constantly looking for ways to self-soothe so I would sit alone in my bathroom or laundry room and sing to myself, probably as early as 6 years old. Spending years just being a fan of so many different kinds of music and having sung over 200+ covers, I’ve just found what I like to sing and what fits best for me.

MM: Did you start singing or songwriting first?

AC: I started singing first. The Disney princess themes sucked me in and then from there it was over! I wrote my first song at 11 but didn’t really take it seriously until after HS around 18.

MM: What typically comes to you first, the lyrics or the melody?

AC: Lyrics tend to come first for me. music has always been my form of communication so if I’m writing it’s typically because I have something that I really want to say. But there’s nothing like hearing a melody that inspires a feeling that then makes me want to put it into words. To sum it up writing can look different every time.

MM: How did your life experiences influence you creatively?

AC: My life experiences have influenced me in a positive way I feel. I have a hard time separating my life from my art. It all feels intertwined so I guess every obstacle ups or downs has always made me stop and self-reflect what I’m putting into the world. It’s made me dig a little deeper, be a little braver, sometimes really dumb but I always learn something about myself and how to express it in the end.

MM: You have dealt with addiction and homelessness, so how did music help you get through those difficult times?

AC: Music made getting through the rough times bearable. I think having a goal and something to push towards, made me push myself harder. I’ve always been a dreamer so I was always telling myself “This is now, but the future will be different. remember what you love.”

MM: How did YouTube play a role in helping you achieve success?

AC: YouTube had a huge role in my success. It gave me a platform to grow and build from the ground up. Not only that but the countless connections, opportunities, and relationships that have followed.

MM: Your husband is also a singer and songwriter, so do you ever collaborate?

AC: We’ve played music together since the beginning. He’s in most of the YouTube videos playing guitar and singing with me. We write with each other for my music and for his band’s music “Tryin Times”. Playing music is what brought us together and what makes us happy. We’ll always collaborate.

MM: How long did it take you to write this latest single?

AC: It was two different sessions a few hours each with my talented friends Ryan Nealon, Brett Paddock and Ajay Marshall. They really became my therapists and put their heart into helping me write this song. It was a very cathartic and beautiful experience.

MM: Out of all your songs, which are your personal favorites and why?

AC: My first single “Coming Around” will always have a special place in my heart. It was a big step jumping into originals but I was so proud of that one. Right now, my absolute favorite is “What Am I Looking For?” I’m just really proud of it.

MM: Have you any ideas for music videos related to this song?

AC: I have a music video that I’ll be releasing the same day as the song. It was directed by my friend JT Ibanez. I really wanted an “Ophelia/Truman show” vibe and he absolutely captured it.

MM: What is the best part of being a musical artist?

AC: The people that you meet; sometimes that can double as the worst part too because not everyone is awesome but when you meet people that you genuinely connect with it makes everything feel worth it.

MM: What are your ultimate musical and/or career goals?

AC: My ultimate career goal is to be able to keep doing this until I die. I just want to do what I love and help others do what they love.

MM: What is coming up next for you and is there anything else that you would like to mention?

AC: New videos and content across all my platforms. A new single to follow up WAILF and more new originals coming early next year.

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To learn more about Andie, visit her official Instagram and YouTube.

Photo credit: Micala Austin