Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea De Los Santos
Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was always the creative child, but music was apart of my life before I was even born. My family had a mariachi band, and we were somewhere playing every weekend, or all gathered at my tia’s house for practice at least once a week. My dad was the kind of parent who was going to encourage me to do anything and everything I wanted, or at least just to try. He pushed me to do talent shows, sign up for any kind of performance, theater, choir, instruments, art classes, acting classes, singing lessons, and competitive dancing. I danced in college for a year, before deciding to focus on school and what I thought I had to be involved in to have a “successful” life. My dad passed away from Multiple Myeloma (cancer of bone marrow plasma) my senior year of college before Thanksgiving. We were basically the same person, and I was definitely a daddy’s girl. It was hard not having him around to give me the encouragement and confidence boost to try and do anything creatively. I started graduate school a few weeks after graduating with my bachelor’s and through mutual friends met a guy who was making music. We watched him perform at a local open mic and I was so intrigued. I remember messaging him during a class the next day to learn how to start making my own songs. That night, I rented out an audio booth at the school library, with no idea how to work anything, and recorded my first song. He came at the end and we were both just laughing and screaming with excitement. We spent the next 6 months always together making new songs, and collaborating. I got to perform at an open mic, and a show, and I loved it. I felt so fulfilled and close to my dad again. However, I once again convinced myself to stop focusing on the things I loved. I did what I thought I had to. I focused on my career, my relationship I was in at the time, and put all my energy into work and building the cookie cutter life I thought was expected when you “grew up.” I thank God, and my dad in heaven, everyday for waking me up and helping me to realize that wasn’t the life for me. At the beginning of this year, I started doing what I called “Dre Days.” My goal was to do something creative for at least 300 days of the year. It didn’t mean it had to be a masterpiece or even a product in general. It could be creating good moments with people I loved, making my morning coffee, or affirmations for myself. It was just about getting back to who I am. I got back into all the things I loved: painting, crocheting, drawing, coloring, yoga, nail art, and song writing. I have convinced myself there’s nothing I can’t do if I try hard enough. I started recording snippets, and a friend of mine, a creative who does visuals, encouraged me to finish a song with the incentive that he’d make me a lyric video. I always felt like it was my dad talking through him to give me the confidence and encouragement to do it. I finished writing and recording the song immediately. I taught myself how to mix and master, and not long after my first single, “hint pls” released in April. Since then, I have released 3 songs, have had the opportunity to perform a few times, released several videos, and gotten more plugged into the music and creative community. The collaboration, support, and encouragement of those I have come into contact with is unmatched. Meeting people who inspire you, push you, and have a similar mindset is so refreshing. It is so fun that what started off as me having hobbies in my bedroom has led to what I have accomplished in such a short time, and excites me to see what the future holds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road. It’s all about perspective and experience, and the desire to keep going no matter what. Sometimes I think the struggles I have been through have been blessings in someway. For example, I have vitiligo. I got it after a scooter accident when I was 8. I grew up in a small south Texas town, and being different wasn’t exactly encouraged. I was always positive though, and I am stubborn and determined to prove people wrong, so I worked hard to accomplish everything I wanted to. It wasn’t until I moved away that I learned to love myself and I am proud to be different. I love being me no matter what I accomplish and I think I wouldn’t be able to have this mindset or appreciation for myself and others who stand out from the crowd without that experience. I also have lost a lot of family members, my dad and grandma being the hardest to go through, but I know they are always with me. I am thankful for supportive friends and family and creative outlets to process my emotions. I also think I have been my own obstacle, and I know this is common. Many of us fight between what we think we should do versus what is best for us and I have let that get in my way. It is so freeing and fulfilling to let go of that expectation and go on the path meant for you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I am a speech language pathologist. I work in centralized classrooms with autistic elementary kids to help them communicate what they want, when they want, to who they want. I am pretty much singing and modeling language all day long, so music follows me everywhere.
Creatively, I am known for my pop music. I refer to it as “he he ha ha” pop. It’s just fun no matter the content. I don’t like to categorize myself just because I like to do a variety of things, but it’s closest to bubblegum pop.
I think what sets me apart is my fun. Pop isn’t the main genre of the area, but even within that, my vibe and energy of my music is unique. Both in my music/art, and personal life, I am able to pull two aesthetics together like cutesy and alt, and be entirely who I am. There are definitely people who inspire me, but because my music is unique, I’m not trying to copy anyone else, and it’s authentically me.
There’s something to say about what I have accomplished in such a short time. I didn’t really start making music until January, and already, I have 3 singles. I do everything myself, outside of producing (though I’m working on that). I write, record, mix, and master, all from my bedroom. No one tells me what to do or how to do it, I just work to figure it out, and am driven for pure passion of the art. Everyday, I learn more and it opens up even more possibilities in what I can create. My writing is simple, but fun, and catchy with the words and the melodies or pockets I’m able to find. I have already gotten to perform, and been asked to perform at future events, and I have only just begun.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The biggest thing is showing up. Go to events, and support. Don’t be afraid to go up to someone and compliment their set or music or art, and don’t be afraid to talk about yourself. The more you show up for others, they’ll show up for you too. You can’t be “too cool.” It’s obvious. You be yourself and those that want to be there with you will. Success comes from growing in community and relationships, and building each other up. You can’t do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback. There are plenty of people and creatives who are passionate, can recognize your passion, and are so willing to provide guidance.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notreallydre/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@notreallydre
Image Credits
@visualsofeli
@ashotofnostalgiaphoto
