Andy Grammer is a multi-platinum selling recording artist whose career started as a busker on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. He signed to S-Curve Records in April 2010 and released his debut album that same year. That self-titled record included the hit singles “Keep Your Head Up”, “Fine by Me”, and “Miss Me”.
Andy’s music was an immediate sensation, as he became the first male pop star in a decade to reach the Top 10 at Adult Pop Radio with “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine By Me,” from his self-titled debut. His second album, Magazines or Novels, featured the triple-platinum smash “Honey, I’m Good,” which was one of the best-selling songs of 2015, and the certified gold anthem “Good to be Alive (Hallelujah).”
Some of Grammer’s other popular songs include “The Pocket”, “Give Love,” featuring LunchMoney Lewis, and “Fresh Eyes” which has racked up over 350 million total streams and became his sixth single certified gold or better.
LEG: One of the most prominent themes in the songs you write relate to optimism and being a positive influence to your fans. What experiences in your life shaped your songwriting? Do you focus deliberately on writing uplifting songs when you’re in the studio or does this emerge more naturally?
AG: I tend to believe that even hardships in life are there to make you stronger. We are here on earth to learn and grow. So yeah, I don’t have a lot of life just sucks because songs.
LEG: You talk about your late mother in your song “Ladies.” How do you manage to stay so positive even after dealing with the tragedy of losing your mother? What advice would you give others dealing with the loss of a loved one or going through difficult times?
AG: One thing that really has helped me is doing things in honor of someone who has passed. It can be as simple as buying a stranger coffee, doing a basketball tournament in their name, for me I write songs about her. It’s a beautiful way to get through grief and hopefully be of service to others as well.
LEG: I respect the drive, passion, and determination that motivated you to play music on the street in Santa Monica. How did you come to do that and how did your friends or family react when they heard you were playing on the street? What was your hardest day out there like?
AG: I think that drive and passion come initially from curiosity and joy. It was a terrifying exciting idea to try and win strangers over with my songs. When I saw
how hard it was to do successfully that actually made the challenge even more interesting.
LEG: For all of your success was there a time that you failed to reach your goal and how did you learn from that experience?
AG: Of course. In music there is a lot of luck and timing. There are a couple songs of mine that I feel could have been bigger with different circumstances. On the flip side, there were a couple I didn’t expect to be big that caught the right break. Work your ass off, create beautiful important things, and then let the chips fall.
LEG: You are certainly a role model to your fans and aspiring artists. How do you handle that responsibility? Who were the role models growing up that you looked up to? Do you have any role models now?
AG: Growing up it was all sports stars. I was a super jock as a kid but as I get older other things impress me. I’m currently fascinated by a guy named Danny Thomas who was an actor and managed to use his fame to start St. Judes children’s hospitals all over the country. Your role models change.
LEG: Our Lakeside Living Co. brand slogan is “Find Your Lake”. What does your version of peace and relaxation look like?
AG: My Lake is 6am when my daughter wakes up and my French bulldog and my wife are all piled in my bed. This is the best.
LEG: For me, “Keep Your Head Up” is a timeless hit. It’s one of those songs with a positive and inspirational message that everyone can relate to no matter how old or young you are or where in the world you’re from. What did it feel like to have so many people share their personal stories about what that song meant to them?
AG: A great song is super personal and at the same time universal. I was just basically writing a song about feeling hopeless but not caring and continuing to push. Hearing that it resonates with others is always a blessing.
LGE: How has having a daughter changed your perspective on life? How difficult is it to manage being a good father and husband but still do everything it takes to be successful? Are there any work from home tips you have for other new musician parents?
AG: The bottom line is that if you really care about making your kid know you love them you will. There is no perfect metric. In your heart you can feel when you’ve been gone too much, or if you’re giving enough. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. I was so scared I wouldn’t do it right but now that I’m in it I’m pretty confident about my dad skills.
LEG: When did you learn to beatbox? Are there any other hidden talents you have?
AG: I learned to beatbox solely to get attention as a street performer. Other hidden talents include mediocre magic tricks.
LEG: Can you tell us what’s on the horizon for you in 2020 both personally and professionally?
AG: Just released a new single Best of You featuring Elle King, tons of shows and new songs coming this year. Also got baby number 2. Gonna be a hell of a year.