Interview With Singer/Songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist & Producer Andrew De Silva
Andrew De Silva is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist and producer. His group 'CDB' had a number one song in Australia with a cover of Earth Wind and Fire's Let's Groove'. Andrew is currently releasing his own music while working on TV shows like The Masked Singer and The Voice.
Magesh, MusicNgear: You had a number 1 hit in the 1990s, can you talk about how the music business has changed in regards to recording music?
Every single thing about the business has changed. As soon as we began streaming music it all changed. If you mentioned to someone you had a song coming out it was a big deal back in the 90s where is now there are around 100,000 songs released in a day.
Not to mention you needed a substantial budget for a release back then as well. Music on streaming services is now just another form of social media. Personally, I am so grateful to have experienced those glory days of the music business but now I just love having the freedom of putting out music whenever I want to.
During lockdown I could release a track without leaving my studio and see it get added to playlists around the world, that's the best part of it.
You have recorded and produced music for numerous TV shows like The Voice, The Masked Singer, and X Factor. Can you talk about the process of recording music for TV shows?
My role in the production team is recording all the vocals for each song. It’s a lot of work that usually has to be done very quickly. It keeps me on my toes because there are always so many different styles of songs to record.
From Queen to Michael Jackson to Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and then trying to sound like a 60-piece choir. I recorded myself and also recorded some incredible vocalists all in my home studio. There’s also a great team of musicians recording and laying down parts for every song under the guidance of our music director Dorian West.
If you want to become a great musician/singer/songwriter there are no shortcuts. You need to put the hours in and if you want to become well-known you need to market yourself and get out there on social media
Is there any equipment you use in the studio regardless of what music you are recording?
I recently bought a Neve 1073 pre amp which gets used for everything I record as it just sounds so good! From guitars to bass and of course vocals.
Are you currently endorsing musical instruments?
Not at the moment.
What was the recording process like for your new single 'Deeper'?
The song started with a live drum groove and chord progression. As soon I came up with that bass line, I knew I had something special. I loved the instrumental so much that I would just drive around with it for months in my car just as an instrumental track.
Isaac Moran played guitar and Damian Smith played keys. Two incredible musicians that I work with. Once I came up with the concept for the song 'Deeper' the lyrics and melodies started to flow. It ended up becoming a track that I’m now very proud of.
I then spent about a month mixing and mastering the track which is a different headspace.
Do you have any advice for young musicians who want to make a career playing music?
It depends on what you want to achieve. There's so much knowledge and information at our fingertips, it is incredible!
However, if you want to become a great musician/singer/songwriter there are no shortcuts. You need to put the hours in and if you want to become well-known you need to market yourself and get out there on social media, but most young musicians know that already.
Connect With Andrew De Silva
Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Twitter
About Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming dvd called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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