Andrea Whitt – Sleepwalk

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I pull from all sorts of influences since I perform so many styles…rock, country, jazz and classical. While I perform country music on pedal steel, my style on steel is sounds a little more David Gilmore or Daniel Lanois than a typical country player.

Q) What made you do a version of the song “Sleepwalk?”

A) I was getting lots of requests to perform “Sleepwalk” live and make a cover of it, so I decided to do my own version and make a dreamy music video to accompany it.

Q) How did you make the song your own?

A) With my producer we decided to make the beat a little more modern and give it a 4/4 feel rather than the typical 6/8 feel. And lots of delays and reverbs.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) It’s a stunning and unforgettable melody. And the way a lap steel or pedal steel plays a melody is unlike anything else, it’s so unique and hits in a different way than other instruments.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production side of your music?

A) I’m always very hands on with everything. I always work closely with my producers from start to finish.

Q) Will there be a full EP or album in the future?

A) Yes! I’m currently working on my EP where I’ll be singing as well, expecting it to be released next year.

Q) What are some songs you enjoy performing live?

A) I have a YouTube series of Grateful Dead covers on pedal steel called “Steel Your Face Sundays.” I’ve always really enjoyed performing songs from the Grateful Dead catalog, but I’m really into all styles of music – from country to rock to jazz fusion and performing with singer-songwriters.

Q) Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

A) I have a laundry list of people I’d love to collab with – Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Slash, Kamasi Washington, Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks.

Q) What musicians are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Ashley McBryde is such a powerhouse, and I started listening to her last summer when we were on the same tour. I also recently discovered Mitski. She has some beautiful steel in her music and it’s a cool mix of 90’s shoe gaze with a more modern twist.

Q) What would you say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thanks for coming along for the ride!