Check out our interview with Milwaukee-based Pop singer-songwriter Andy Schmidt (Formally known as SZNS) who just released his new single “STUCK ON YOU.”
Typically a producer on tracks, Andy is finally stepping into an artist following his dreams and pursuing music full time. His music defines emotion and paints a picture of vulnerability.
Follow Andy @andyschmidt.wav
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Hi Andy, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m a singer/songwriter and producer based out of LA. I’m originally from Wisconsin, and moved to LA in 2019 to pursue music professionally after I dropped out of college studying biology in a pre-med program.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Genuine, Driven, Creative
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Honestly, completely by accident. For the majority of my childhood I grew up cycling competitively and dreamed of racing in the Tour De France. Over the course of my racing career, I won more than 10 state titles, 3 national titles, and had the opportunity to race in Europe with the U.S National team. Unfortunately, when I was 15 years old, I was hit head on by a pick up truck on a training ride (broke my leg and my back) which ultimately forced me to end what could have been a world-tour professional career a couple of years later. By this time I was 17 or 18 years old with no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Luckily, this is when I discovered music. I began writing and recording songs as a way to process all of the complicated feelings that were wrapped up in having to quit a sport I had planned my whole life around. I quickly fell in love with producing and songwriting and started sending the songs I recorded to my friend, Gavin Haley, who I grew up racing with. He had just quit his professional cycling career to move to LA and pursue music, and encouraged me to keep writing. Long story short, we started collaborating on songs as I started college in a pre-med program, and he released a song I had helped produce. It ended up getting millions of streams in the first few months, and that’s when I knew I was wasting my time in college. So I said fuck it, I’m moving to LA. And the rest is history!
How has this changed your life?
It’s changed my life in every single aspect you could imagine. If you would have told me when I was 17 that I would end up moving to LA and writing/recording songs with millions of streams I would have said no way.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Vibey, atmospheric, raw
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Music runs on both sides of my family, so I think that has influenced me quite a bit. When I was little, I remember watching my grandpa on my dad’s side perform with his band. It inspired me to want to learn to play the guitar. My dad also played guitar in high school and sang. I also like to think that some of my musical juju came from my great great great grandma on my Mom’s side who was a Vaudeville performer that played 7 instruments.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play guitar, bass, and keys
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! I would be lying if I said I don’t get nervous, but I try my best to not view it as a negative thing. I like to ask myself, “Where would the excitement in life be if I already knew the outcome to everything?”
Tell us about your new single “STUCK ON YOU?”
“STUCK ON YOU” is a very special record to me. It will be my first release in almost 2 years, so I’m excited for the world to hear. I think the song does a great job at capturing a little bit of everything that I enjoy stylistically/genre-wise; it captures my singer songwriter side while still being rhythmically driven, and does a great job at taking the listener on a journey melodically without sacrificing the catchiness factor.
What’s the story behind the song?
For me this song means a lot of things. But if I had to choose one overarching theme, I would say that this song is about how hard it is to let go of something that no longer serves you, whether that be a relationship, a friendship, an addiction, etc. I really wanted to make a song illustrating that the hardest part of cutting someone/something off isn’t cutting things off, it’s getting rid of the attachment to whatever it is you let go of; it’s such a hard journey, something that I know all too well. Lyrically, it’s obvious the song is written through the lens of someone feeling unable to let go of a past relationship, but I pulled from a ton of different things that I felt stuck on that had nothing to do with a relationship.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I think the most rewarding part by far is seeing people connect to music I created. It truly blows my mind that I can take a feeling and turn it into soundwaves that people feel they resonate with. Like wutttt?
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Never be afraid to chase your dreams. Every second is a gift, so why would you waste it doing something you don’t want to do.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would say enjoy where you are because before you know it you’ll be looking back and wishing you didn’t take simple things for granted.
How would your best friend describe you?
They would for sure say that I stand by what I believe in no matter what anyone thinks.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Destination Unknown” . If I’ve learned one thing so far, it’s that expectations only take away from the experience. Why close yourself off from all that is out there by having tunnel vision on one destination?
What’s next for Andy Schmidt in 2022?
Lots of new music n trying my hardest to learn/grow just a little bit every day 🙂
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruit
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream
How would you explain your fashion style?
Currently rockin the whatever clothes are clean look because lord knows I need some major laundry divine intervention.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being 100% fulfilled and satisfied within the present moment.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandma on my Dad’s side. She died when I was a baby, so I don’t have any memories with her. My mom and dad always tell me that she was an amazing person, so I’ve always wished I could’ve known her.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Would love to go to Italy or Switzerland with my wife.
Best advice ever given?
Be true to yourself no matter what the cost.
Do you support any charity?
Not currently
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself with more inner peace and enjoyment of my journey and as one of the most versatile songwriters/producers/artists in the industry.
Favorite song? Why?
It’s super hard for me to pick one single song, but for the past few years I always seem to come back to “LOVE.”by Kendrick Lamar and Zacari. Honestly there’s not a single note in this song that doesn’t feel amazing. Besides it being musically great, I think another reason I love this song is the nostalgic feeling I get listening to it. Brings me right back to those carefree nights with my friends back in my hometown when I was 17.
What do you think of Social Media?
I’m really not the biggest fan. I think it has caused a lot of mental health struggles for so many people whether they realize it or not. However, on the other side of the coin, there is no denying that it is a helpful tool to promote yourself as a creative and ultimately connect with the people who support your art.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram:@andyschmidt.wav
Twitter: @andyschmidt_wav
TikTok: @andyschmidt.wav
Youtube: Andy Schmidt
Book: “Becoming Supernatural” by Dr. Joe Dispenza.
Movie: Dumb & dumber
Tv Series: Stranger Things
Favorite Food: Thai
Travel Destination: Italy/Switzerland
