Check out our interview with New Jersey R&B/ Pop artist and TikTok Sensation Andrew Ratto who just released his new single “For” today! (9/18/20)
Like many up and coming artists his age, Andrew found success in TikTok after one of his songs garnered over 195K streams shortly after being used in the app. Wanting to keep the momentum, Andrew continues on this path of sharing heavy lyrics and personal anecdotes to relate to his listeners in this recent release.
With synth production and piano with trap drums leading the rhythm, Andrew sings of trying to find meaning in his life while suffering from the inability to connect and trust others beyond a surface level. Andrew wrote this song in a way that tackles several frustrations in the verse with the chorus showing how similar both people’s experiences truly are. He comes to realize that he is not alone in these struggles and through each verse he allows himself to open up to someone sharing similar experiences.
Follow Andrew @andrewratto.music
Hi Andrew, please tell us a little about you?
I am 20 years old, born and raised in Ramsey, New Jersey. I am Italian and German American. I have always loved music and it has always been a big part of my life. Growing up I was involved in many music activities (Musicals, Talent Shows, Piano, etc…) as well as sports. I am currently a Junior enrolled at Rowan University where I am studying for a degree in Music Technology.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Motivated
Hardworking
Daydreamer
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
When I was little my Dad began teaching me how to play piano. This really sparked my interest in music. I would continue to be involved with school musicals and talent shows where I found my talent for singing. Growing up I would always be writing music for fun on the piano and singing them to my friends and family. It wasn’t until I took a digital music class in High School that I found my love for the actual production of music. When I realized Audio Engineering was what I wanted to do most in life, I found a college (Rowan University) that would further my education in the music industry. I am currently working towards my bachelor degree, and continuing to release music on the way.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Honest Authentic Emotional
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Artists like Jon Bellion and Bryson Tiller have been my biggest musical influences when finding my sound. From a production standpoint, I was inspired by Jon Bellion because he is responsible for producing all of his music. Seeing somebody reach high levels of success from something that came almost completely from him, really inspired me to do the same. From a lyrical standpoint, nobody has inspired me more then Bryson Tiller. Being able to put vulnerable words into a Trap/R&B type song was very unique and cool to me when first starting out. I try to use this same style in my own lyrics whenever I write something new.
I choose to make music for a few reasons. Making music can be therapeutic for me. I tend to be in my head a lot, but when writing a song I feel almost a sense of relief and I am able to think more clearly for the rest of the day. After working so hard for so long, music has also become something that helps me be more confident. Knowing I am working on my craft, and continuing to get better, helps me feel good about myself.
Do you play any instrument?
I play piano, and I am a beginner level guitar player.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time. I am constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone which can be very nerve racking. It’s normal to be nervous, but as long as fear doesn’t stop me from doing something I really want to do, it doesn’t really bother me.
Tell us about your new single “For?”
“For” is one of the most special and unique songs on the upcoming album, mixing the genres R&B, Pop, and Future Bass together. The song is about a guy who tries to find meaning in life, but has a hard time trusting and connecting with anyone or anything. He realizes that this girl relates on a deeper level more than anyone he has ever met, seeing himself in her. He realizes that they share a connection, and sees that they can give each other the meaning they have been missing. The song as a whole is very dynamic. Each verse talks about the issues they face as people individually. The refrain/chorus brings to light how similar their situations are to each other, through lyrics and a stronger tone in my voice when singing. This also can be interpreted as frustration growing within him. Like a lot of my songs, the instrumentation includes multiple synths and piano with trap drums leading the rhythm. As the song progresses, the instruments are built upon each other to fill the song with energy and keep the listeners attention. The name “For” is supposed to represent the question “what are we looking for?” in life and within ourselves. This song directly relates to the concept of the album, which is the conflict between dreaming of a better life and actually trying to achieve a better life
What’s the story behind this song?
I was inspired to write this song based on my personal life, and the life of many people my age, as we search to find meaning in an age of social media and with more freedom to choose our destiny than any generation before us.
Did you have plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I have not had any plans to perform live.
Any advice to other influencers/entrepreneurs?
One piece of advice I would give to people is to work hard without showing anyone your working. So many times when we are working towards something, we tend to post about it on social media prematurely. It took me over two years to tell anyone I was making music which gave me the opportunity to grow and get better without anyone around to judge and/or rush me.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy – Thomas J Stanley, William D Danko
Now tell us about your TikTok success?
I made a Tik Tok account in December of 2019, not thinking too much of it at the time. Within the first month or so I posted a video asking people to listen to my song “Waste Of Time”. People seemed to really enjoy the song and it became my first real success as an artist. Ever since then, I have had a steady income of streams each week and developed a small core group of monthly listeners who I am extremely grateful for.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Making an album with access to top of the line studio equipment would probably be the biggest thing on my bucket list. I’m just so curious to see what would be like and how the different quality of my music would be.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
Being able to finish a song and have people who actually enjoy listening to it. Whether it’s a hundred people or just one, when somebody tells me they like to listen to my music it feels rewarding. Probably the worst part is the writer’s block. Personally, writer’s block could last weeks and the only way to get rid of it, is to push through. This can get really frustrating when trying to make new music.
What’s next for Andrew Ratto in the last months of 2020?
I am going back to school and working hard to get good grades and enjoy myself considering the circumstances. I will also continue to make music and improve on my artform.
What is your favorite song? And why?
Exchange – Bryson Tiller, is probably my favorite song. Mostly because it is a fusion of Trap and Soul, with vulnerable and meaningful lyrics and a catchy melody.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Like many people, the toughest decision I’ve had to face over these past few months is how to handle quarantine and the pandemic. Spending a lot of time at home with my family and by myself, I made the decision to take this time and improve my music and my physical health. Exercising frequently and eating right to keep a clear and healthy mind.
Any loves other than music?
I am a huge football fan, playing varsity football in highschool and being a lifelong NY Jets fan. I am also a fan of basketball being a Brooklyn Nets fan. I enjoy Poker, Video Games, and classic Movies. I also lift and exercise daily.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would choose Dean Martin. As part of the Rat-Pack, I am a huge fan of his music and have always been interested in what life was like back then in the music industry.
Best advice ever given?
“Be confident, not cocky”. Advice given to me by my father. It means that it is important to have confidence within yourself to achieve great things. However, if you are cocky and go around telling people how amazing you are, it will turn people off.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Since the pandemic life has been pretty mundane. If I am not at my summer job, I will start the day working on some new music. Afterwards, I will exercise, take shower, and watch some TV. Then I will go back to working on some music. I will close the day by either hanging out with some friends or playing some video games.
Name one your strengths?
I have a good work ethic when it comes to things I care about.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Waking up late, relaxing around the house.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Recently I’ve really liked the song Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi. The song is in my vocal range so it is really fun to sing.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is being able to achieve your goals, be content with your life, and share success with the people who you love.
Do you support any charities?
Not one particular charity consistently.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Yogurt with mixed berries.
And your favorite cheat food?
A nice Ribeye Steak.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Someone who only wants to talk about themself.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Living in a big city like NY or LA. Working in the Music Industry, being able to support myself financially.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Pretty basic, but getting better.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it is really beneficial to people who are trying to create and grow their own brand, but I also feel like it can be overwhelming to people who take it too seriously. I think social media, like a lot of things, is good in moderation.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @andrewratto.music
Link to Music: http://smarturl.it/andrewratto
Quote: “But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward” – Rocky Balboa
Movie: Wolf Of Wall Street
Travel Destination: Singapore
Sports Team: Ny Jets
