Meet Andrø Pop | Record Producer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrø Pop and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrø, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Brazil, more specifically Sao Paulo, which is a huge metropolitan city; merge NY and LA in one, and voila! Brazil is undoubtedly one of the most musical countries in the world. The way the diverse European cultures were blended with the Native South American and African traditions, culminated in a music that is extremely rich, sophisticated and unique.

Being from Brazil, means I am versed in “gambiarra,” which is essentially a “McGyverism” or yet the art of workarounds. That means, that in despite of the lack of resources and easy solutions that you can find in the “first world,” Brazilians will always make things happen. That’s actually how I got started in music, using my grandmother’s crochet needles as drumsticks that would hit the equally ingenious Danish cookies metal cans – aka my snare drum!

I am a classically trained musician and self-taught in many areas of music. Prior to entering the classical music world, I was a successful DJ in early my teenage years, playing at clubs I was not even old enough to patronize yet. For many years I was also a jazz pianist and prior to moving to the US permanently, I had to honor to play at the legendary Catalina Jazz Club.

Working with a variety of genres and wearing multiple hats in the music industry, has given me the latitude to explore any kind of music that is presented to me, without fear. Working now with modern pop music, it feels like a journey back to my roots in Brazil, and I carry that in every single note I play.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In today’s world, when people hear the term “Music Producer,” they often think of a “Beat Maker.” That’s NOT what I do – I am foreseeing every little thing related to a song: concept, musical instruments and arrangement, lead melodies and counterpoint, harmony, vocal production, lyrics, recording, mixing, etc. It’s a Universe on its own. The closest analogy I can find is like a Maestro and his orchestra. It takes many years (decades) of training. I believe there’s only two kinds of music. The music I need in my life and the music I don’t. These necessities change with time and so does the music. But what doesn’t change is the fact that music is a necessity and this is my life’s motto.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Castaway in Burbank, the view is fantastic! I am a big fan of Neapolitan pizza, so naturally I love MidiCi in Sherman Oaks. I am also an avid reader and I love going to Montrose and browse books at the “Lost Books”. To watch live music, the best spot in town currently is Manny Marroquin’s Verse in Toluca Lake, make sure to order the Hokkaido bread.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have been essential in my career. When I was DJing as a teenager, my dad retired, and with all the extra time on his hands, I recruited him to be my roadie. He helped me carry speakers and records to night clubs all around the city! My mom, is my number one fan. She follows all the artists I work with on Instagram, and is always sharing my work with her friends. When I moved to LA a few years ago, I met my now manager Jennifer Dyal. She believed in me since day one and this kind of encouragement and dedication I have only seen in the likes of Scooter Braun with Justin Bieber.

Website: https://www.andropopmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andropopmusic