Meet Andrew DeNicola | Professional Musician

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

Hi Andrew, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
That is a good question. The habits that have helped me succeed are the ones that require a linear, step-by-step process. Before I get to the fun side, I map out my approach to a performance or a project. First is looking at the big picture and what I eventually want. Then, jotting down all the small steps that I need to consider. It has never worked out where I skip steps and can get away with the final product. The truth is that how you do one thing is how you do everything. Another habit is writing down what to accomplish in a calendar planner. This keeps my brain organized and focused on the tasks of today that need to happen. After this organization, I can then focus on creative work. As a saxophonist and composer, I am balancing time for both crafts. It’s easy to get lost on one or the other. So, for a performance, what are my strengths and weaknesses for a piece of music? I work on them and find ways to troubleshoot the process. For composing, I come up with variations. Whether taking a musical phrase and changing it or giving it new chords, I am exploring new possibilities. When the creative work has been figured out, now comes the mechanical building technique and good habits. This takes time, as you have to develop new connections to your muscles and brain. After this, it is time to bring my music into the world. The idea is to share your music with other people. This has always been the key to my success in having good work habits that lead to continued musical experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a professional musician who plays multiple instruments and composes music for a living. I am passionate about creating and have always loved the world of sound and music. Jazz is my primary style of music. It has given me the basis to play any style of contemporary music. What sets me apart is my ability to be the musical director. The way I work on music is I am always performing, writing, arranging, band leading, hiring, and editing. If I am involved in a project, I am fully committed to every aspect. Some people are happy to be the sideman, but I want to be more than the sideman, and I need to know all the details of what I am involved in. It has not been easy, and I am currently undergoing some shifts in what I want to pursue in music. How I got to where I am today is two things. One, working very hard and diligently at what I do. Two, having support and connections that help move my career forward. When I first moved to NYC, I remember going out to play and being intimidated. Everybody was on another level, and all I knew was I had to keep going out and showing my face to people. Then, I started working more and was offered different opportunities wherever I could make music. One of the lessons I have learned along the way is to listen to what others say. This is very valuable in paying attention to the details of things. Always be prepared and ready in life. You never know what will happen at any moment. Also, have fun and laugh along the way. Life would be pretty dull if we didn’t play. I want people to know I am always learning more about the world. I want to live a long life. In addition, I want to create musical vibrations that can help others heal for as long as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Haha, we would be eating at my apartment. Honestly, this city is expensive, and you need to find the hole in the walls. To start, we would do some sightseeing at the museums in the city during the day. Some great museums are the MET, Guggenheim, and Moma. Then, I would take them to specific neighborhoods for food. If it’s Mexican, we go to Bushwick, Brooklyn. If it’s Chinese food, Main Street Flushing Queens. My favorite pizza place in the city is Di Fara in Midwood, Brooklyn. I would also take them to the botanical gardens in Brooklyn. There are also so many music venues to go check out. Some great places are Ornithology Jazz Cafe in Bushwick Brooklyn, Pink Frog Cafe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Bar Bayeux in Prospect Leffert’s Garden, Brooklyn.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize my family, friends, and teachers. My family for their unconditional love and support of my career since I started playing the saxophone 20 years ago. My friends with whom I have had enriching musical and life experiences with. Lastly, my musical teachers. They showed me only through hard work and commitment to the path will you make a lasting change in everything and everybody.

Website: https://www.andrewdenicolamusic.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-denicola-aa2037170/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Andrewdenicolamusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaaAgUlE1I-2RON-Bvm-u6A

Image Credits
Andrew DeNicola, Matthew DeNicola (Photographer)