Today we’d like to introduce you to David D’Andrea.
Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up as an insufferably uncool homeschooled kid, there was nothing cooler to me than the idea of being a rock singer. I was convinced that this was only possible for people born with natural talent and an irresistible swagger; neither of which I could ever in my wildest dreams hope to possess. After years of playing bass and keyboard on and off in various cover bands while dreaming of the frontman position, I decided to throw myself in front of the microphone and let the consequences be damned. Responses were mixed at best and despite the extra effort and perseverance I threw into each performance, I found myself moving from band to band until I ended up losing my voice in the middle of a performance and was barely able to finish the gig. I was confronted by one of my bandmates who I greatly admired at the time, who told me he was quitting the band because, in his words, I was, “never going to get any better.” Vowing to prove him wrong, I decided to step back and devote my time to quietly improving my voice.
Fast forward four years later to Nick DeLibero, a zealous introverted metalhead guitarist who plays like he’s out to conquer the world and writes songs like he’s getting paid. He’s sitting at a restaurant with his best friends and bandmates Alex, John, and Ben discussing the future of their newly formed band Chay Vicious. Personal and creative differences with their singer have come to a breaking point, and despite some recent traction playing local shows and releasing an EP, they come to the conclusion that they need to find a new vocalist or stop playing altogether. What ultimately follows is month after month of fruitless auditioning and the future of the band looks bleak. In a last ditch effort, Alex reaches out to a singer he stumbles across online named David D’Andrea who agrees to meet with the band. He arrives with a folder of Chay Vicious lyrics in hand and after ten minutes of diving into their material, the chemistry is unmistakable. Was their search finally over?
Four years of honing my natural voice with the best vocal coach anyone could ask for, I walked into that audition without any expectations other than having fun singing some kick-ass music. I wasn’t even sure I really wanted to put myself out there again. After playing their originals, they asked me to improvise over some music Nick had recently written and I’m not entirely sure where the melody I sang came from, but instantly I felt the connection. It felt so right. I felt at home. They asked me to meet again and upon leaving the rehearsal space after a follow-up audition, I realized that if they did indeed decide to have me in the band I would undoubtedly say yes.
Next came writing a flurry of originals, recording three singles at Innovation Station with Wammie award winning producer Dave Mallen, playing a slew of venues including DC9, Songbyrd, and Jammin Java, recording the EP Donate Your Clothing at Weitman Studios, and even getting nominated for best rock song (Skyline) and best rock album (Donate Your Clothing) at the Washington DC music awards.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So many ups and downs! On my end learning how to not overcompensate with my voice and learning to sing healthily while getting rejected over and over again by different musicians wondering if if my dream of being a singer is a ridiculous pipe dream. Sometimes still wondering if it is. The guys having difficulty making the decision to part ways with their singer after gaining traction in the local scene and playing venues they thought they’d never play. Them worried that the band was over. We certainly had some difficulties learning how to fit the new dynamic of incorporating a new singer into a band that already is used to doing things a certain way. Sometimes I feel like I’m chronically the new guy. Coordinating with five different band members can be stressful and oftentimes we have different goals for gigging, recording, writing music, and next steps for the band. Bringing new songs to the table can be a vulnerable experience and deciding which ones to keep or shelve can be difficult for those who write them. Sometimes being a rock band that’s “too hard” for some venues and “not hardcore enough” for the hardcore shows can make it difficult to find your fans in a world of infinite choices
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Chay Vicious has become all about capturing the essence of live performance with the natural energy, danger, and unpredictability of rock music. In a world saturated with computers, artificial beats, and plastic surgery, we aim to embody that raw intensity and entice audiences towards the live experience. It’s about the life-giving force that drives the universe and makes it go. Once you know “Chay” is WAC slang for “chill,” you realize the band name is an oxymoron. To be chill and vicious is a polarizing dichotomy and that’s what being alive is. People who have the capability of being a monster, a fighter, and a leader might seem at odds with the ability to be affable, welcoming, and loving. There are arguments, name-calling, fights, jokes, laughter, and disagreements but these things are all essential to the adventure of just being alive. Our statement to the world is that a life well-lived is a life lived to the fullest. Driving at full speed and letting whatever comes, come what may. The downs and ups of life are part of the story. Embrace them.
We might be in over our heads or having the time of our lives, but either way it’s time to play.
Be Chay. Live Vicious.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Listen to our music on Spotify and follow us on social media, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube @ Chay Vicious! Come to our shows! We love meeting anyone who is interested in the live music experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Q7AGt6ZejRLoU9lY7jndz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chayvicious/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/chayvicious
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8vrjrl7j4WiFgwzxtYXiQ
