Missy Andersen and her accompanist/husband Heine Andersen perform their “neo-country blues-soul-americana” at Boulevard Music for the first time on Saturday, and Andersen told the News about what she has in store for Culver City…
What have you been up to since we spoke in 2017?
I started singing in bands in my teens growing up in Queens, NY. It was something I enjoyed doing and I had a good ear for harmony. I managed to get a lot of studio work, but it was more of a side thing. As an adult, I got to travel supporting other artists and I thought, “well, this is fun.” I met Heine that way. Eventually, he convinced me I could lead a band and I eventually left banking to sing full time. When I tell people I used to be a bank Vice President, they think I’m pulling their leg. Which is funny because when I told bank colleagues I was leaving to pursue music, they found that hard to believe, too.
Describe your sound…
I listen to a lot of different music genres so I feel like anything that I’ve ever heard leaves behind a little musical essence and you just become a mix of all the things you like. If so, then I’d be neo-country blues-soul-americana. When other people describe my sound, they use words like earthy, organic, and raw. Those words also describe produce but I’m here for it.
What are your career highlights so far?
This is going to be corny but traveling and meeting people are my favorite parts of being a musician. I’ve been lucky enough to perform in a lot of different places in the U.S. as well as in several countries. Whether it’s for an awards show, a tour, or a music festival – there will be people who love music. And everywhere I have visited, music lovers are pretty happy to see you. That’s not a bad thing at all.
Do you have recorded music available?
Yes, I have two CDs. Missy Andersen and In the Moment. Both are available on most streaming platforms.
Have you performed at Boulevard before? Any memories?
No, never at Boulevard Music but not my first show in Culver City. I was invited to participate in the 2016 Culver City Summer Music Festival Series. We put together a seven-piece band and a rhythm and blues show to perform in the City Hall courtyard that August. We did some originals and covers and we all had a blast. My favorite part was the spontaneous second-line parade started by some audience members. I could do that everyday.
What can the audience expect from the set?
Well, first of all, it will be just the two of us so it will be very intimate. Also, you’ll be able to hear more of the nuances when it’s pared down. It’s called Missy Andersen & Her One Man Band because Heine will play guitar and bass at the same time. Even without my overzealous clapping, it should sound like a solid trio. He’s amazing. You should come just for that.
What else do you have coming up?
Next up is the Eastern Seaboard in October. We have shows in NY, MA, ME.
Missy Andersen & Her One Man Band perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show and missyandersen.com for more about the artist.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Alec De Kervor, Hard Rooster, Patrolled By Radar, Mike Stinson, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.