Basics:
Andrea Szirbik describes her music as "folk with a twist." This Dover-based singer songwriter frolics through country, pop, blues and rock, her lilting vocals offering up naked-hearted, sultry, sometimes downright silly lyrics that reveal with glassy vulnerability her path through life and love. Her original compositions feature Szirbik on vocals with guitar, ukulele, piano or banjo, at times flying solo, but often as a trio with Christopher Guzikowski (electric guitar) and Matt Young (mandolin). Matt Kanner from the Wire writes that "everything about singer-songwriter Andrea Szirbik’s debut album is endowed with warmth and feeling, like a toasty woodstove in a rustic log cabin. She sings with understated emotion, bestowing her simple, acoustic folk melodies with the power to linger in your psyche for hours." Szirbik released her debut album “I am here” a tribute for her cousin, in October of 2011 and is currently finishing up her sophomore album "who i am" which will be released early this summer.
Looking back:
Szirbik has been involved with music in many forms since she was old enough to talk. She holds vivid memories of recording children's songs on a tape recorder to send to her grandmother and in fourth grade she wrote her first full-length song titled "4 Us," which she composed on a small Casio keyboard. (It would, of course, be many years later that she would begin composing regularly, and on full-sized instruments!) During her teenage years her focus would turn toward choirs, choruses and musical theater, including three years in the NH All-State Chorus and leading roles in West Side Story, Oklahoma and Little Shop of Horrors.
Songwriting and recording:
Szirbik began playing the guitar in 2000 and by 2001 was feeling original compositions pulsing through her veins. For Szirbik, songwriting is not a choice but a necessity. Each song is simply a physical expression of overwhelming emotions.
Although she spent years composing and performing her original music in Central NH and on the Seacoast, it was not until recently that Szirbik recorded any of it. She had originally set out to record her debut album with her cousin, a fellow songwriter. When her cousin died unexpectedly at the age of 30, Szirbik knew that she needed to complete a project in his honor. She accomplished this by participating in the RPM Challenge, which challenges musicians to record an entire album of original music during the month of February. Szirbik recorded the album during these 28 days, but returned to the project after February to re-mix and master the tracks.
Her debut album " I am here" is a collection of eleven original songs. The title song "I Am Here," brings a hint of country to the album as she reflects on her cousin's lasting presence in her music and her life. A non-traditional wedding song for her best friend, “Springtime” is a light-hearted jaunt through new love. “Things to Share” leaps daringly into personal and societal fears, building into a fervent folk-rock jam. And the bonus track “Amor telefónico,” sung entirely in Spanish, pairs gritty vocals and pop lyrics with quirky phone-ring harmonies. Chris Hislop of the Spotlight writes that "'I am here' is a rousing statement from a songwriter that beckons to be heard. If you let her in, you will not be disappointed." The album is currently available at Spun Records (266 Central Ave, Dover, NH), live performances and on CD Baby, and mp3 downloads can be found on CD Baby and Reverbnation (links are at the bottom of this page).
Szirbik is currently working on her sophomore album titled "who i am." Once again, she has recorded the album as part of the RPM Challenge, but is now remixing, mastering and recording some bonus tracks. For a sneak preview of what she accomplished in February, check out rpmchallenge.com/index.php.
Live music:
Andrea Szirbik can be found playing her original compositions in many Seacoast venues. She has played in outdoor music series in Portsmouth and Manchester and also performs regularly at farmers markets. Previous market performances include Newburyport, MA, Newmarket, Salem, Rye, Nashua and Dover, NH. Check out the Calendar of Events for listings!
