Bio
Born July 23rd, 1974 in eastern Pennsylvania, Andrew Portz began studying guitar and voice at the age of 8. A child of the 80's, he was Influenced by a wide range of music like Joan Jett, Prince, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. He wrote his first song when he was 17. Portz continued his pursuit of a music career by working as a sideman guitarist with original bands and cover bands but never gave up the songwriting.
In 2008, he released his debut album Blue Lake California. The album received international airplay and charted #337 on RYIL.com in June of 2009. The song “My Broken Heart” charted #1 on KWAR 89.9FM.
Andrew's musical styles range from country/Americana leanings to raw and aggressive rock reminiscent of Neil Young and Crazy Horse.
Album Review
Blue Lake California drips of wanderlust; from the very first track, “Dream About The Stars,” the record is drenched with it. Underneath the melody – partly Neil Young, partly Tom Petty – Andrew Portz sings, “I wanna lay things down/I’m gonna leave this town.” Immediately, he opens a journey wherein even the most reluctant person can’t remain dry. Sculpting music with honest and sombre lyrics, Portz utilizes heartache for material in his songs.
Like the Pied Piper, Portz entices his audience to follow. The voyage flows to Blue Lake California, and proceeds largely between classic rock and country influences. This is where Portz thrives, but it’s not the only place where one might discover similarities. “There’s a whole lot of people in this world/And I always thought you’d be my girl” croons Portz on “Rollercoaster Ride.” The tune sports a steady, locomotive-like pace, with vocal stylings mimicking those of the Australian artist Ben Lee.
The journey disembarks with “Turn This World Around,” a ballad about unity and transcending distance. “Why can’t they just free us/Untie my brothers, lay their company down,” sings Portz as he ‘turns the world around’ for the listener.
-Jack Richter, Hellhound On My Trail