Andrea Ramolo

Singer/songwriter’s are usually well respected for their finely crafted songs and lyrical poetry, yet many times they are plain hard to understand and relate to. Enter Andrea Ramolo, the Toronto based indie artist, who is currently on a 90+ show tour which will take her and bandmate Jason Skiendziel all across Canada. Her musical path is one of relentless touring that helps her see the great outdoors and experience life to the fullest. I had a chance to chat with her after the tour’s kickoff show in Toronto at the Bread and Circus. It was interesting to say the least.

Andrea Ramolo's album "Thank You For The Ride"width=If you’re not aware, Andrea Ramolo is a rising folk/country singer/songwriter who’s lyrics are inflamed with passion and expressive openness. Although from Toronto, she sure doesn’t like it as she’s all folk, roots, a little bit country, and a little bit of blues.

She doesn’t come across in any way as a big city person, but that could be because of her dedication to touring and playing live shows. She plays guitar, sings with everything she’s got, and is always on the move (literally). Her first album “Thank You For The Ride” (2008) was a direct result of her drive to get things done independently first, and calling in favours as she will explain. “Thank You For The Ride” is a full on folk album and a wonderful achievement. The production value is, in my opinion, great for a first CD,A but Andrea says the next one will be “way” better! Although the guitar and techniques used in the songs may not be, according to Andrea herself, the most complex, there is a sweetness and consistency in the LP that makes it enjoyable to hear. Her vocals are pleasant in a folky way, yet there is enough grit in her delivery to add that special something. Although all of the songs are good, my favourites were “Simple Song”, “Mama’s Last Song”, “Oh Brother”, and “Thank You For The Ride”.

Consistent with my habit of being late, I arrived at The Bread and Circus to discover that I had missed Andrea Ramolo’s performance and wondered if she had stayed for our interview. What really surprised me, was how down to earth and relaxed she was about my absence. We had a quick chat and set up a later time to conduct the interview over the net. As you can clearly see, she replied with open honesty to all of Canadian Invader’s questions.