An Interview: Andrew Canlon Discusses His Latest Live Video and Capturing the Essence of His Approach
In this exclusive interview, Andrew Canlon opens up about the making of his latest live video, ‘Gemini Man.’ He
In this exclusive interview, Andrew Canlon opens up about the making of his latest live video, ‘Gemini Man.’ He takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, from the spontaneous decision to capture the perfect sunset moment to the technical challenges of blending live instrumentation with electronic beats. Drawing on his deep roots in Classical Music and his relentless drive to innovate, Andrew shares how he is working to transform his live sets into immersive, visually engaging experiences.
So, join us as we delve into his journey, gaining insight into the forward-thinking perspective that grounds his unique approach.
Hi Andrew Canlon, how are you?
I’m doing well, thank you.
Firstly, could you share the reasoning behind your decision to release this video after the initial live set went live?
So, the initial live set was done completely DIY and we only had a few hours to film in the space. If I had to do another take, we would have run out of time, and we also would have missed out on the sunset which would have been a real tragedy. There was so much pressure to get it right and it wasn’t until we were done with the set that I realized I didn’t play ‘Gemini Man.’ We had a few minutes left before we had to get out of there, so we turned the cameras back on and got it on film. I released it separately because it wasn’t part of my 60-minute set. That set collected over 20,000 views, so I felt people wanted more. I’m glad I held onto it and I’m glad people seem to really be enjoying it.
Can you walk us through the planning process for this performance? How did you choose the location?
I went online looking for a rooftop where we could film. When I found East Harlem Atrium, not only was it perfect, but the owner, Will Watt, was incredible to work with as well. He’s an artist himself and could not have been more accommodating and friendly.
What was it like performing live with the backdrop of a New York sunset? How important was it for you to combine the visual aesthetic of New York City with the soundscape of ‘Gemini Man’?
I’ve waited my whole life to perform in front of the New York City skyline. This was a dream come true, and I was very aware of it as it was happening. I’m glad I took the time to look around and marvel at the view. I was in Heaven. I’m a New Yorker and in true New York fashion, I didn’t wait to be given this opportunity. I got it done myself and now it lives forever. No matter what happens, you can’t take that away from me. It was important to do something visually stunning. It shows the big brands in Electronic Music that I can produce high-quality work on a shoestring budget. Now imagine what I could do with a little bit of production support. You don’t have to like me or my music. But you can’t argue with the results.
How did you approach blending live instrumentation with electronic production for this set?
The synth I’m playing in this set is the Roland Jupiter-Xm and it’s a little bit unpredictable. It either sounds amazing or a little bit like a bat out of hell. When I use it during a live show, I have to have all of the parameters set precisely or the blend will be way off. It’s a risk you take but because I was only playing one song at the end of the night, all of my settings were perfect, and I was able to actually enjoy myself and enjoy the performance. Also, because I apply effects globally to the whole mix, the timing really has to be right, or it won’t have the desired effect. It really all boils down to practice.
Did you have to adapt or rework any aspects of ‘Gemini Man’ to fit the live rooftop performance?
Yes, there is a lot of stuff that happens behind the scenes to leave space for live elements like vocals and synth toplines. I won’t bore you with the details.
What do you hope viewers take away from watching this live rooftop performance?
I hope it gives viewers another opportunity to connect with ‘Gemini Man.’ It’s a song that really seemed to resonate with people. I received a lot of criticism from people who claimed it was too experimental to be successful and I’m glad I stood my ground because that turned out to be wrong. Yes, it definitely breaks the mould when it comes to Electronic Music, but Electronic Music is so much bigger than just EDM or House or Drum and Bass. Electronic music is the performance model – not the genre. I consider my genre to be Electro Pop. There is a ton of crossover potential in that genre because it resonates with a wider audience. I make music that can be enjoyed by hardcore music fans and casual fans alike. I have no ego about it. My only goal is to make music that people will still want to listen to 20 or 30 years from now.
How do you think this performance showcases your growth as an artist since releasing ‘Gemini Man’?
It exposes people to what my live show looks like and feels like. It shows the level of preparedness and the thoughtfulness that I’ve put into creating a workflow on stage that allows me to perform on my own without sacrificing the size or scale of the music.
What was your vision for the video, and do you feel it captures the essence of ‘Gemini Man’?
My vision was to show the industry how hard I’ve worked to design something that is both original and also widely appealing. This video is my way of announcing to the music business that I’m ready to take my show to the next level. Here’s what I can do completely on my own with no money. Now with the right production partner, imagine what I could create for people. I have a vision. It’s a pretty strong vision and all I want to do is execute that vision to the best of my ability.
Finally, what’s next for you after the release of this video? Any plans to build on this performance style in future projects?
As of today, there are two or three collaborations in production that I’m very excited to release in the spring/summer of 2025. I have a show coming up on the 25th of February for Breaking Sound at Brooklyn Music Kitchen. I look forward to continuing to perform and collaborate with artists near and abroad. Interest has really picked up this year, so I think you’ll see me start to become much more active with releases as well. Please shoot me a follow on Instagram if you’d like to stay in the loop. I also will devote more time to my YouTube channel in 2025, so definitely subscribe to the channel for more videos!
As our conversation concludes, it is clear that Andrew Canlon’s commitment to his craft goes beyond merely performing; it is about creating an experience that resonates deeply with his audience. Whether through live videos or performances around New York City, Andrew aims to maintain originality in his work, showcasing his talent and skill each time. Now, with his dedication remaining high as he embarks on his next projects, Andrew is surely one to keep an eye on, so be sure to stay connected with him through his social media channels and YouTube for more insights and updates on his evolving journey.
Watch Andrew Canlon’s ‘Gemini Man’ Now:
Andrew Canlon Online
