Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Hall.
Hi Andy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been in the Annapolis (MD) music scene for 27 years, starting in a hip-hop/funk/jam band Written Prisms followed by current local mainstays The Grilled Lincolns. I’ve been a front man/MC the whole time and started playing percussion (congas, bongos, tambourines, shakers & noise makers) for the past 19 years. My given name is Andy, but I go by Slop. Which might be one of the worst nicknames ever, but it’s been my nickname forever and I made it work when I came up with an acronym – Spittin’ Lyrics On Point.
Music and people are my driving force. I’ve been lucky enough to have performed with local legends Sweet Leda, Bumpin’ Uglies, Joey Harkum Band, Higher Hands and The Michael McHenry Tribe to name a few. I enjoy writing but truly enjoy the art and challenge of freestyling. It’s fun to hop onstage with my band or others, and see where I can improv and fit within the confines of the music. Crowd interaction is also something I enjoy a lot. My mom has always told me that I’ve always thought what I had to say was the most important thing to be said and heard. I don’t know if I fully agree with that lol, but I enjoy interacting with the crowd as much as possible.
I also am about to start working on some new solo material. I’m hoping it’s a blend of live instrumentation and produced music. Maybe an EP with 6-8 songs. TBD. Hoping to work with some local musicians like Mike McHenry, Marty Bouchard, Charles Kavoossi, DJ Ragz, DJ Steve Bills & Larry Byrne.
Outside of music, I’m newly married (a little more than a year), I work in sales/training, have 3 step kids (2 out of the house, one entering his senior year of HS), 2 huskies (if you want a chunky female Husky you can have her hahaha) and love to see my friends and family as much as possible.
If you had told 18 year old me that a) I’d be a musician b) would’ve shared stages with The Roots, Sublime, Redman, Method Man, Parliament Funkadelic, Dru Hill, Souls Of Mischief and more, c) performed at Red Rocks, d) had Ron Holloway compliment my freestyling and e) made some of my best friends through music I never would’ve believed you. Life isn’t too bad.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The main musical challenge I faced when I was younger was deciding if it was something I wanted to pursue full time. Between the lifestyle (living in a stinky van, sleeping on floors, eating poorly and not sleeping wel) and not making the money I needed for the bills I had to pay I decided to not “chase the dream” and figure out a way to work a career that allowed me to live the way I wanted while still being able to play music. We have a nice balance now, the whole band (The Grilled Lincolns) have careers, families and want to play music so we are able to play 3-4 gigs monthly, which may not seem like a lot, but the release and enjoyment I get, and the band gets, makes it all worthwhile. I also go see live music frequently and many of my friends bands will have me up to do a song or two with them, and in some cases I’ll sit in for a whole show on percussion and vocals as needed. I love that challenge and experience.
The other challenge I find is making the time to write and record new music. After the 9-5 ends and I hit the gym I don’t always have the motivation or mindset to start working on new music. But, once I do – SHOOOOOO!!!! It’s the best feeling in the world. Recently I recorded a verse for Wordslave’s new track “I Did That” along with Black Root. The song is a banger!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Live music will never die. There is a necessary balance between a full and a DJ that currently exists. Finding and supporting local venues that support live music is key. Social media has a lot of downfalls, for sure, but using it as an avenue to find new music, connect with new music and collaborate is a great thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegrilledlincolns.com
- Instagram: @bigslop
