About APR
Andrew Parker-Renga (APR) grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana where he took piano, quit piano (which he regrets -doesn’t everyone?), taught himself guitar, started songwriting, joined a band, got kicked out of prep-school, and finally began formally studying music in public high school.
His storytelling is on par with Paul Simon and his song structure is in the realm of Pete Yorn and Ray LaMontagane. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, his shows incorporate looping, creating a richly textured sound. Though he loves to talk to the crowd, it is his dynamic singing, most notably compared to Jeff Buckley, that really keeps his audience’s attention. Oh, and he beat-boxes too…
Excepting an offer to Berklee College of Music, APR moved to Boston in the fall of 2001. Spending 5 1/2 years in Boston, he developed his honest, folksy-rock style while playing the cities finest venues (see below) and hosting a popular open-mic at Beckett’s Pub. APR has appeared numerous times on local T.V., has had a small roll in an indie film, and was chosen to be a judge of the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition.
Creating a local buzz in Boston with his debut EP, Issue 1: Thomas and the Man in the Chair, shortly after graduating, it was time to make a move. After much thought, he decided not to pursue a larger city, and instead chose Burlington, Vermont.
His choice of city proved to be the right decision as he landed himself a spot hosting an open mic within weeks of his arrival in the spring of 2007. Wanting more control of the artists he hosted, APR started a songwriter’s night which became a cornerstone for up and coming Vermont singer/songwriters. Every week for 7 months in 2008, he’d sit with artists and swap songs at the Acoustic Lounge inside Parima Thai (Burlington, VT). Later that year, APR put the songwriter’s night on hold and headed back to the studio to make his third EP, Issue 3: Emily.
Recorded at Chakra 5 studios in the fall of 2008, Emily is set for release on April 16th, 2009. A collection of 4 tunes, the subject matter and music are diverse, performed brilliantly by the rhythm section of Pat Melvin on upright bass and Ryan Hayes on drum set and percussion. Ryan “Big Time” Erskine of the Grift, lends his fingers on a tune playing both piano and organ.
Recently signing with Steve Oatley of Low Tide management, APR has plans to expand his fan base both regionally and nationally touring in support of Emily. Emily will be APR’s introduction to the at-large music community.