Antonio Andrade is Making a Scene

May 31, 2025

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Antonio Andrade

Antonio Andrade is a veteran singer-songwriter and performer known for his vibrant blend of folk, rock, and humor—what he calls “rockin’ folk.” With over 45 years of stage experience, Andrade has earned accolades including “Best Male Solo Artist” from the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards (2021) and has showcased at both SERFA and SWRFA.

His ninth album, Here We Go! (2025, Lifeshakes Recordings), is a bold, all-covers release praised by critics like Americana Highways’ John Apice for its inventive arrangements and nostalgic flair. Legendary music critic Robert Christgau also featured the album in his March 2025 Consumer Guide, applauding Andrade’s reinterpretations of songs like “Love Shack” and “Forever Young.”

Andrade’s 2023 album My Reward featured original material that reflected on loss, joy, and aging, earning praise for its warmth and wisdom. “These are like kids’ songs for adults,” wrote Will Phoenix of Steemit. Similarly, his 2021 holiday album Jingle All the Way recaptured the childhood magic of Christmas through acoustic interpretations of vintage standards.

Antonio’s musical journey began in the 1970s at Penn State and evolved through decades of performing at festivals, bars, and with a rock cover band. Since retiring from a 38-year career in social services in 2014, he has fully committed to music, releasing five albums in nine years and expanding his presence in the folk community.

His 2020 album Lucky in Love reached #34 on the Folk Alliance International Folk Chart and featured collaborations with renowned musicians like Freebo, Mark Stuart, and Ordinary Elephant. The title track, co-written with Louisa Branscomb, tied together themes of love and loss that run throughout Andrade’s catalog.

Though he’s an accomplished songwriter—with a 2023 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest honorable mention for “You Don’t Until You Do”—Andrade has also gained recognition as a gifted interpreter of others’ work. His version of Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place” was featured in the 2011 film of the same name.

Passionate, purpose-driven, and deeply connected to his audience, Antonio Andrade continues to win hearts with his authentic storytelling and infectious joy. “Singing and playing are more fun than anything else I can imagine,” he says. “It’s my reward in life.”