Originally from Seattle, Washington, Andie Case’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in a conservative environment, her rebellious spirit led her to pursue her passion for music, even after she was expelled from high school in her senior year. At just 18, Andie moved to Los Angeles with singer-songwriter Ajay Marshall. They faced homelessness but never wavered in their determination to break into the music industry.
Andie’s career took off as she began posting acoustic covers on YouTube, quickly amassing a devoted fanbase. With over 1.4 million subscribers and some videos nearing 40 million views, Andie has solidified her presence in the digital music world. Her cover of Jason Derulo’s “Want To Want Me” charted in the iTunes Top 100, and she received MTV’s Cover of the Year Award for her rendition of “Stay” by Zedd and Alessia Cara.
From acoustic covers to pop and back to her singer-songwriter roots, Andie’s music style has evolved while maintaining a deep connection with her fans. Her new single, “What Am I Looking For?” showcases her growth as an artist with an accompanying video inspired by The Truman Show. This release highlights her ability to blend personal experiences with universal themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
Andie’s journey is as compelling as her music. Overcoming drug addiction with the support of her bandmates and setting boundaries to cut off negative influences, she has emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever. Now based in Nashville, Andie is a stepmother to three wonderful grown children and part of a modern, loving family, adding depth to her music that resonates deeply with her audience.
Andie’s incredible fans are an integral part of her journey. She continues to engage with them through daily uploads on TikTok and YouTube, sharing new acoustic covers and original songs. One fan even created a personalized Funko Pop of Andie and her dog, highlighting her deep connection with her audience.
Andie welcome to OLC! Your new single, “What Am I Looking For?”, is about to drop on September 6. Can you tell us what inspired this song and what message you hope listeners will take away from it?
I went through a bad time mentally during the pandemic. I was forced to self-reflect and I wasn’t really ready to do that so I started coping and dissociating more and more in unhealthy ways with people who didn’t care about my well-being. I finally came to terms with myself that I struggled with addiction and it was destroying me from the inside out. I had to leave LA. This song is a self-reflection of all the things I’ve experienced and felt up until now 2 and a half years sober from the substance I relied on. I want listeners to hopefully feel inspired to ask for help. I couldn’t have done this alone, even though it felt like I had to. I felt embarrassed but there’s nothing embarrassing about struggling. You don’t have to do this alone.
You’ve been open about overcoming drug addiction with the support of your bandmates. How has this experience shaped you as an artist and influenced your music?
To be honest it’s completely turned my life upside down but in the best way, I think that it could’ve gone. I had to be honest with myself and with all the ugliness. I couldn’t have done it without my bandmates, Ajay in particular. He helped me pull myself back together and was a part of “WAILF” I feel it’s become more important to me to not only share my highlights but the lows too.
The accompanying video for your new single is inspired by *The Truman Show*. How does this concept tie into the themes of self-discovery and empowerment in your music?
I wanted to capture the feeling of chaos specifically from the boat scene at the end of the movie, but then he comes out ok. This whole experience for me felt like a train I couldn’t stop like I had no control until I saw what I was doing then I was able to take control kind of how Truman does, the video is also strongly influenced by Ophelia. A heartbreaking death. I wanted to portray a kind of an end to my old way of thinking.
You moved to Los Angeles at 18 with your husband, facing homelessness while pursuing your dreams. How did those early challenges impact your drive and the authenticity of your music today?
Every obstacle has made me learn something about myself and has taught me not to care as much about things that used to make me insecure. I think it’s made me more of a fighter and forced me to look inward which has reflected in my music and even the covers that I choose. Everything has to feel genuine to me or reflect something true that I relate to. Like I said it’s inspired me to share my ups and downs. I feel stronger now.
You’ve gained a massive following on YouTube with your acoustic covers. How has your relationship with your fans influenced your growth as a musician, and how do you maintain that connection?
My relationship with my fans has influenced me a great deal. I wouldn’t be the musician I am today without them. They watched the videos from the beginning, and are the reason I’ve been able to chart, win anything, tour etc. I have fans that I’ve kept in touch with for the last decade that have been there from the first upload. It takes being active to maintain the relationship but just a quick dm or through snap or remembering exciting events in their lives. I feel like these last couple of years of me cleaning myself up was hard on them from their side. I was the most disconnected I’ve been so I’m really excited to see where our relationship goes from here now that I’ve been ready to share what I’ve been going through.
Coming from a conservative background and having been expelled from high school, what advice would you give to young aspiring artists who might feel misunderstood or constrained by their environment?
Shit, first I’d say I’m so sorry you’re doing through that! I would let them know that they’re not alone. Lean into the things that you love. Try as hard as you can to reach out to people that you have things in common with. Finding people that love the things that you love can help you get by maybe until you’re old enough to leave. And even then if you don’t have the ability to leave still try to find things outside of your environment that bring you peace. I had to build my circle from scratch and it can feel so lonely at first but I promise you will find your people/support system!
Your music style has evolved from pop back to your singer-songwriter roots. How do you find a balance between staying true to your artistic vision and exploring new genres?
I’ve been lucky enough to continually cover my favorite songs over the last decade so in a way I feel like that’s always kept me close to my roots. And because I have that balance it makes me feel like I can experiment even more when it comes to my originals. I really just try to do what feels right for the song and that it relates to how I’m feeling when writing. There’s no limits!
Now that you’re based in Nashville and part of a modern, blended family, how has your personal life influenced the depth and themes of your recent music?
My family are the bravest people with the biggest hearts that I know, they’ve truly shaped who I am. I think it’s influenced my recent music to be more vulnerable and honest. They make me brave and want to push myself and be an example for them. If I ever hear one of my stepkids talking down on themselves I’m so quick to tell them that if I can do it you bet your ass you can too! We’re all there to build each other up.
You’ve achieved significant milestones, like winning MTV’s Cover of the Year Award and having your covers chart on iTunes. What are some goals you have for the next phase of your career?
My main goal is to continue to release original music, I have another song that will follow up “WAILF” so I’m stoked about that. I’d love to take my originals where my covers have been. I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer