RSS
Biography
Every college kid within a day's drive of Alexandria, Virginia has probably heard by now of Virginia Coalition, and quite likely even been to at least one of their famously high-energy shows. All that hard work is finally about to pay off; with a new label and a new album, OK to Go, this versatile quartet is poised to take their infectious, party-ready rock to the next level. Lead singer Andy Poliakoff talks about what it takes to be a local favorite with a growing national following.
How did you promote yourselves and your music when you were first starting out?
Play any gig, anytime, anywhere for any money and frequently no money.
Did you ever doubt yourselves or think about giving up?
I’d be lying if I said that I was never uncertain about the future, but if you are a positive person and you use the concern and the doubt as a constructive tool...then you can have enormous success. It’s really just a state of mind. The ups and downs will always be there, it’s what you do with them that makes the difference.
What's the craziest thing you ever did to try and get a gig or sell a record?
Travel around in a van for 5 years with a bunch of dirty of musicians.
What other ways do you express yourselves creatively outside your music?
I recently began drawing again after 15 years. This was mainly due to the fascination I have with the world of tattoos, and this encouraged me to pursue certain aspects of self-discovery, as well as an understanding for art and its place in society and how it reflects the cultures and personalities of different people.
I also love to cook.
I also love encouraging people to pursue their dreams and goals and succeed at them...this gives me enormous satisfaction.
How much did others encourage you to express yourself at an early age?
I was encouraged to express myself enormously at a young age. My mother was the primary source for encouraging self-expression, be it reading, drawing, writing and of course music and singing. She was very active in our lives. My brother and I used to perform “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister in our underoos in front of the mirror and my mom was happy to provide the “stage.”
What is your community today, and how do you stay connected to it?
I live 10 minutes from the house where I grew up (Alexandria, VA) and I actually never became disconnected from it. I stay connected by involving myself in the lives of the people that surround me.
Do artists and musicians have a responsibility to be leaders in their communities?
I think that everybody has a responsibility to be a leader regardless of whether they are an artist or musician. Being a leader means being a good human being and treating people as you would have them treat you.
Who do you aspire to be compared to?
Paul Simon, who has taken so many sounds from so many parts of the world and used them in his own way with a message that’s so powerful, uplifting and inclusive.
Who are you sick of being compared to?
Dave Matthews Band...listen to our CD, you’ll be confused as well.
Do you think music can change the world?
Absolutely!
Have your political views changed over the years?
Yes they have. I’ve grown more liberal in the last year or so. I’ve been able to understand the less visible power structures in this country and in the world.
By the way, I really want an electric car.
Describe one of your proudest moments as a band.
The day we headlined our own show at the House of Blues in Chicago. I could not believe that we where so far away from home and people were singing our songs with such enthusiasm. It was literally a spiritual experience connecting with so many people like that.
How did you promote yourselves and your music when you were first starting out?
Play any gig, anytime, anywhere for any money and frequently no money.
Did you ever doubt yourselves or think about giving up?
I’d be lying if I said that I was never uncertain about the future, but if you are a positive person and you use the concern and the doubt as a constructive tool...then you can have enormous success. It’s really just a state of mind. The ups and downs will always be there, it’s what you do with them that makes the difference.
What's the craziest thing you ever did to try and get a gig or sell a record?
Travel around in a van for 5 years with a bunch of dirty of musicians.
What other ways do you express yourselves creatively outside your music?
I recently began drawing again after 15 years. This was mainly due to the fascination I have with the world of tattoos, and this encouraged me to pursue certain aspects of self-discovery, as well as an understanding for art and its place in society and how it reflects the cultures and personalities of different people.
I also love to cook.
I also love encouraging people to pursue their dreams and goals and succeed at them...this gives me enormous satisfaction.
How much did others encourage you to express yourself at an early age?
I was encouraged to express myself enormously at a young age. My mother was the primary source for encouraging self-expression, be it reading, drawing, writing and of course music and singing. She was very active in our lives. My brother and I used to perform “We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister in our underoos in front of the mirror and my mom was happy to provide the “stage.”
What is your community today, and how do you stay connected to it?
I live 10 minutes from the house where I grew up (Alexandria, VA) and I actually never became disconnected from it. I stay connected by involving myself in the lives of the people that surround me.
Do artists and musicians have a responsibility to be leaders in their communities?
I think that everybody has a responsibility to be a leader regardless of whether they are an artist or musician. Being a leader means being a good human being and treating people as you would have them treat you.
Who do you aspire to be compared to?
Paul Simon, who has taken so many sounds from so many parts of the world and used them in his own way with a message that’s so powerful, uplifting and inclusive.
Who are you sick of being compared to?
Dave Matthews Band...listen to our CD, you’ll be confused as well.
Do you think music can change the world?
Absolutely!
Have your political views changed over the years?
Yes they have. I’ve grown more liberal in the last year or so. I’ve been able to understand the less visible power structures in this country and in the world.
By the way, I really want an electric car.
Describe one of your proudest moments as a band.
The day we headlined our own show at the House of Blues in Chicago. I could not believe that we where so far away from home and people were singing our songs with such enthusiasm. It was literally a spiritual experience connecting with so many people like that.
Buy
Log In