Artist of the Month: Andy Colonico
Andy Colonico hails from Welland, Ontario, and has spent his life surrounded by music. Growing up in a musical family, his father was a music teacher, and his mother a professional singer and actress. Music was a constant presence in his life, with his parents’ extensive record collection sparking his early interest in southern rock and country music, especially The Beatles, The Eagles and Van Morrison. He fondly recalls selling his mother’s CDs at her shows and hearing fans rave about her talent.
In school, Andy was a social butterfly – he became known as “the drummer boy”. ”No one else was really playing drums, so it kind of became my identity.” It wasn’t until the eleventh grade that he discovered his singing talent, performing a John Mayer song at a school assembly, much to the surprise of his peers. His friend Lisa Campion, who often jammed with him, encouraged him to sing live, a pivotal moment that set him on his current path.
Rock music has always been central to Andy’s musical influence. As the front man of Revive the Rose, Andy is known for his powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and the band’s infectious rock sound. They quickly gained recognition for their high-energy performances, drawing in audiences and establishing a dedicated fan base. With their hard-hitting riffs, anthem choruses, and an undeniable passion for rock music, Revive the Rose made a name for themselves both locally and beyond. The band’s high-energy performances gained significant momentum, culminating in their participation in the 97.7 HTZ-FM Rocksearch contest in 2016. They shared stages with notable bands such as The Trews, Bush, Big Wreck, and The Glorious Sons.
Despite his rock roots, Andy has always felt a deep connection to country music. His Italian grandparents, who were farmers, instilled in him a love for the land and a simplistic lifestyle. Growing up, he enjoyed exploring the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in storytelling – all of which resonate with the themes of country music. Influences from artists like Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, HARDY and Luke Combs have inspired him to fuse his rock background with country, leading him to revisit and reimagine his earlier songs with a fresh country twist.
He made his live performance debut at a sold-out show in Oakville, ON, at the Moonshine Cafe, followed by an Ontario tour with rising country stars Robyn Ottolini and Owen Riegling.
Follow Andy Colonico on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Contributing writer: Jenna Weishar, Front Porch Music