Rock Monsters Romania

It is March, the month in which we try to dedicate ourselves entirely to the women and girls in our lives. On this occasion, we have decided to speak with women who are active in the Romanian music industry and beyond.

The first woman in this series is Andra Andriucă, an artist from Iași who never ceases to amaze with her poetry-style lyrics. If you need something real or want to start asking yourself questions, you should listen to Andra. From lyrics with themes of encouragement to insights into the world we live in, Andra Andriucă tackles it all. Andra is a budding artist in our music industry. It’s a project worth supporting, or at least giving it a chance.

She is currently a mentee in the Women in Music Romania mentorship program, an initiative by Carina Sava and supported by Raw Music, Watermelon Agency, and Overground Music, a program that helps girls and women step forward in the music industry.

Photo by Luca Prisornic

It’s challenging to operate in a world dominated by men, but Andra seems to handle it with grace, and on February 29th, she released her first album, ”Liniștea nu se împarte”. With a careful and meticulous approach, Andra Andriucă delves into her own inner world, exploring senses and emotions through her creations. Inspired by interactions with people, the beauty of nature, and the everyday hustle and bustle, she brings to light lyrics and chords that capture the essence of human stories, the experiences we all share, and the dreams we often neglect to analyze deeply.

Andra Andriucă revealed her passion for the music world through a personal artistic project, bearing her signature, which has become the meeting point of her love for creation and her desire to promote music in all its forms. Harmoniously blending song with activities specific to the music industry, Andra is determinedly carving out her path in the musical universe. Her collaborations, such as the one with the Paul Tihan project, have brought her closer to fully integrating into the music industry.

Photo by Luca Prisornic

We had the opportunity to find out more about her journey through this interview. The challenges she has faced, how the project is going, and whether she has encountered gender stereotypes.

What are the things people should know about you before reading this interview?

I’m Andra Andriucă, an independent singer-songwriter from Iași, Romania, and I write songs inspired by people, nature, and the hustle of life and mind. In the last years, the stories I weaved into songs grew into a band project, shaped by an indie, pop-rock, alternative sound. As my music project began to evolve alongside my desire to share it with more people, I discovered a passion for the music industry. Since then, my life has become a fusion of creating music and promoting it through various channels and forms.

Which woman inspired you from the beginning? What have you learned from her as a model?

Although my journey with music and the music industry began before meeting her, the first person who came to mind was Corina Ciuplea. She is an incredible woman whom I had the privilege to have as a mentor in the Women In Music Mentorship Program—the first mentorship program in Romania, dedicated to supporting women embarking on their music industry journey, aimed to provide them with guidance, insight, and inspiration.

Corina Ciuplea is the artist manager of Bucharest Film Orchestra and the cellist of Muse Quartet and she is a woman that I completely admire, from her personality to all the successful and amazing things she has accomplished. Since meeting her, she has become a significant source of inspiration and guidance for my journey through music, and her story taught me that no matter how big your dream is, if you work hard enough and put love into the journey, success will come with no doubt. 

Why have you chosen the music industry? Where does your passion come from?

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it has always felt right, whether I’m singing, listening, creating, or engaging in any other aspect or activity of the music industry. I believe you can always sense what’s right for you. It’s an inner feeling that reassures you that you’re on the right path.

Photo by Andrei Popa

Have you faced any challenges that could only happen to women in this industry? Can you give us some examples and explain how you overcame them?

I don’t think I’ve faced any gender-specific challenges in my journey through the music industry, and for that, I’m really grateful. But if I were to choose a challenge I’ve dealt with, I would say that sometimes this journey can feel lonely or you can find yourself feeling helpless, maybe from a lack of support, a lack of knowledge, or maybe you just underestimate yourself as people sometimes do. These moments have taught me the importance of surrounding yourself with inspiring and supportive people who can help you overcome those moments of insecurity. 

Have you ever felt pressured to present yourself in a certain way because of your gender?

Fortunately, I haven’t felt pressured to conform to a certain gender presentation. If there were ever instances where I felt nudged in that direction, it definitely felt unnatural, and I rebalanced back to the natural way I am.  

What changes would you like to see in the industry to make it more inclusive and welcoming for women?

I believe we’re already witnessing gradual yet significant changes in the industry with initiatives like Women In Music Romania which I mentioned previously, that strive to promote gender equality and support women in the music industry to reach their full potential.

I feel that it’s very important for women in the music industry to create a community that provides a safe space for themselves and for other women to share experiences and challenges to inspire and help each other, while also providing a platform for collaboration and empowerment.

How optimistic are you about the future of the music industry in terms of gender equality? 

I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of gender equality in the music industry, given the significant progress we’re already witnessing and the increasing recognition and ground women are gaining.

There’s immense potential for amazing work and ideas to be accomplished, and I have full confidence in the capabilities and power of women in the industry.

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

The first thing that came to mind was finishing my first album. It’s a feeling and a happiness that I never felt before, and I’m really excited to share it with the world. 

Are there any projects or collaborations you’re currently working on that you’re excited about and would like to share with our audience?

The most exciting news to share is the upcoming release of my debut album, “Liniștea nu se împarte,” which will be available on all streaming platforms starting on February 29th. Additionally, I’m very happy to tell you that, alongside Paul Than, another artist from Iași, we’ll be embarking on 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫, our double album release tour that will start in Bucharest on March 12th at Control Club, followed by Cluj-Napoca on March 26th at Atelier Cafe, and that will end at home, in Iași, on March 28th at Legend Pub.

Looking back on your career journey so far, what are some valuable lessons or insights you’ve gained that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

What I’ve come to realize, looking back, is the importance of patience and consistency. Initially, I wish I had understood that achieving your biggest dreams takes time and consistency, and the most important part is enjoying the journey.

Photo by Andrei Popa

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in music? But to the ones that are reading this interview?

I would just say to have the courage to chase your biggest dreams, work really hard, celebrate your achievements, learn from your setbacks, and embrace the experiences that shape your path. And do it with love, all of it!

If I were to be subjective, I eagerly await the release of Andra’s album from Bucharest, and if you’re someone who values thoughts and feelings, I believe you’d really enjoy hearing her and Paul live. See you at Control.

We’ll hear from another woman making waves in the music industry in Romania tomorrow, and we’ll see you in March at Andra Andriucă’s album release concert.

Interview by Ionela Pleșan and Radu Mihai

Text by Ionela Pleșan