Rock Monsters Romania

Andrea Stanciu is a newcomer in the world of concert photographers, at least for me. Since last year, I’ve been seeing her at underground concerts, taking pictures or creating content for bands. She always has a confident and optimistic vibe about the future of the Romanian underground scene. Andrea is the kind of person who runs to capture the perfect shot.

From graphic design to social media, Andrea uses her diverse skills, demonstrating remarkable versatility in everything she does. While creating captivating and innovative visual content, she continuously learns about the behind-the-scenes mechanisms. For Andrea, supporting an artist is just as important as the act of creation itself.

If you haven’t seen merchandise or posters made by Andrea, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. Her ideas are fresh and come with a new and edgy twist, combining current trends with the vibes of the respective bands.

For Andrea, each project is an opportunity to explore and learn, to combine visual aesthetics with her passion for music, and to contribute to the success of artists through her expertise in photography, video, and content creation.

Andrea seems to be the type who follows the principle of “where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and she does it very well, even though it’s difficult and a long road. In the end, it’s all worth it.

For women like Andrea, this column, Women Making Waves in Music, aims to bring them into the spotlight and make people around us more aware of the work done by the person always running around with a camera at concerts. That being said, let’s see what Andrea has to say.

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

Music has played an important role in my life more than I could understand when I was younger. It kind of shocked me when I started to realize that most of my core memories and aspects of my personality were, in some way or another, influenced by music. It’s a different kind of confrontation with yourself, at least that’s how it feels for me when I practice or listen to music.

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

Patricia Bîea. She’s a woman I admire profoundly, with whom I could share a deep, common sense for and from music, and our similarities still shock me. Her empathy, along with experience in the industry, has motivated me to use my creativity in the means for music. She made me embrace that I have this “something” that I shouldn’t let go of and have to nurture.

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

Bandbook. They gave me hope that my desire to help is possible. They are a team of dedicated and supportive people I can learn from and feel the capability to grow with. I’ve already been going to concerts and photographing them, but I knew I could and wanted to combine my visual and musical passions in a more impactful way, directly for artists. So, I gathered the courage to vocalize my desire to help artists, and they heard me. Music helped me enormously, so this is a way I can finally give back.

Was there a moment when another woman warned you about the challenges you
might face in the music industry because you’re a woman? What was your reaction?

Fortunately, other women I know who work in the industry haven’t warned me about challenges strictly for being a woman. Unfortunately, I’m aware that it’s very likely they exist, especially discrimination. Working in the film industry, I see there are lots of issues we have to face as women, and I believe there are problems in other industries as well, sadly.

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 haven’t faced any challenges being a woman in the industry. However, if I were, I would use my resources and people that I know to avoid rough situations. I’m aware that there are negative people towards women everywhere, therefore I wouldn’t take offensive language/behavior to heart, as we know our worth.

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

I have never felt pressured to present myself differently than I am just because of my gender.

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

While I’m completing this interview I realize that an activity like this is what I’ve hoped for, so I thank Rock Monsters for this! Promoting all of the talented and passionate women in the industry is deserved, to help gain exposure and hopefully open more doors of opportunity for others. At the same time, I generously appreciate the entire team of outstanding and intelligent women in “Women in Music Romania”, especially their mentorship program.

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

I am quite optimistic about the future regarding gender equality in the music industry, a bit more than the film industry. I see a lot of young, open-minded people that are actively contributing to the music industry, that treat the rest as equals. Artists that also support each other as equals, and that too brings me hope and optimism.

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

I’m proud I took a big step and changed certain aspects of my life and mindset to dedicate myself to the music industry. Last summer I found myself intensively working a job I couldn’t find my place in, so I sacrificed to follow my heart. In the end, it was for, even more than, the better.

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

A collaboration that’s very close to me that I will mention again and again is BandBook: a booking and management agency for musicians. It’s a special feeling to be around and support a group of people that do their absolute best in helping artists get what they deserve. I recommend everyone that reads this to keep an eye on Bandbook’s future concerts and come support our local artists!

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?

Take it easy on yourself. “Good things happen to those who wait,” a reminder I tell myself sometimes. Sometimes seeing the bigger picture can be a bit overwhelming; a lot of things can get out of hand in the mind but as long as priorities are taken one by one it’s not as difficult as it seems. It’s not something overcomed once, it’s a life-long process as we grow.

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

If it calls to you, go for it! We learn as we go; no one will judge you if you aren’t experienced or know certain things. As long as you’re dedicated and passionate for what you do, you will automatically learn along the way. Keep your mind open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to try new things. Good people are here to help you in your journey and will always give a helping hand. Just trust the process.

As I mentioned earlier, Andrea is an example of “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” So if I’ve piqued your curiosity, come to the underground concerts to see Andrea in action.

Rock Monsters Romania believes in professionalism and in the chance for women to stand out in an industry that seems dominated by men. Due to this belief, we have decided that once every two weeks on our website, you can find a woman who is making waves in the music industry and offers daily inspiration and support to those around them.

Text by Ionela Pleșan

Interview by Ionela Pleșan and Radu Mihai