Meet Andrew Hooker of The Uneven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Hooker.

Hi Andrew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Around 2016 I had written 10-12 songs. I had a vision for a rock band, and I began the networking and auditioning process for finding the best bandmates in the Nashville, TN area. In 2017 the right chemistry was formed with myself (Andrew Hooker – lead vocals, guitar), Michael Meadows (bass guitar), Simona Bressi (drums), and Mike Roberts (guitar). Michael Meadows and Mike Roberts were musicians that I knew from past work in the Nashville music scene. Simona Bressi was recruited through Facebook gig finder.

We knew as a band that we wanted to focus on crafting great songs for an album. Once we had that asset, we would start playing shows. Over the course of 2017, we wrote together and honed our sound. Mike Roberts ended up leaving the band over artistic differences. The initial vision for the band was a 70s blues/rock sound. Over time, the sound developed and became much heavier, pulling in influences from the 90s. Late 2017 solidified the line-up and The Uneven was born.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Hooker, Bressi, and Meadows teamed up with producer and mix engineer, Patrick Thrasher. Thrasher is an accomplished mix engineer with credits ranging from Cole Swindell and Jason Aldean to Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rush. The Uneven recorded and completed 12 songs by the end of 2019. In the fall of 2019, Bressi decided to leave Nashville and relocate to San Diego, CA to pursue other musical interests. Meadows and I decided to continue on and recruit a new drummer for the release of our album. THEN, Covid took over the globe. Michael Meadows and his family relocated to Idaho in 2022. Meadows is now in the music ministry.

Throughout 2020, Meadows and I decided to release a few singles. Meadows produced and directed our first 2 music videos, “Punching Bag” and “No More Violations.” Punching Bag featured a clay animation video. The clay figures were created by my wife, Stephanie Hooker. After the success of 2 singles in 2020, we released a 3rd single, “Loud” in 2021. All 3 singles have been featured on numerous music blogs across the globe.

The Uneven is slated to release our first full-length album in the fall of 2023. The album will be titled “Flight Out Of The Hollow.”

The Uneven made its live debut on March 14, 2023, at The Basement in Nashville, TN. The band’s current lineup features: Andrew Hooker – on lead vocals and guitar, Rob Parker – on guitar, Justin Smith – on bass guitar, and Chris Potocik on drums.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many obstacles…… The biggest being Covid. Our album was completed and ready for release right when Covid hit.

This disruption caused the initial lineup to part ways, but I have carried on and recruited new band members. The music business has never been an easy one. If you are genuinely trying to be an original artist, you have to have a good day job to support your passion.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

The Uneven is a rock band that blends influences from 70s blues and hard rock with 90s grunge and alternative metal. The band is known for big guitar riffs, brooding vibes with swagger, and powerful vocals. The band’s lyrical message is to self-empower and overcome adversity.

Oftentimes in our genre, the lyrics are based more on doom and gloom. Our approach is the exact opposite. When people hear our music or see a show, we want them to feel inspired to tackle whatever obstacle may be taking place in their life.

In addition to The Uneven, I also own a recording studio called, The Cave Studios. The Cave is located in Leipers Fork, TN. I have been in business since 2006. I have produced artists and genres ranging from Bluegrass and Americana to Blues, Rock, and Metal.

I also work as a music teacher. I own the business, Music Lessons Will Travel. I have been serving Franklin, Spring Hill, and Fairview since 2000 with private in-home music lessons.

As of 2021 I became an affiliated writer with Atrium Music out of Pasadena, CA. Atrium is a music publishing company that specializes in TV and movie sync placements.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Luck plays a role, but you have to work hard and create opportunities. The greatest luck has been a family that supports the arts and music.

I have also been fortunate to be a music teacher and music producer in the south Nashville area for over 20 years.

Having these 2 career options as a day job has kept me sharp musically. Teaching and producing music definitely beats waiting tables while you are trying to pursue your musical goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theunevenband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theuneven.band/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunevenofficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TUneven
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm8QGrWpEZFnNSoGrilR1ww
• The Cave Studios: https://www.thecavestudios.net/
• Music Lessons Will Travel: https://musiclessonswilltravel.com/

Image Credits
Stephanie Hooker