Interview by Rhiannon Leigh | Introduction by Michelle Castillo
Having never met in person, the Dallas-based singer-songwriter Andrew Plan and Nashville singer-songwriter Kristine Wriding had come together over Google Voice to create a hard-hitting song in a style completely different to their own. Fans have come to know Plan’s work through his familiar acoustic indie sound, and with Wriding, its her calming country soul that draws a crowd. “People Needing People” diverges from the familiar without alienating their regular listeners. The synth leaning instrumental and harmonic vocal lays giving the song a “bigger than life” feel, perfectly encapsulating the meaning behind the track. “People Needing People” is a story of hope and unity. A story we desperately need.
Cuz the world ain’t just black and white
It’s a beautiful array
If we can see through another’s eyes
Maybe we can soften the hate
Can you tell us about the moment “People Needing People” was conceived? How were you feeling at the time? How did the process begin?
Kristine: The song started out as an idea of mine. I was frustrated with how some people view people they don’t understand. For myself, I have a loved one with autism and it frustrates me how some people judge him from the outside, or his lack of speech. They fail to really get to know him and understand what a caring person he is and how smart he is. I thought to myself, “we are all just people in this world, why can’t we all see that”. I expanded on that thought and wrote the chorus. I then brought this chorus and idea to Andrew who instantly connected with the song. He started strumming a melody on his guitar and our words filled the page to create this song.
Andrew: When Kristine played me the idea for “People Needing People”, I instantly connected with it. Even when we wrote the song over a year ago, my heart was already heavy from all the hate and division in the world. I saw people I love wall off their hearts to the experiences and struggles of other people, just because of an opinion or something they heard on the news. I really wanted the song to be something that could open people’s hearts up to seeing the beauty in each other. I started playing around with a guitar groove and we were off to the races.
For Andrew: “People Needing People” has more of a synthesized pop sound than other songs that you’ve produced and released independently. Where did you find inspiration for this song? Is this sound something you’re experimenting with or have you dabbled with it before?
A: I’ve always loved how modern pop bands like OneRepublic and Coldplay combine acoustic and synthetic instrumentation to make a lush, epic sound. That definitely inspired my approach to producing the song, particularly the punchy synthetic drums and the gospel choir vocals that come in as the song builds. In general, I’ve been experimenting with my own take on pop production for the past several months, and I look forward to sharing more songs in a similar style in the near future.
For Kristine: As a country singer primarily, what drew you to this style of song? Did the recording of “People Needing People” differ from the work you’re used to and was it challenging to adapt?
K: I have always loved Andrew’s voice, melodies, songs and hooks so when I came up with this idea, I knew it needed the creative genius of Andrew’s melodies and phrasing to really make the song come to life. When we wrote the song, Andrew just had his guitar, but when he sent me a demo with some tracks I was beyond excited! Andrew has a unique way of capturing the emotion of the song through melodies and instruments to make the song original and not “cookie cutter”. With all this being said, since I was a part of the creation process, it wasn’t too challenging to adapt to this style, but it is definitely a different feel than what I’ve recorded in the past!
Do you find writing over the internet to be easier or more difficult than writing in person with a team? Does having a topic you’re extremely passionate about affect the process at all?
Andrew: At this point I find writing over the internet to be easier. I’ve done so many online co-writing sessions now, it just feels like second nature. I also like that I have all of my digital writing tools (Google Drive, Google Docs, Logic Pro X) at my fingertips whenever I’m writing online, so it’s easy to capture or build on an idea quickly.
In the case of “People Needing People”, it was super-helpful that Kristine and I were both passionate about the song topic. It sparked a lot of great discussions that helped us write lyrics that were true to what we wanted to inspire in the world.
Kristine: I think it depends on who I am co-writing with as to if writing on the internet is easier or not. I feel it really depends on everyone’s attitude and if they are open to a new creative process of online writing or not. For Andrew and I, online writing flows really easy and we have naturally created a writing environment and process that works for us. We are both open to each other’s ideas and have built a trust to be able to share thoughts and ideas to create the best song possible during each write.
As for having a topic you’re extremely passionate about, it does help in the creative process because a lot of times you have lived that experience and have a real-life story to expand on instead of just making one up. A lot of times, if you write a song that moves your heart, it is going to move someone else’s heart too.
What has been the proudest moment of your careers?
Andrew: Releasing my first commercial single, “Supposed to Go”, at the end of 2019. I tend to be a stubborn perfectionist, so it was a big step for me to let go and let my art be out in the world. I’m excited to continue sharing more music soon.
Kristine: That is a great question and a hard one to answer. I think with each season in my career I would have a different moment that I would be proud of. Moments ranging from getting my first paying gig to releasing music to the world to singing at big festivals and on big stages; but with all of that, I would have to say that my proudest moments come from my fans. It’s when I get an email from a fan who expresses how much my music has helped them through a hard time. It’s when I have a fan come up to me at a meet and greet and tell me that a song of mine has given them hope when they didn’t see or feel any hope in their world. It’s when my music truly makes a difference in someone’s life that I feel honored and blessed to share my music with the world.
I remember at one event a woman came up to me with tears in her eyes and wanted to thank me for singing her song. She told me that it was the anniversary of her husband’s passing and she was having a really hard day. As she walked by, I was singing, “When You Say Nothing At All” by Alison Krauss and it stopped her right in her tracks. That was her and her husband’s first dance song at their wedding and a song they treasured throughout their marriage. It was at that moment she felt at peace as if he was there with her. It’s moments like these that I feel blessed to be able to share music with the world and am so thankful for the lives I can touch.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself through writing “People Needing People”?
Andrew: Writing “People Needing People” with Kristine helped me clarify my purpose as an artist: to channel my experiences and the experiences of those around me into music that heals, inspires, and empowers others.
Kristine: By writing and helping to create “People Needing People”, I have discovered that it’s ok to step out of the box and try something new! People may wonder why I am doing a Pop collaboration since it is out of my “norm”, but I am excited to share my new song, expand my horizons and reach more people with a positive message!
What do you think you’d be doing right now if the pandemic wasn’t happening?
Andrew: Playing live shows in front of people and not my phone. I can’t wait to do that again!
Kristine: I’d say the same as Andrew, playing LIVE shows and touring with my Music. 🙂
Do you two plan on meeting eventually?
Andrew: It would be great to meet Kristine in person once the world is past the COVID pandemic!
Kristine: Most definitely! I have yet to tour into Texas with my music and think that would be awesome! Stopping for a visit would definitely be on the list.
Who is your top played artist on Spotify/Apple Music?
Andrew: Not sure, but probably John Mayer. He’s my number one musical influence, and his music has been a great comfort to me throughout my life.
Kristine: Currently it would be Gabby Barrett, Tenille Townes and Zach Williams.
Waffles or pancakes? Very important to know.
Andrew: Waffles for sure!
Kristine: Hmmm… I’d have to say waffles too because you can fill all the little squares with syrup and it tastes great with strawberries and whipped cream too!
Andrew Plan
Website | Instagram | Facebook
Kristine Wriding
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Listen to “People Needing People”
