We’re coming at you with a bit of a different piece today. Our very own Andy Gorel, who can often be found photographing Flyers games for FNG, has recently launched an artist project called LA Parties. Often compared to 90s greats like Third Eye Blind and Weezer, but newer acts like GROUPLOVE or The Maine, he’s recently released his third single – appropriately titled “Iverson”. It’s a snarky, upbeat indie rock jam about personal and artistic development, but also a backhanded nod to his roots as a lifetime Philly sports fan.
We recently caught up with Andy to chat about “Iverson”, creating community through music, what he would do if he were in Chuck Fletcher’s shoes, and more.
Iverson has been out for a few weeks now – what’s the response been like?
It’s been good man. A lot of people are telling me it’s my best yet – it appears to be a cult favorite. It’s a little weirder than the other two singles but it’s still catchy as hell, and I think that’s something that’s resonating with people right now. It’s been my favorite as well as my co-producer’s right along, so I am thrilled that everyone else is really vibing on it. I wasn’t exactly sure if people would get it right away, but I guess I should have had more faith in my fans than that (laughs).
That’s awesome. Was it intentional to make it a Philly sports reference or did it just happen that way?
You know, it’s funny. I started this song with the instruments first, which is atypical for me. I generally write the chords and lyrics first. But, this one I was plugged into Logic, and the chorus was like “practicing, yeah I’m practicing”. So I named the demo “Iverson” as I was working on it, and then it just became a perfect fit. The song is partially about chaos and having a breakdown, from the lens of my 20 year old self as a developing artist. It’s so poetic to throw in “like Iverson practicing” in the last chorus. That infamous press conference was chaos. There’s some irony, you know?
Was music something you always knew you wanted to pursue?
You know, it’s funny. I always loved music, and growing up my mom always wanted me to play an instrument so naturally I resisted. I loved sports, I grew up playing pond hockey and basketball, a little bit of soccer, but mostly baseball. I was a baseball junkie til I was about 14-15. Fun fact, I’m a career 1.000 hitter left-handed. 1 for 1 baby (laughs). But around age 14 I realized I couldn’t play sports forever, but music maybe I could. So I got a drum set and then slowly started teaching myself how to play bass, guitar, write songs, produce, and so on.
Are there any artists who have really inspired what you’re doing?
I listen to so many artists of so many genres and sizes from the last 30 years, so it all kinda funnels into my musical DNA and creative personality, but some of my favorites are acts like Third Eye Blind, Sheryl Crow, Katy Perry, Incubus, Our Lady Peace, and so on. You know, classics. At this point I’m more inspired by life itself. Being an artist and a songwriter is kind of the way I attempt to put order to all the questions and aspirations I have in my own head. I really love telling stories, I think you can hear that in my songs.
So you ended up going to Drexel for Music Industry. A lot of our readers will think of Drexel as an engineering or grad school primarily, but how was that?
Drexel’s Music Industry program is awesome. The whole art school, Westphal, really is special. Tons of great programs and unbelievably talented kids and professors. They have great facilities too to learn in. I’m very privileged to have had access to the resources Drexel provided me. On top of that, Philadelphia… what a city to be a college kid and music fan in. Every night I’d be photographing an act that was coming through town, or going to a show.
For any kids reading this, and maybe looking to try and make a career out of music for themselves.. the networking opportunities in Philadelphia are huge if you play your cards right. When you’re in NY or LA, everybody is fighting for guest list or attention. In Philly… pick up a camera, email a manager for a photo pass. Or send an artist a DM, see if they wanna collaborate on something while they’re in town. Go to the march table after a show and say hi – whatever it may be. Philly isn’t oversaturated with entertainment industry like some other cities. You’re able to stand out simply because of your location.
That’s great advice. Philly is a special place for sure. It’s called LA Parties, but you really do have a Philly ethos to you.
Totally, it’s just a name, and it has a lot of meanings. I have a ton of friends and a lifestyle in LA too. That’s a part of what has formed my artistic identity, just as much as living in Philly and seeing life from this perspective has too.
Have you always been a Philly sports guy? You’re from Scranton area, so you have the baby Penguins, and you’re also close to New York City.
Oh yeah man, 100%. Since like age 4, I was full send Philly sports. I was a huge Flyers fan when I was really really young, and a big birds fan as well. The Phils, I watched probably every game from like 07-11, cause you know I was a pre-teen who just loved baseball. Then I got away from watching pretty much everything but the Birds until a few years ago. Now, as we all know I’m a big hockey guy again.
Yeah and for those who don’t know you do some shooting at Flyers games for us from time to time.
Yeah, that’s honestly something that’s been really special for me. I’m kinda jaded to music. At age 18 I was already going to music festivals w backstage passes – side stage access, open bar, lounge areas, you know schmoozing with your favorite bands and everything. And I’ve had the privilege of working at a major label out in LA, touring with artists I love as a photographer. Basically, I’ve done a lot of really special things in music. But I think nothing is cooler than being able to photograph games like I have for you guys. I don’t know, maybe it’s just cause I’m not completely jaded to hockey like I am to music, but it’s a total rush to see the game from inches away and be able to make art out of it.
So putting on your hockey cap for a second – what moves, if any, do you hope the Flyers make before next season?
Well we all know this is a bonkers offseason. Expansion draft, flat cap, shortened time between the cup and opening night… I don’t know who you leave exposed. I would say if you have to pick between protecting and exposing one big contract, protect JVR and expose Jake, even though Voracek is kinda my favorite Flyer. That extra bit of cap could be helpful. I think if Jake or JVR is exposed Seattle will jump at the opportunity to take either of them, and rightfully so. They’re both amazing hockey players.
As for the defense – those are where the real questions are. I personally would re-sign Moose. You’re kinda relying on Hart to have a bounce back and be bona fide #1 in that case, which I think he will. But the real issue, top pair D man. I feel the Flyers have to sign Dougie Hamilton or trade for Seth Jones. Having Jones would be a dream scenario, but what do you have to give up? Maybe a package centered around, say Konecny and Sanheim? I don’t know. This shit is really hard, that’s why GM’s make the big bucks. On top of all that I think Cam York is gonna surprise a lot of people this year just like Cole Caufield is.
Yeah it’s a tough offseason no doubt. Back to the music, hockey is kind of a part of your brand, whether it’s your attire, drinking Pink Whitney, there are pond hockey clips, and clips from Flyers and Phantoms games in the Iverson video… How do you see it as a cool intersection with LA Parties?
Hockey is kinda punk. Be an idiot, get hit. But there’s an honor code to it too, that regulates itself. It’s kinda a classy game in a lot of ways. It’s just been something I’ve always loved. I grew up going to Binghamton and Wilkes Barre AHL games, and watching my dad and his friends play. We would vacation to Ottawa and skate the Rideau Canal, and play on the pond when we get the opportunity. LA Parties really is a reflection of who I am so it’s just kinda what it is. Maybe it’s different to some people but I don’t really care. I think it’s cool.
So what do you hope listeners take away from LA Parties?
Honestly, like Flyers Nitty Gritty – community. I just want people to enjoy the music, and become part of the LA Parties world. I love diversity and accessibility. I think I’m already seeing that among the small community we’re creating. LA Parties isn’t a band for just one clique of people, or people who have the same attitudes about everything, it’s for anyone who wants to be here. Like FNG readers, some people want to trade Giroux, some want to sign him until he’s 40. But everyone comes together over their love for the Flyers. I just hope people can connect with each other, and with me, about our shared love for music, and celebrating our time on earth together. Life is meant to be enjoyed.
