Local (Wilmington, NC) underground favorite: Andy Bilinski
By LinnieSarah Helpern
There is nothing more spectacular than finding an amazing musician right in one’s own backyard, especially if he is willing to play there.
Wilmington based singer/songwriter Andy Bilinski is perhaps one of the greatest talents in the city that remains an underground favorite. Playing just sporadically enough around Wilmington bars to add a touch of mystery to his persona, Bilinski has the ability to move and surprise audiences all in one show.
Known by his fans for the beauty and intensity of his lyrics, Bilinski seems to find the way his listeners approach his music odd. “People say my lyrics are really personal, but most people say they can relate to everything. That’s pretty strange when you think about it.”
Songs such as “Vegas Lauren Vegas” bring to mind the kind of flawed relationships many people have experienced at one time or another. But Bilinski’s idea of romance is far broader than relationships. “Picking up a guitar and playing it can be romantic. It all goes back to what you have a passion for. If it comes from inside, if you love it, then it’s romantic.”
What is perhaps most unusual about Bilinski is his disinterest in breaking into the mainstream. When attending one of his show’s, one can not help but to notice the sheer stage presence, the innocent smile ready made for the cover of magazines, and the lyricism tailored to those in need of an emotional ally.
Bilinski sees success in a very different way. “A lot of people get these huge butterfly eyes thinking they’re going to be rock stars, but it so much more than that,” Bilinski said. “Most of my music isn’t really too top forty. I’m not trying to climb these huge ladders or anything, I’m just playing. If people dig it, that’s awesome. It’s where my heart is, my passion.”
Like several other musicians these days, Bilinski comes from humble punk rock beginnings. While the transition was somewhat awkward at first, he seems to have made his way just fine.
“It was kind of hard for me to start out. I used to be in punk bands in New York, screaming my lungs out,” Bilinski said. “When you’re on stage in a punk rock band and start to talk, the audience screams ‘Shut up!’ Now I get up there and play my guitar and they say ‘Tell us a story!’”
While he has music circulating independently overseas and a demo available at his shows, the best way to get a feel for the true Bilinski is to attend a show and experience the magic in person. Listeners can also check him out at www.andybilinski.com. Until then, audiences never know where they might see Bilinski next.
“I’ll play anything, I don’t care, birthday parties, whatever…but not bachelor parties, we’ll leave them out.”
Here’s another review of Andy and his music! | LookInside Magazine interviews Andy!
From the Archives — originally published on the Opelika Daily News on June 9, 2002. View the original page.
