by Alexx Calise
— Columnist —
The ladies of The Key of F, an LA-based rock/pop duo consisting of vocalist, Andie K, and multi-instrumentalist, Marie Pettit are getting back into the “swing” of things with their new rockabilly-style single, “Feelin’ the Mood,” which releases this week. The track, which also features an impressive list of highly sought after LA and Vegas-based session musicians is a toe-tapping, harmony rich tune about wooing a “handsome stranger.” HRH correspondent, Alexx Calise sat down with Andie K to talk about what inspired this sudden shift in direction for the band, and what you can expect from their forthcoming album.
Alexx: This song is quite a departure (albeit a welcome one) from your previous single, “Lies.” Was it intentional to write a more swing-inspired song, or did it just started heading in that direction when you went into production?
Yes, it was an intentional idea. In 2019 right after we recorded LIES, Marie and I went to this incredible swing concert. We both have a love for that style of music. Halfway through, Marie looked at me and said “I want us to write a song that has this style but more rock-n-roll!”. I immediately said, “Hell yeah, like rockabilly but with modern Andrews Sisters”. And that’s what inspired “FEELIN’ THE MOOD.”
Alexx: I have to ask, ladies…who is this “handsome stranger”? Andie, this applies more to you since we know Marie’s heart only belongs to her husband, Chris Gregson.
HAHA! There is a real tall, dark, and handsome stranger who the song talks about but I am going to let the mystery man remain a mystery. For now. :P
Alexx: Who were some of the key players on this track? It sounds like you had quite a repertoire of talent contributing to this song.
Our Producer, Charlie Waymire played drums on the track. I hadn’t ever heard him play before and it was damn impressive. Jen Oberle, who I have dubbed ‘Goddess with a bass guitar’ played bass on this track as well as on our song LIES, and she is incredible. Lenny J from the band Elegantly Wasted absolutely killed it on lead guitar. Not only is the man ridiculously talented but wonderfully nice. It was such a joy working with Tommy Reeves on piano! Another insanely talented guy who added such cool riffs and also put up with me screaming “YAAAAASSS! THAT! Do that again, that’s it!!!” And of course, the amazing Darci Monet who arranged and sang the harmonies with us. She also lifted the entire song to a whole new level.
Alexx: This is your second time working at Ultimate Studios in Panorama City, CA with producer, Charlie Waymire. What’s your favorite thing about collaborating with him?
Charlie is beyond amazing. It’s difficult to pick one thing about why I like collaborating with him so much. He knows Marie and I very well and understands the sound we are going for with The Key of F. So, the ideas he brings to the table fit with who we are as a band. He genuinely cares about the music and wants to make it the best it can be and I highly respect that. His vast knowledge and sense of humor make him such a pleasure to work with. Personally, I love it when he and Marie start hassling each other over football teams. It’s pretty funny. Go Texans! (Marie made me say that)
Alexx: The pandemic obviously slowed down your recording process considerably, and you even had to resort to doing a few Zoom sessions with Charlie. How was your experience as far collaborating virtually?
Thank goodness for technology. Our lead guitarist on this track, Lenny J is in Las Vegas so we recorded all the guitars over zoom. Lenny is sensational and really dove into the whole vibe of this song beautifully. There were a couple of moments where you had that Zoom-lag time but Lenny was recording on Logic Pro and then bounced us the track. It worked out great.
Alexx: What do you guys plan to do with the band when everything returns to “normal” so to speak? Do you plan to release a record or maybe play some live shows?
Marie and I have been diligently writing more music and we do have plans for an EP. We’ve already been talking to Charlie about returning as Producer of the album and amazingly he isn’t sick of us yet. I also would love to do some live shows. Currently, I am learning how to play bass guitar and we have a line on a drummer who is interested in gigging with us. We’re still looking for a lead guitarist who wants to gig with us once live music makes a comeback.
Alexx: “Feelin’ the Mood” releases across all major digital outlets on October 28th.
Learn more about The Key of F via the following links:
Photo appears courtesy of Daniel Corey.
