Royal Purple

Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Spotlight

Media Credit: Kristine Johnson

When sophomore Andrew Whaley wrote his song "Tonight's Fire" a few days prior to the competition, he had no idea it would win him the title of Whitewater's most talented student.

Whaley was the crowd favorite at the Whitewater's Got Talent competition Nov. 5.

"I've been doing something musical ever since I can remember," Whaley said.

The Whitefish Bay native started playing the violin in fourth grade and continued into his senior year of high school. He found his true passion when he picked up a guitar in seventh grade, and he hasn't put it down since. Along the way, he has also picked up a few other instruments such as the harmonica.

Whaley, an economics major, won the audience over with his original songs "Tonight's Fire" and "Champagne Woman." His folky sound is only complimented by his smooth, coffee shop voice, and his music reflects his biggest influences. His roots are deep in the '60s.

"My biggest inspirations musically speaking are Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead," Whaley said. "Buddy Guy is probably the biggest influence on my guitar playing, and my father's love for bluegrass and country music that's been playing through my head all my life."

Whaley also said his friends he plays with at home have greatly influenced his style.

Whaley's original song "Tonight's Fire" was inspired by summer nights spent near the fire playing music with friends. He performed it for the first time at Whitewater's Got Talent.

"I was nervous," Whaley said. "It was the first time I've been on stage alone and it was the first time I've ever performed the songs I wrote. I had only written the songs a couple days before."

Whaley entered the contest on a last-minute whim, and said he was very surprised when he won.

"I was excited, don't get me wrong," he said. "I think the talent there was incredible. But it was kind of a last minute thing. I decided it would be a good way to do something musical in Whitewater."

Whaley said he met a lot of people at Whitewater's Got Talent and he hopes it will open up some doors and allow him to collaborate with other musicians.

His plans for his musical future?

"Just keep playing," he said.

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