Andrea Toledo

Tell us about yourself as an artist/musician. What do you do?

I am a vocalist for MIS and SAE.

How long have you been making music, and what sparked your interest in music?

I’ve been singing ever since I could remember, but in this more professional/academic setting, it’s been since the Fall semester of last year that I decided to join choir. I also wanted to improve my vocal skills, so I took the Applied Vocalist class. Just a few months in this professional setting, however singing, I’ve been doing it ever since I could remember. 

Tell us about your time at NOMU so far. Do you have a favorite memory or experience during your time here?

I’m loving it so far, especially this semester considering that I’m in SAE and MIS with Brady. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so welcomed within a group. It’s very nice to feel welcomed and wanted there. I want to say so far with NOMU, one of my favorite memories was the first time I was on stage for SAE because I did a lot better than I thought I could than what I usually give myself credit for. That was a nice memory.

When you're writing or playing music, what influences constantly inspire you as a musician/artist (specific artist, film, art piece, etc.)?

I like all kinds of genres. There are very few things that I’m not willing to at least give a try, so I think I’m just constantly finding inspiration in different things. I don’t think there’s one specific thing, but if anything, it’s just how good it makes me feel to be able to be part of the process of creating music as well as being able to sing, especially now. Being able to sing is my happy place.

What are your plans or goals in your life now concerning school, music, or just personally, any other pursuits?

I am a biology major. Hopefully, I get to transfer to Pomona to do their animal health science program, and at some point go to vet school (which is my main goal). I would love to continue taking music classes while I’m here. I’m also a hair stylist, so I do a little bit of everything. That’s the goal so far. 

Are there any hobbies outside of music that you're interested in?

I like to draw and paint, even though I haven’t done it in a while, but that used to be a hobby of mine. I like to sing wherever I can as it’s almost like a meditation to me. I love going to the San Diego Zoo. I have a membership there, so anytime I have the chance, I go down there. As a biology major, one of my goals would be to work there someday.

Is there anything you’d like to add, anything you want to tell whoever might be reading this interview, or anything you want people to know about you?

If anyone wants to consider joining the NOMU program, you’ll have a great time as I enjoyed it very much. Again, I can’t say enough how welcomed and warm I have felt here. It has helped me a lot with releasing the stress of the more challenging classes I have here. Even mentally, it’s a great release for me. I think anyone that loves music can have a great time with the NOMU program.

I decided to do something interesting for the website where the last artist I interviewed can ask you a question. The last person I interviewed was Adrian Calderon and the question was, "Does pineapple belong on pizza?”

Yes. 100%.

Keep in mind; you also get to ask the next artist a question, so what would you like to ask the next artist that I interview?

What is your favorite animal? (See Francis Flores’ interview for the answer to Andrea’s question)