Early passion for music

Local singer-songwriter Andrew Corradini’s passion for music was apparent at an early age, when the 4-year-old grew tired of his Sesame Street friends and started tuning into MTV’s “Top 20 Countdown.”

“While my [older] sister was watching ‘The Electric Company,’ I was more interested in Billy Idol and Depeche Mode,” he laughs. “My dad took me to my first concert when I was 3, and even though I don’t remember it, I’m sure that Lynyrd Skynyrd show is what started it all.

“When I was 13, he bought me my first Yamaha acoustic, and I just fell in love.”

It’s to no one’s surprise that nearly three decades later, the soulful indie folk rocker, who performs his own ballads as well as an array of classic covers from Johnny Cash to Tom Petty to the Beatles, is gracing audiences across Orange County with his muddled-sounding Montana and captivatingly clear voice.

“I needed something to play while my Alhambra was in the repair shop, and found this old hundred-dollar beater guitar that belonged to my wife. It’s become my favorite one that I play at all of my shows. It’s got character,” he says.

Corradini can be seen and heard from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursdays at The House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer and from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturdays in the lobby of La Casa del Camino in Laguna Beach.

Also bringing eccentricity to his renditions, he lends a country/folk/Americana vibe to unsuspecting songs like those by The Rolling Stones or Prince.

“I try to give the people what they want to hear at these more [intimate] shows, but I like to sneak in an element of surprise here and there too,” he said.

He’s also got skills on the harmonica, a talent he shares with one of his main musical inspirations, Bob Dylan.

“Dylan is my absolute hero, artistically. I love his writing style and his ability to discuss a topic deeply and thoroughly while still keeping it simple. He’s less concerned with rhyme scheme, but more about having his own individual ‘voice,’ even if it’s messy,” he said.

“My dad introduced me to Dylan’s music when I was a kid, among other [profound] legends like Pink Floyd and Simon and Garfunkel. It was really an educational experience and fostered my love of music.”

While classic and folk rock are at the core of most of Corradini’s songs, his evolving taste in music has led him to take on an array of other projects.

Also the front-man for the popular OC rock band, Handsome G., which has opened for acts like The White Buffalo and whose lofty sound will make you want to stomp your boots, Corradini said he prefers having multiple outlets.

Like his favorite Dylan album, “New Morning,” (1970) which is a deviation from a simple sound to a full band of electric guitars, piano, organs and drums, he said it’s nice to have a balance between musical worlds.

“I listen to and love so many different kinds of music, that I just want to touch on all of it,” he says. “And there’s something about that big sound and positive energy it creates that just makes you feel good.”

Handsome G. recently released three new singles, “Sing Out,” “Amsterdam” and “Elephant.” Previous albums include “Skin, Bones and Silicone” and “Love in the Afternoon.” For more information, visit https://www.myspace.com/handsomegmusic.

Corradini resides in Laguna Beach with his wife, Brita, and 5-month-old daughter, Alabama.