Daily Inspiration: Meet Andreas Calogero Galiano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andreas Calogero Galiano

Hi Andreas Calogero, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey began in a small German town, where the aroma of food and the warmth of hospitality shaped not just my childhood but the very essence of who I am. My father owned a restaurant called GALLO D’ORO, which translates to “Golden Rooster” in English. Located in Neckarsulm, a small town near Stuttgart, Germany, the restaurant wasn’t just a business—it was our family’s heartbeat, a place where food brought people together. We lived in an apartment above the restaurant, and the scent of my father’s signature chicken dish, pollo, seeped through the floorboards, wrapping me in a cocoon of comfort.

As a baby, just six or seven months old, I spent my earliest days surrounded by the vibrant energy of GALLO D’ORO. My father poured his soul into every detail, tirelessly working alongside his team to create a space that celebrated community and connection. Then, one day, everything changed.

A fire broke out in the kitchen, spreading quickly and filling the restaurant with thick, choking smoke. Flames devoured the space we cherished, and smoke billowed up to our apartment, making escape almost impossible. Firefighters arrived just in time, battling the flames with courage and determination. Their heroic efforts saved my family, the employees, and me. To this day, I owe them my deepest respect.

Although I was too young to consciously remember the fire, its impact stayed with me. My family’s stories and photos of the burned-out restaurant helped me piece together what had happened. Deep down, my body seemed to carry the memory of that day, manifesting later in life as anxiety and panic attacks. It was a powerful reminder that, even if we can’t consciously recall events, our bodies never forget.

The fire marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter for our family. Determined to rebuild, my father relocated us to Bad Friedrichshall, near Heilbronn, where he opened a new Italian restaurant. Once again, the restaurant became the center of our lives. The clinking of plates, the laughter of guests, and the rich aroma of pizza and pasta shaped my childhood. Watching my father work tirelessly to build something beautiful taught me the values of hard work, resilience, and passion.

Life has never been an easy road for me; the challenges began as early as childhood. Even as a child, although I couldn’t consciously understand the world, my body carried the memory that no place ever felt truly safe. This feeling settled deep within me, shaping how I experienced life.

When I started school in Bad Friedrichshall, this sense of unease turned into anxiety and panic. The structured school environment felt overwhelming, and I often struggled to focus. My teachers couldn’t understand what was happening to me, and I lacked the words to explain it. Panic attacks became a part of my reality, leaving me with a constant feeling of disconnection and not belonging.

This persistent discomfort drove me to seek refuge and self-expression elsewhere. Music became my sanctuary—a way to channel my emotions and create a world where I could feel safe and understood. Through melodies and lyrics, I found a voice I couldn’t always express in everyday life. Gradually, I discovered that, even if I couldn’t always change my circumstances, I could use music to transform how I faced them.

My passion took shape: music. During my teenage years, I began creating music under the name Andi Krush. This name became much more than a pseudonym—it was a declaration of who I am and what drives me. To honor this, I had the name tattooed on my chest by Aline from the Petunia Twins tattoo studio in Los Angeles. Her artistry turned it into a permanent reminder of my journey and resilience. Every time I see it, I remember the struggles I’ve faced and the fire—both literal and metaphorical—that I’ve risen from.

Music runs deep in my family. My brother, Salvatore, known as Toto Blu, is a producer, singer, and songwriter who has had a significant influence on my creative journey. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the rehearsal room at my father’s restaurant, watching Salvatore’s band and experimenting with musical instruments. I started with drums, then moved on to DJing, and later fell in love with singing. My first songs were released on SoundCloud, marking the beginning of my career as an artist.

One of my greatest inspirations has been Post Malone. His versatility and courage in blending genres—from rap to rock, to pop and country—showed me what was possible. His artistry encouraged me to embrace my musical evolution and to never stop pushing boundaries.

My professional musical journey began in Germany, at a recording studio in Sinsheim. Here, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Tim Eiermann, also known as Bonassis, the guitarist and former member of the band Liquido, famous for the worldwide hit “Narcotic.” With Tim, I recorded my first songs, immersing myself in the creative process and laying the foundation for my career as a singer-songwriter. Those moments served as a unique learning experience, where I was able to refine my style and understand the potential of music as a form of expression.

At the age of eighteen, I felt the need to push further, to seek new inspirations and opportunities. So, I proposed to my family that we move to Los Angeles, a city that represented the dream for anyone wanting to pursue a music career. With their support, we made the move, and Los Angeles became a transformative chapter in my life. It was here that I met extraordinary artists, producers, and songwriters, who allowed me to evolve both personally and professionally.

When I arrived in Los Angeles, my first collaboration was with John Hu, with whom I recorded the song Your Love, featuring my brother Salvatore. Later, I worked with Hush, and together we created Ferrari, Every Day, and All My Life. Shortly after, I met Gyovanni Moner, the brother of the famous actress Isabela Merced, with whom I created Crazy Like You. His talent and professionalism were key to the success of this track. Gyovanni, known in the music industry as Good Lunch, also contributed to the production of Isabela Merced’s EP The Better Half of Me.

My musical journey continued with Zach Alwin, with whom I recorded Loving Is Stronger and Painting A Picture. I then had the opportunity to collaborate with the famous Italian group The Ceasars, who were nominated for the David di Donatello Award in 2012 for the soundtrack of the film Scialla!. The Ceasars have also worked with notable artists such as Baby K, Guè Pequeno, Gemitaiz, Ghemon, and others. Together with them and guitarist and composer Dario Comuzzi, we created the songs Lost in the City Lights and All I Can Hear.

After working with The Ceasars, I met Jason Dauman, CEO of Dauman Music. Thanks to him, I had the chance to meet other talented producers like Luigi “Lugo” Gonzalez, Chico Bennett, and singer-songwriter Gerina Di Marco. Jason Dauman’s label, Dauman Music, was ranked No. 5 Dance Label Imprint and No. 8 Dance Club Label in 2019 according to Billboard Magazine’s year-end charts. Together, we created the song Take It Away, for which Luigi “Lugo” Gonzalez made a remix that reached number 14 on the Music Week Charts.

Luigi “Lugo” Gonzalez is a renowned producer who has worked with global superstars like Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Janet Jackson, Ricky Martin, and many others. He has also been nominated for 2 Grammys.

My musical path continued with a close collaboration with Chico Bennett, with whom I created the EP Shadows Run, which contains six tracks and two music videos. Chico Bennett is a Grammy-nominated producer known for his work with artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, The Killers, Hilary Duff, Usher, Nelly Furtado, and Destiny’s Child. The videos were directed by Christopher Broughton and perfectly captured the emotional essence of the music.

I also worked with Gerina Di Marco, a BMI Award-winning singer-songwriter and Billboard Top 10 Artist. Together, we crafted a song that reflects both of our artistic strengths.

This is my story in Los Angeles, a journey of extraordinary collaborations with legendary producers and artists that have shaped my music and my career.

Music has become my sanctuary, a way to channel life’s chaos into something beautiful. It remains my lifeline—a way to connect with others on a deeper level and transform challenges into art. Just like my father brought people together through food, I strive to unite hearts through music. My journey—marked by fire, passion, and resilience—has taught me that creativity is the bridge between hardship and hope. Through music, I will continue to build that bridge for myself and others.

My father, Luciano Galiano, has always been my greatest support and advisor. He has stood by me through thick and thin, guiding me with his wisdom and experience. It’s no exaggeration to say that he has been like a manager to me, always offering practical advice and a steady hand when things got tough. I wanted to honor his role in my life by featuring him in the music video for “Shadows Run.” His presence in the video is a symbol of the unwavering guidance and support he has provided me, both in my personal journey and my music career. His belief in me has been a driving force, and I am deeply grateful for the strength and direction he continues to give me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Unfortunately, there have been many obstacles along this journey. From the very beginning, we faced difficulties, especially when the Covid pandemic arrived.
It happened just as we were trying to launch our projects, causing significant delays. Despite everything, I continued to focus on music, but there were always problems along the way, including mental health struggles. The pandemic and unresolved childhood issues resurfaced, having a strong impact on me and forcing me to take long breaks to take care of my mental well-being. There were times when I couldn’t make music for long periods.

Despite these challenges, I kept moving forward. However, through all the ups and downs, I often felt uncertain about where “home” truly was. Still, Los Angeles has always given me a sense of belonging. It’s a city that welcomed me and made me feel connected, always giving me a feeling of familiarity, almost like home.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work stands out because through music, I aim to create a movement—a deep connection—and use music as a powerful tool to communicate with people on a deeper level. I believe music is fundamental, and it’s something we cannot live without. So, music is truly important to me. What sets me apart is the personal touch I bring to the studio when collaborating with other producers and artists. It’s my unique creativity, and I infuse my personality into everything I do. I think this is what makes it special, because I don’t try to copy others. In my EP Shadows Run, you can see how I’ve put my personality into it, especially in this project.

Of course, music evolves as I evolve as a person, and it changes over time, just as my voice and style grow. For example, I started as a rapper, but then I realized I wanted to explore singing more, becoming both a singer and a songwriter. So, I’ve been evolving. What I bring to my music is the authenticity of Andi Krush, and that’s the essence of what I do.

The Significance of the Song Shadows Run Written with Chico Bennett

The song is about self-liberation and overcoming the mental and emotional obstacles that hold us back. It speaks to the internal struggles we face—our fears, doubts, and the weight of past experiences—that prevent us from fully living in the present.

The lyrics delve into how we often create barriers in our own minds, letting the shadows of our thoughts control our actions. But the message is clear: to break free, you must confront what’s holding you back, face it directly, and let go of the emotional baggage. “The light will shine on you, and the shadows run”—when you embrace your truth and stop being weighed down by your past, the darkness fades, and the path forward becomes clear.

There’s a powerful shift in perspective as the song unfolds, urging you to take control of your life, trust in your own worth, and let go of the fears that keep you stuck. The idea is that by letting go of the negative thoughts and feelings that haunt us, we open ourselves up to a brighter, more fulfilling existence. The shadows may try to hold you back, but you have the power to break free and step into the light.

Ultimately, it’s about realizing that you are the answer to your own struggles, and once you stop holding back and trust yourself, you can move forward, no matter the obstacles. It’s a song about empowerment, self-discovery, and the courage to take control of your own narrative.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, the Covid-19 crisis taught me many important lessons. First of all, I learned the importance of resilience and the ability to adapt to change. The pandemic disrupted many of our routines and plans, forcing us to find new ways to work, connect, and live.

I realized the importance of taking care of both mental and physical health. The lockdown and solitude highlighted how crucial it is to maintain inner balance by finding moments of calm and reflection.

Moreover, the crisis made it clear how fragile our lives are and how important it is to appreciate the small everyday things, such as spending time with loved ones or having the opportunity to work and create without constant worries about uncertainties.

Finally, I learned not to take anything for granted, to live with more awareness and gratitude. The pandemic highlighted both the vulnerability of existence and our ability to bounce back, evolve, and find new meanings in what we do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andikrush/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andikrushsongs/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreascalogerogaliano/
• Twitter: https://x.com/andikrush
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/andikrush
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/andikrush

Image Credits
Roger Artola
Reepyk