Andrew Toy is a drummer, percussionist, producer, and educator based in the Washington DC area.
As a solo performer, he often uses percussion as a starting point for composition and sonic exploration. Using live production techniques, Andrew twists, distorts, and re-arranges the sound of the drums to create soundscapes that are at times cinematic and introspective, at other times intense and driving. With an eye towards process and musical texture, Andrew has crafted a sound that is inspired by IDM, minimalism, ambient, post-rock, jazz, and experimental music, yet has a life of its own.
Andrew began drumming at the age of 9 and retains the same passion and curiosity for the instrument as he did back then. As a sideman and accompanist, Andrew has had a very rewarding career thus far. His drumming has enabled him to travel the world as a cruise ship drummer; travel the USA as a member of varying Celtic, roots, funk, and rock bands; and establish himself as a go-to session drummer and educator. He is an active session musician and tracks a variety of styles and instruments from his home studio.
Andrew’s debut solo album GUARDRAILS was released in early 2021 on all streaming services (such as Spotify) and is available in CD and download format as well.
Here are some of the stages that Andrew has performed on:
9:30 Club – Washington, DC
Kennedy Center – Washington, DC
City Winery – Washington, DC
Barns at Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
Strathmore – Bethesda, MD
Recher Theater – Townson, MD
Theater of the Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA
World Cafe Live Philadelphia – Philadelphia, PA
World Cafe Live Wilmington – Wilmington, DE
Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
Musikfest – Bethlehem, PA
Brooklyn Bowl – Brooklyn, NY
City Winery – Boston, MA
Port City Music Hall – Portland, ME
Oneonta Theater – Oneonta, NY
Infinity Hall – Norfolk, CT
Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
Westcott Theater – Syracuse, NY
Tralf Music Hall – Buffalo, NY
MerleFest – Wilkesboro, NC
Bristol Rhythm and Roots – Bristol, TN
Milwaukee Irish Fest – Milwaukee, WI
Kansas City Irish Fest – Kansas City, MO
Dayton Irish Fest – Dayton, OH
Michigan Irish Fest – Muskegon, MI
Suwannee Spring Reunion – Live Oak, FL
Art Town Art Festival – Reno, NV