Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Rochester NY
Ok so before watching this bottom video just realize that this was us being extremely bored and not knowing what to do with our time. In our boredom we filmed a bunch of random some what artsy clips of film. I then placed them together in some sort of order and then we sat in a basement and recorded some sort of random sound track with a piano and a bunch of hand drums. So what you'll be viewing is a combination of that really random film and the really strange and abnormal sounds of us playing around in a basement!
Friday, September 25, 2009
New Song
Thought it would be fun to let everyone know that new music is being made and I actually got the chance to do one live tonight so I'd through it up on the blog as a little extra something in the middle of the week!
God Bless,
<>< Andrew
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
ACCORDION
Second blog back! Be looking forward to seeing more of that ridiculous accordion as we progress! It's almost time to book out for the tour and that puppy is going with us and it should be lots of fun!! hahaha
God Bless,
<>< Andrew
The Story
The Story
By now you probably have heard that I, Andrew Wittenauer (formerly of Rough Draft), am pursuing a solo project. I will be continuing my music and ministry under the name Andrew Witt. “Why use Andrew Witt?” Have you seen how many letters are in my last name? It’s important to recognize that the decision I made was one that came as a surprise to Rough Draft fans and to my band mates. Rough Draft was founded by me and Pedro over five years ago after we realized the same calling on our hearts at the 2004 LCMS National Youth Gathering. Rough Draft was able to bring music to so many people, and it was a true honor to have the opportunity to share our music and the message as the band Rough Draft. As Rough Draft, we shared the stage with wonderful artists including Sanctus Real, Remedy Drive, Foolish Things, Chris Sligh and many more. Rough Draft was awarded opportunities that most bands only dream about, including winning the coveted 2008 Gospel Music Association Band of the Year. It’s an honor that the band will be forever grateful for. The band recently recorded an EP titled “It’ll Be Alright” under the direction of Chris Sligh and we’re very proud of the project.
So you might say “why?” “Why would Andrew go solo when all seemed to be going right for the band?” The answer is simple, and it is one that you will hear and understand, or it will leave you still wondering. God called, I listened, end of story!
The truth of the matter is that I felt called at a very young age to start playing music. With the guidance of many mentors and people who God placed in my life, I found that my calling was to write music for His Kingdom. My calling is to lead worship, write and play songs that are about my relationship with God in hopes that he could use me as a tool to help impact the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike.
That calling led me to start Rough Draft with Pedro and a few of our friends. I will say that the path of a band is not always the easiest when it comes to making sure that the ministry comes first. As the band members changed and different faces made Rough Draft what it was through the years we seemed to have times of great faith as well as times of great doubt. As the primary writer and lead of the ministry, I struggled every year on whether the band was the best way for me to share the message. I kept with it because I heard God’s calling on it specifically. Looking back, I now can see why I needed to be a part of Rough Draft for so long.
I learned new things as we went through our different seasons as a band. God used Rough Draft to change so many lives; I can’t even count. While at the same time he taught me as well as the other guys about having a true relationship with Him and what trusting Him was really all about. I know that I would not have the relationship with God that I have right now if it wasn’t for the ministry of Rough Draft. I believe He also used Rough Draft as a way to teach and prepare me for this time in my life. I learned invaluable things about music, relationships, the industry and most importantly what it means to be a true follower of Jesus.
I feel that it is now time for me to hold on tight to this ministry that God has specifically put on my heart. It is time for me to write the songs that God has placed in front of me instead of songs that try to please both other band members and people in the industry. It was time for me to separate myself from what Rough Draft was and truly define what God is calling me to do as an individual. I’ve always been the primary writer of Rough Draft’s music so don’t expect much of a change in the musical style. But when it comes to the message of the songs, expect them to be more from my heart than they ever have been.
I have been lead from the beginning by God’s hand and that hand led me to Rough Draft. God definitely used that season to grow the Kingdom. Now God’s hand is leading me to a new season and I feel more at peace with what God is doing in my own personal life than I ever have before. I know God will be using this new season as a way to grow the Kingdom just as much as Rough Draft, maybe more. I can feel his hand guiding me more than ever.
This has been a hard transition and it has tested me spiritually. I considered leaving the ministry all together, but God’s voice just seems to be much louder then the enemy’s. I ask every one of you, that you are praying for me as well as the other guys who have been a part of Rough Draft. This is hard for all of us. I’m laying my heart out on the line here by saying that I hope that everyone will help me through this process and support me in this decision. Change is never easy, but our God is a God of change. I feel his calling in my life and I’m going to follow that calling no matter how hard things may get.
“So what happens now?” I move forward with Andrew Witt!
I am pumped to bring you some new music and some new musicians. Pedro is still jamming on the drum kit, and you’ll see a new brother on the bass by the name of Ian (formerly of Jetson Saddle). I am currently seeking a ministry minded lead guitar player between the ages of 18 and 21. I plan on bringing you the same transparent ministry and rocking signature band sounds you’re used to. I am currently writing new music for another record. I ask for your support and prayer as I figure out all the details with this project. Over the next few weeks you will see new and exciting things at www.andrewwittmusic.com. Make sure you visit often and get connected to all the cool things on the site. Sign up for my blog at www.andrewwitt.blogspot.com and follow me at www.twitter.com/andrewwittmusic. I’m heading down to Nashville to rehearse for the upcoming Aaron Shust/Chris Sligh “Back to School” tour. We’ll be on the road Sept 11 – Oct 25. I’m looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you out there!
God’s Peace
Andrew Witt
Proverbs: 3 5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings, in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight”.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Blogs Are Back!
Finally, after way too long the blogs are back in action! Sorry about it being wednesday instead of tuesday, I've never been good with computers so trying to figure out problems and trouble shoot just isn't my cup of tea! The blogs are back though and every tuesday their will be a new one! Hope you all enjoy the blogs as we start fresh and new!
God Bless
<>< Andrew
