Kristina: You began playing the accordion at the age of 10. An accordion is not a very popular instrument with most 10 year olds. Where did the desire to try that instrument come about?

Andy: I was fortunate that my father recognized my love for music at a very early age. Although I always wanted to play the guitar and had no desire to play the accordion, he liked the accordion and it seemed to him a better option as he saw music as a hobby. It probably also helped that a traveling salesman came to our door selling an accordion. Later I convinced my dad to let me play the guitar and I lent away my accordion to someone. In retrospect, I now think it's a beautiful instrument, perhaps because it got me started in music.

Kristina: You posses a Bachelors and Masters degree in Music. You were also an educator, having taught while working towards your degree at the prestigious University of Southern California School of Music. Is teaching something you would like to do again?

Andy: Teaching is something I would like to do again when the time is right, but not in the immediate future. Perhaps in my later years.

Kristina: What would you call your first big break in this industry?

Andy: Being a member of a Grammy award winning instrumental band called Shadowfax while I was still in college was my first big break. Within the style that they played it was a prestigious band. The other musicians in the band were almost twice my age and veterans in their genre.

Kristina: You've worked on albums of all different genres of music. Is there a specific kind of you music you prefer?

Andy: Not really, it's hard to tell. My favorite music to play is just honest and real. It could be any style as long as its truly genuine.

Kristina: How many guitars do you own?

Andy: I think my last count was 30.

Kristina: You currently play for Marc Anthony's Pop and Salsa Band; do you find the transition of performing both during a show difficult?

Andy: When I first started with Marc it took a great deal of concentration but it became very natural. By the time we were on the road it felt like I was playing with Marc Anthony's band period, not like there were two separate bands. But I must admit that it was intimidating at first because Marc's salsa band is the best in the industry. Not to mention that I stood next to Nelson Gonzalez, who was and is one of my biggest musical influences.

Kristina: You have two solo performances when on stage with Marc. One during "You Sang to Me" and the other during "Hotel California". Can you tell us what is running through your mind when the spotlight is on, and you look down and see your music has the ability to "move" people?

Andy: I wish I could put it into words. I couldn't really do it justice. Basically I just love to play the guitar. If the feelings that I put in when I play can move someone then I know I'm on the right track.

Kristina: At the end of the year 2000, you performed with Oscar De La Hoya on the Tonight Show, and were his musical director. How did all that come about?

Andy: Basically my friend Cheche who plays with Christina Aguilera received a call to put the band together. He wanted me to play guitar for the project and as it turned out he wasn't able to be involved musically because of commitments with Christina and he asked me to be the Musical Director. It was a wonderful experience and I hope I have the opportunity to be a Musical Director someday again. Oscar was a pleasure to work for. He is a very kind and hardworking person.

Kristina: You are currently touring with the highly successful pop group, The BackStreet Boys. A gig sought after by many musicians. What was the audition process like?

Andy: Uuuuuuuuh, it was really tough. Basically they were looking for versatile musicians that had the ability to read music and play pop. Most pop musicians don't read music they play by feel so they were looking for people that had both qualities. It was very intimidating because all of the musicians were in a huge room auditioning at the same time so you had to play with everyone staring and critiquing you. . . many of the best guys in the industry. Most of them were people I admire and respect and that I never expected to be able to compete with. I feel very blessed that in the end I was offered the opportunity to play with the band.

Kristina: Going from working with Marc Anthony to the Backstreet Boys is a big crowd change. What are some of the other main differences?

Andy: Besides the screaming teenage fans. . . With Marc you have the audience, Marc and the band. Its organic and natural. The connection is very immediate. You feel it. With the Backstreet Boys there are many more factors involved, it's not just about the music. . . there's dancing, video, pyrotechnics...its more of a production. On the music side, with the BSBs I don't get to play any Latin (which I miss, although I did add a Tres intro to one of the songs) but I get to play a lot more electric guitar which a I also love. Each gig teaches you something new and valuable. I am constantly working on my music and learning. I am just fortunate to be able to work with the best in each genre. . . the best in Salsa and the best in Pop music.

Kristina: You have a very busy schedule, it seems you're always on the road! How do you cope and keep from getting homesick?

Andy: In all honesty I'm so used to it that I don't get homesick. I miss my family and friends, not necessarily my home. I feel like I don't really have a home, I just a place to keep my things. I do get homesick sometimes for New York, that's where Jennifer Nieman lives.

Kristina: You are developing quite a following from many loyal supporters. You now have your own fan site, which is operated by two big admirers. How does it feel to know that complete strangers believe in you and your talents?

Andy: That's one that words really can't express. Its an unbelievable honor. Something I never expected or thought possible. That I can love what I do, get to do it with the best in the industry and get such love and appreciation from the fans is just the ultimate blessing. I don't know how to thank them except to always give them my all when I'm playing and let them know that it is the greatest compliment and a true honor.

Kristina: What has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Andy: Marc's HBO concert. Enough said.

Kristina: Are there any musicians you'd like to collaborate with in the future?

Andy: Yes many, from Sting to Nelson Gonzalez.

Kristina: What does Andy Abad like to do for fun?

Andy: Besides listening to good music, playing the guitar, going to guitar stores, researching guitar gadgets and talking to other guitar nerds. . . I love traveling, reading, watching Star Trek (or anything Sci- Fi), dining, and drinking aged rum, wine, and strong coffee.

Kristina: What advice would you offer any up and coming musicians?

Andy: To follow your heart and your soul. . . love what you do, work very hard at it, know that you are constantly learning, embrace every opportunity and always play as if it is the first and last time you are going to play.

Kristina: And of course, is there a message you'd like to give all your supporters and MAF members?

Andy: I would like to thank you all for your love and support. It makes a world of difference to know that you are out there cheering us on and that you really value the music and the special place it comes from. For a musician, playing with Marc Anthony, is the greatest feeling. And playing for you, Marc's fans, just makes it that more special.