“Leave the Light On” is Andrea Gillis’ introduction to Red on Red Records, a local indie label founded by fellow artist Justine Covault. The single, released Apr. 6, has an '80s flair with a modern twist.
Gillis, based in Boston, says she was inspired by artists like Kim Wilde, the Eurythmics, the Pretenders and Tina Turner in her comeback years. Wanting to channel the joy that these artists brought her in childhood, Gillis worked with her husband, Marc Pinansky, and recorded the track in their basement, along with some vocal accompaniment from their five-year-old son. The result is an infectious dance track about coming out of a depression.
“It’s about knowing that you’re going to come out of it. You just ask for your loved ones to stick by you until you’re feeling better,” Gillis said. “I wanted to write a feel-good, coming out of the darkness, good old-fashioned dance number. I needed it and I knew everyone else did too.”
A longtime figure in the Boston music scene whose style takes influence from rock, soul, jazz and more, Gillis has found new inspiration and a belief in herself since joining Red on Red Records, which launched last year. The label hosted a virtual showcase last Friday, in which Gillis debuted her music video for “Leave the Light On.”
As for the future, Gillis has no plans to stop writing and recording more music and music videos, and once live shows are allowed, she plans on doing some regional touring with her band.
In the meantime, she has one wish for music lovers: “Listen to our song, and dance.”
