For as long as I can remember I've been a "do-it-yourself" kinda guy, that being said... "Life is a journey...these are a few of the things I've done with my time on earth. They do not encompass the person I am today or who I will be tomorrow, they are simply a little piece of me. :)" - Andy

Andy Koontz ...is an independent singer/songwriter & amateur filmmaker from NW Oregon (USA). Andy grew up as a country kid in the small town of Colton Oregon. After the tragic passing of his father (stomach cancer) in 1990, Andy headed to Portland Oregon. In 1994, Andy (Guitar & Vocals), Randy Bowden (Bass), Tim Hadley (Guitar), Jamie Collins (Mandolin & Keyboards) and Mike VanYserloo (Drums) formed "Stone Dead Azalea". The band would play with multiple other names over the years. until 1997. In 1997 Andy married the love of his life, Chrissy. After a very small wedding ceremony and reception the two headed off to start their new life. While on their honeymoon Chrissy came up with a new name for the band, "Valhere", a character from their favorite movie, "Say Anything" (a romantic 80's teen comedy about two unexpected kids falling in love despite the odds). From 1997-2004 Andy performed as lead vocalist & guitarist for the indie rock group, “Valhere” (This time as a "3-piece" composing of only Andy, Randy & Mike w/ msc. guest musicians). The band continued playing shows around the regional U.S. throughout 1999-2004. In 2004, after a decade of making music & living life the band held their final performance at a packed show in Grants Pass, OR opening for the Arizona based rock group, the Gin Blossoms. Throughout "the band days" Andy ventured into amatuer filmmaking with a series of ultra-low budget goofball indie short films, beginning with a couple very low budget zombie/comedies, "Them Damn Zombies" (2001) & "Zombie Dawn" (2002). Both films, (made with friends and co-workers) were released together on VHS in 2002 and went on to gain a small cult following amongst horror fans. In 2003 Andy produced a creepy black & white killer-chiller slasher short "Clearwater" on a very meager budget of $500. He released a 60 minute cut on VHS in 2003 and eventually recut the film into the 42 minute short the exists today (after adding a few tweaks to the film in 2021). In 2004 he threw together a five-minute Christmas themed horror short "Xmas Eve" for a local indie-film festival. In 2004 he concluded with a supernatural thriller feature "Ekimmu". "...these little films were a huge creative experience for me ...and a huge learning experience!" In 2005, while in post-production for "Ekimmu" Andy returned briefly to music, recording his first solo single “What You Are” with plans to release a new album the following year. Both projects were halted when things took a very unexpected turn... While picking up shots for "Ekimmu" in late 2005, Andy began having dizzy spells. As the following weeks and months passed the sensations grew more intense, leading to a frantic morning experiencing vertigo. Unable to get out of bed, Koontz was rushed by ambulance to OHSU (Oregon Health Science University) where he was diagnosed with adult medulloblastoma (brain cancer). 2006-2009, Andy spent three years in bed (hooked up to feeding tubes & hydration) fighting for his life... Late 2009, with the help of his loving wife, mother and loads physical therepy Andy was finally strong enough to get out of bed. In 2010, Andy pushed himself to write and record, “You Will Get Through This!”, an inspirational electronic album written, produced, and recorded over 3 weeks during recovery. 2015-2020, Andy completed an exhaustive restoration of his entire music back-log of original studio recordings, demos, rehearsal recordings and live tracks culminating with, "I'll never be...What You Are!". Later condensed into a 25 song tribute to his old band, "Valhere (1999-2005) "Ill never be...What You Are!" In 2021 Andy completed his instrumental soundtrack/story album "Sounds from The Dead Lust" featuring his friends, "Screemin' Steve" & MicHunterD. The album includes 25 original tracks along with soundbites from Koontz's "do it yourself" horror feature "Ekimmu The Dead Lust". ...and yes in 2021 Andy finally completed, "Ekimmu". Through recovery and beyond he reimagined, recut, remixed, added footage, shot new scenes, added a new character and retitled the project, "Ekimmu The Dead Lust". After many years of day in/day out efforts, Andy and Chrissy are very pleased with the final cut of their little "do-it-yourslef" feature. Andy & his wife are currently working on their first book together. Stay Tuned! #NeverGiveUp it’s worth the fight! - AK

"I can do all things through Christ which stengthenth me." - Philippians 4:13

andykoontzmusic@gmail.com

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