In 2007, the world was blessed with Coffee Dream, a catchy song by singer-songwriter Andriana Gnap, and the world has never been the same since.
Longtime Sprudge readers will recognize Coffee Dream and its infectious lyrics as a nigh-constant stable of Sprudge articles, a rolling current of subtextual meaning-making dug into the very DNA of this website. “Perfection in a coffee cup” has become a common parlance around Sprudge offices, and the music video shows up regularly in our communications as a reminder that it exists, it’s real, and it’s fabulous. We *love* Coffee Dream, wholeheartedly and unironically. It is among the very best coffee songs written in the 21st century, and arguably belongs on the Mount Rushmore of greatest coffee songs in human history.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to give it a listen—run, don’t walk. Push the play button below.
Our fandom and delight reaches its apogee today, as we’ve been given the distinct honor of speaking to singer-songwriter Andriana Gnap 15 years after the song’s initial release. In that time, Gnap has stayed busy as a singer-songwriter, performing on the East Coast and releasing songs along the way. These days, Gnap is teaching English as a Second Language and honoring her Ukrainian heritage by performing and recording traditional Ukrainian folk music. “I enjoy recording my own arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs, which I grew up singing with my family,” Gnap tells Sprudge. “One way of maintaining Ukraine’s identity is by keeping its language and traditional music alive. I often incorporate English verses in my videos and live performances so the lyrics are accessible to a broader audience,” Gnap tells us. “Since the devastating war began in Ukraine, I’ve been doing benefit concerts for people that have lost their homes and family members.”
We wanted to learn more about her recent work and reflect on the single that caught our attention fifteen years ago. It was our honor and privilege to sit down digitally with Andriana Gnap for this exclusive interview.
Hey Andriana! We are so excited to talk with you. Could you tell us your inspiration for the song “Coffee Dream”?
I had just moved from LA to a small New England town. I missed stepping out of my apartment to an outdoor cafe. My husband said, “Since you love coffee so much, why don’t you write a song about it?”
How long did it take to write, compose, and produce?
All together, about a week. I recorded the vocals and keyboard at home and had the tracks mixed in a studio.
Have you ever considered releasing it on streaming platforms?
This interview inspired me to finally do that! So thank you for your interest in the song. It will be on Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, and other platforms very soon. Just search for my artist name Andriana and the title “Coffee Dream.”
Can you tell us about filming the music video? What was that process like? Are you still in touch with the others in the music video?
We had a great time filming the music video in different locations. I don’t have a big crew or fancy equipment. I do my own editing and sometimes my own filming. I plan scenes ahead of time, but the location usually inspires more ideas in the moment. I’m still in touch with my friends in the video—it would be fun to meet up for a morning brew and create an updated version.
Do you still start your day with a caffe au lait?
Absolutely! I drink decaf, but it still gets my day going.
Will there ever be a follow-up to Coffee Dream?
In 2021, to celebrate International Coffee Day, I made a version of the video that included original footage mixed with some new photos of coffee lovers in various places. I’ve always envisioned a video with people around the globe enjoying coffee‚ at a local gathering spot, on a break from all kinds of occupations, outdoors in various environments. It would be nice to make a new video every few years.
Tell us about the music you’re working on now!
Although I was born in the U.S., I’ve always had a strong connection to my Ukrainian heritage. I enjoy recording my own arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs, which I grew up singing with my family. One way of maintaining Ukraine’s identity is by keeping its language and traditional music alive. I often incorporate English verses in my videos and live performances so the lyrics are accessible to a broader audience.
Since the devastating war began in Ukraine, I’ve been doing benefit concerts for people that have lost their homes and family members. I wrote a song called “Stand With Ukraine” and created a video to promote awareness and fundraising. I also teach English as a Second Language, and during the holiday season, two of my students from Ukraine joined me in a bilingual music video that included prayers of peace for Ukraine and the world. This was especially meaningful to me and my viewers.
Do you have any performances coming up or new releases coming out in 2023?
Yes! I believe music can inspire hope and healing, so I’m working on releasing a few original songs in English that have a positive message, similar to my single “Thank You For This Day.”
I perform Ukrainian music in a style that resembles American folk/country music. When I sing in English, I like to include cover tunes by artists such as Sarah McLaughlin and Allison Kraus. I’m also part of a family vocal Trio called Heavenstar. We perform in intimate listening spaces and larger venues, such as the outdoor Ukrainian Festival that fills the Bloor West village of Toronto, Canada September 15-17.
On August 17 at 7:00PM (EST) we’ll be in Sandwich, NH with the phenomenal International String Trio of Boston (fiddle, guitar, bass). You can watch the show online. Livestream tickets are $10. This unique venue is called Club Sandwich, and it’s owned by Broadway/film actor John Davidson, also the former host of Hollywood Squares.
For more info about my music and upcoming shows, please visit my website.
Thank you!
Thank you to Sprudge.com for featuring my work and for bringing awareness to the war in Ukraine.
Listen to Andriana on Spotify, and check out the latest on Andriana’s official website.
