Music

Rock'n Out & Doin' Good

The band isn't a side project, it's the same conversation as the books and the podcasts, set to music.

For more than twenty years, Andy has fronted The Remainders, a La Crosse, Wisconsin rock band built on a simple idea — spread joy through music, and do good for the community while you're at it. They've opened for Styx, Foreigner, Heart, the Steve Miller Band, Chicago, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and REO Speedwagon, and raised money for philanthropic organizations along the way.

The original songs are a father-son project — Andy writes them, his son and business partner Nick produces, engineers, and masters, and the band makes each one its own. The same partnership that's behind everything else here. And the songs carry the same ideas as the books and the podcasts: reflection, authenticity, and the grace Andy asks others to extend — to themselves as much as to anyone else. "I'm Free," "New Man," "Feel Something New," "That White Line," and "Consumed" are where that thread runs closest to the surface.

What started in 1984 as a cassette-tape love letter to his future wife, Linda, has turned into a catalog — most of it, one way or another, still about her.

Listen on Spotify →

SINGLES

More Than Enough

2026 · Out June 19, 2026
Listen on Spotify

More Than Enough is an open apology letter from Andy to his late sister-in-law Brenda, who died of cancer in 2017. In the early 2000s, Andy, his wife Linda, and Brenda all worked at Kaplan Professional in La Crosse. Andy and Linda were entering what they now call the "great struggles" — a period that culminated in their divorce in early 2005. In a board room meeting, Andy learned of a work-related error involving Brenda and, in a fit of frustration, called her a "bonehead" in front of the senior executives present. Word spread quickly. Feelings were hurt. Relationships were damaged. Words cut deep and take up residence in our minds. Andy apologized, but the relationship was never the same, and time to heal was cut short by her passing. Brenda was a beautiful human. This is not a story unique to Andy, Linda, and Brenda — most of us carry regret for things we've said and done, and most of us will recognize ourselves somewhere in this ballad.

My ego was weak, I thought I was strong I had no intention of doing you wrong I said unkind words, to make me look tall They had consequences, and made you feel… Run aground, let you down, got carried away What goes around comes around, I've got to say… I'm sorry that I made you feel Less than, not enough, unworthy and dumb I should have built you up, shut my mouth And showed you some love But now you're an angel and I don't know how To let you know you were everything And more than enough My mem'ries grow weak, and years carry on I shoulder the burden, that I know I was wrong I should have made you feel safe, and helped you feel tall But I was pretentious, so petty and… Blown around, dragged you down, got carried away What goes around comes around, I've got to say… I'm sorry that I made you feel Less than, not enough, unworthy and dumb I should have built you up, shut my mouth And showed you some love But now you're an angel and I don't know how To let you know you were everything And more than enough Solo — whoa, whoa I should have lifted you high, and rooted you on But I was too selfish, so lofty and… Run aground, let you down, got carried away What goes around comes around, I've got to say… I'm sorry that I made you feel Less than, not enough, unworthy and dumb I should have built you up, shut my mouth And showed you some love But now you're an angel and I don't know how To let you know you were everything And more than enough To let you know you were everything And more than enough

Words: Andy Temte · Music: Andy & Nick Temte · Produced by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (lead vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), Steven Duff (piano), John Nielsen (lead guitar), Greg Balfany (flute), Karen Quinn (stand-up bass), Michelle Lee Elliott (violin), Amy Hatlevig (violin), Busya Lugovier (viola), Alex Fowler (cello). Live recording production assistance by Interstate Sound, LLC.

Paradise

2026
Listen on Spotify

Paradise was conceived on Andy's John Deere 1025R tractor while he was mowing the walking paths on his property on June 1st, 2025. As he drove past the wild blackberries in bloom, a spark of inspiration hit and the first lyrics and melody just flowed out. The Temte home sits on 40 acres overlooking the Upper Mississippi River Valley in western Wisconsin, so the turkey, butterflies, wildflowers, blackberries, and coyote in the tune are all native to the property. The "red sun hangin' in the sky" is real too — Canadian wildfire haze had been omnipresent for days. Andy and Linda were married in the spring of 1986, both 22 at the time — hence the dreams of growing old together and the paradise they would share. Mature love? Well, it ROCKS.

The blackberries are in bloom I'm on my tractor, it's the 1st of June I'm ridin' high from the afternoon Of tracin' lines on your body, serenity surrounds me The wild flowers are my muse Turkey's struttin' tryna spread the news That when I'm with you baby I can't lose We're stronger together, two birds of a feather Is this the paradise I dreamt when we were twenty-two? Is this the place I'll settle down and spend forever with you? Or is my paradise, just bein' with you? A red sun is hangin' in the sky A smoky haze is burnin' in my eyes My pretty butterfly goes dancin' by, She grounds my perspective, guides my direction Is this the paradise I dreamt when we were twenty-two? Is this the place I'll settle down and spend forever with you? Or is my paradise, just bein' with you? A coyote's howlin' at the moon We're windin' down on the 1st of June Still feel my buzz from the afternoon Memorizin' your body, serenity surrounds me Is this the paradise I dreamt when we were twenty-two? Is this the place I'll settle down and spend forever with you? Or is my paradise, or is my paradise, just bein' with you?

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar), Steven Duff (piano).

Destiny

2025
Listen on Spotify

Destiny is a song about mature love and the benefits of noticing and embracing the little, sometimes quirky things that keep a relationship fresh and alive. In Andy's words: "Destiny is a modern take on 'let me count the ways I love thee,' with each verse highlighting a small but endearing behavior of my wife and beloved partner of over 40 years. A lifelong love won't get stale if we embrace the little things that make our partners shine."

I love the way that you move, that insatiable groove, Everything about it. I love the way that you torment me, With every whirl of your hips. I love you, and the incredible view, I'm tuned in to you. I'm right where I'm supposed to be, this dance is destiny! I love the song that you sing, it turns winter to spring, Don't want to live without it. I love the way that you call my name, So alive in your grip. I love you, and the narrator too, I'm dialed in to you. I'm right where I'm supposed to be, this dance is destiny! I love the touch of your hand, the door to fantasyland, As I drift off to sleep. I love the way that you haunt my dreams, You're my insomniac! I love you, and the way that you move, I'm tied in to you. I'm right where I'm supposed to be, our dance is destiny!

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced by Nick Temte. A dynamic rock tune that blends gritty electric guitars and driving bass with sweeping synths and backing vocals.

THE DEBUT ALBUM

Feel Something New

2024 · 9 tracks

The Remainders’ first record of original music — a father-son project, written over forty years and recorded in one.

Feel Something New

Listen on Spotify

In the fall of 1984, Andy knew there was more to life than the grind of touring small bars in the upper Midwest. The dream of "making it big" was fading as he succumbed to the stereotypical foils of touring musicians. Feel Something New tells the story of his realization that there was another path to walk, and his search for mentors, meaning, and light. Little did he know that within weeks he would experience the love collision with his future wife, Linda.

Part of the thread that runs through the books →
Hey! Do you know? Hey! Which way the wind is blowin' Hey! Where ya' going? Can I ride along with you, to see a dream come true? I've wandered and floundered like a vagabond at night I've cheated, mistreated, the good things in this life I am searching for answers, so I can get it right I yearn to awaken, from darkness into light From darkness into light… Hey! Do you know? Hey! Which way the wind is blowin' Hey! Where ya' going? Can I ride along with you, to feel something new? I'm stained by the blood on my pillow from the snow I'm filled with distraction, that deprives me of my glow I am ready to rise from the ashes of my lows I seek out life's allies, to help me learn and grow To help me give and grow… Hey! Do you know? Hey! Which way the wind is blowin' Hey! Where ya' going? Can I ride along with you, to see a dream come true?

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar). The album's title track.

Consumed

Listen on Spotify

Consumed is a story of finding balance between the needs of the self and the desire to please others. We can get trapped in the belief that we're not living up to others' expectations and end up living lives that aren't authentic to us. "Consumed" is the metaphor — we can be consumed by the needs and desires of others, swallowed by the world. We ignore our authentic selves at our own peril.

Part of the thread that runs through the books →
The end of the day and you've satisfied, everyone but you The world's insatiable appetite, keep taking bites out of you And now you're consumed… You always say that you're paralyzed, no one can make you move Paving the way to your paradise, but you have to push through And now you're consumed, so much to lose… Yeah! Do you really want to stay here? Do you really want to go there? Do you really understand what's behind, your eyes? Could you stop the people pleasin' Show them how you're really feeling? It doesn't make it easy, to hide, in disguise! Just break away from the paradigm, I believe in you Push them away and reclaim your time, make the world work for you And now you're consumed, nothing to lose Keep driving through, focus on you…

Words: Nick & Andy Temte · Music: Nick Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys, guitars), John Nielsen (lead guitar). The one song on the record Nick wrote.

Thinking of You

Listen on Spotify

The first rendition of Thinking of You was written in the weeks following Andy's "love collision" in late November 1984 with the woman he would marry — Linda Jean Humm (now Temte). The first recording was vocals and acoustic guitar laid straight onto a cassette tape — a love letter to Linda — while Andy was fulfilling his obligations to his then-current traveling cover band, Cry Wolf. He was head over heels for Linda in 1984 and remains in that state today.

When I'm thinking of you it always makes me feel so brand new And when you take me into your arms and hold me tight, you don't know what you do You can take me around the world and back in a single rendezvous And when I'm out on the road and I'm feeling so cold, you know that I'm missing you The way that I feel about you, with words it can't be described But I want you to know that I love you so, and to you, I will never let go… I know by that lovin' look in your eye that you'll never let me down And when we're out on the town the world keeps goin' round, but to us, the time stands still And when we're apart the feeling I have in my heart, it keeps me strong When I'm out on the road and I'm feeling so cold, in my dreams all I see is you The way that I feel about you, with words it can't be described But I want you to know that I love you so, and to you, I will never let go… You can take me around the world and back in a single rendezvous And when I'm out on the road and I'm feeling so cold, you know that I'm missing you The way that I feel about you, with words it can't be described But I want you to know that I love you so, and to you, I will never let go…

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar), Steve Duff (keys), Ed Overholt (bass), Josh Shively (drums), with a cameo by Greg Balfany (flute).

Hitchin' a Ride

Listen on Spotify

Hitchin' a Ride is a whimsical story about the first time Andy and his future wife Linda locked eyes in a hallway at a barrel party, before their love collision in November 1984 — those first sparks of electricity around a gloriously stereotypical meet-cute. After they got together, it was blindingly obvious that even the tests of time and Andy's missteps couldn't permanently separate them.

I caught your eye and it wasn't just a glance, Brushed by your body and I knew we had to dance, I felt our hearts beat together. We were so young but we had to take this chance, Our love would be more than a passing circumstance, I felt our hearts beat together. Now I'm hitchin' a ride to spend my days and nights with you Hitchin' a ride with you Now I'm hitchin' a ride to make my way through life with you Hitchin' a ride with you That lightning strike left a fire that can't go out, A feeling in me that there wouldn't be a doubt, I feel our hearts beat together. Magnetic poles built to bind us from the start, The tests of time won't be breaking us apart, We feel our hearts beat together. Now I'm hitchin' a ride to spend my days and nights with you Hitchin' a ride with you Now I'm hitchin' a ride to make my way through life with you Hitchin' a ride with you I caught your eye and it wasn't just a glance, Brushed by your body and I knew we had to dance, I felt our hearts beat together. Now I'm hitchin' a ride to spend my days and nights with you Hitchin' a ride with you Now I'm hitchin' a ride to make my way through life with you Hitchin' a ride with you

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar), Greg Balfany (saxophone).

That White Line

Listen on Spotify

That White Line refers to the solid white line on the side of a country road in western Wisconsin that Andy rides his bicycle along to exercise and clear his mind. As a former CEO, Andy spent years on the "freeway" of business leadership, responsible for the livelihoods and well-being of his colleagues. Many mistakes were made along the way, and a long bicycle ride was often what he needed to remind himself of what's truly important.

Part of the thread that runs through the books →
Ridin' on that white line, Thinkin' back to another place and time, It gets me high. Turnin' off the freeway, to a road where I'll take my own sweet time, It gets me by. There's no better way to see what's true, To feel the dreams I share with you, To hear my heart beat like it's new. Ridin' on that white line, Thinkin' 'bout the mistakes I know are mine, It grounds my mind. Spent too long on the freeway, Chasin' dreams and schemes that turned my eye, I was blind. Ridin' gives me space to see what's true, To heal the pain that we've been through, To give my whole self back to you. Cruisin' by the park where we made love, I feel I'm 21 again, Takin' in the bluest skies above. Ridin' on that white line, Thinkin' back to another place and time, It gets me high. Turnin' off the freeway, to a road where I'll take my own sweet time, It gets me by.

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andrew Temte (vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar), Nicholas Temte (percussion, bass), John Nielsen (lead guitar), Steve Duff (keyboards).

New Man

Listen on Spotify

New Man is Andy's journey of chasing the American dream and economic opportunity. Early in life he poured the vast majority of his energy into building a successful career at the expense of family and relationships. The message: the rat race can become all-consuming, and making time for family and gratitude can make all the difference. Perspective matters. This is the song that lives inside The Modern Golden Rule.

This one lives inside The Modern Golden Rule →
When I was a young man, the hills were callin' and I had to keep climbin' When I was a young man, the mountains were steep but I had to keep grindin' When I was a young man, the merry-go-round made it oh so hard to... Make the time, I've got to, read the signs... Take the time, wake my mind, to feel gratitude today When I was a young man, the road was long and I had to keep pushin' When I was a young man, the path grew dark and I lost my direction When I was a young man, it all went wrong and I couldn't slow down to… Make the time, I've got to, read the signs... Take the time, wake my mind, to feel gratitude today Now I am a new man, I know the road is long and I've gotta keep ridin' But I am a new man, I'll find the peace of mind and the space in my heart to… Make the time, I've got to, read the signs... Take the time, wake my mind, to feel gratitude today

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar).

I'm Free

Listen on Spotify

I'm Free is a driving rock tune that promotes individual agency and sends a message of light, hope, and love that cuts through the haze of an angry, cynical, hyper-partisan world.

Part of the thread that runs through the books →
Anger, and fear they misguide us, drive away all the pain, the grievance that brings us down Suspicion, and doubt they will bleed us, make your way through the haze, a clear path to show the way Now go, let's go, clear the way, take flight today Now go, and grow, shed the veil, and fly away I'm free, I'm me, they won't bring me down I'm free, I'm me, they won't bring us down Compassion, and trust they escape us, open ears open eyes, let the mind see a better place Patience, and grace they elude us, let the heart fill with love, let your eyes see the light of day Now go, let's go, feel the strength, and soar today. Now go, and grow, love's a gift, it takes you away. I'm free, I'm me, they won't bring me down I'm free, I'm me, they can't bring us down Now go, let's go, clear the way, take flight today. Now go, and grow, love's a gift, it takes you away. I'm free, I'm me, they won't bring me down I'm free, I'm me, they can't bring us down

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (guitar), Steve Duff (keys), Ed Overholt (bass), Josh Shively (drums).

Rekindled

Listen on Spotify

Rekindled speaks to divorce, rediscovery, and reunion with Linda during their "great struggles" in the early 2000s. Years of singular focus on business and economic success blinded Andy to what matters most — family, and being a net giver. Andy and Linda are happily remarried, and their love for each other burns brightly today.

I dunno what I'm feeling inside I'm lost and I'm out of my mind Now that I wander loose, I am bound by the blues, no escape — so confined I am strong, yet I'm weak I am vain, I am meek, who am I? I am caught in the trance Of our broken romance, clear my eyes! The dreams of this tormented man Were lost, then returned once again The immortal nights, taught me I need to lay by your side — for all time I am strong, but still weak Resolute, incomplete, is this mine? I am caught in the trance Of rekindled romance, is it time? Now I know how I'm feeling inside I'm found, but still out of my mind When I walk with you I'm released from my blues, overjoyed — satisfied! I'm assured, and upbeat I'm fulfilled and complete, this is mine! I am caught in the trance Of this burning romance, it's our time!

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar).

The Border

Listen on Spotify

The Border is a metaphor for the unseen but very real envelope between the initial joy and excitement of a new, budding relationship and deep, meaningful, lasting love.

Aw Honey you, you took me to the border Honey you, ya led me all the way You captured my heart with the spark of your smile I was imprisoned at once by the lust in your eye I could do nothing but think of you night and day And I dreamt that we'd be as one someday Aw Honey you, ya stood right on the border Honey you, you held my hand to stay We stood with wonder and gazed at a future so bright Amazed that fantasy turned reality that night I was entranced by every move that you made And I hoped that this moment in time would not fade And then… Just one step, one small step, one big step, that night… Honey you, you took me across the border Honey you, you've led me all the way I am trapped by our love, please don't set me free I am bound by our love's intensity I'm still "thinking of you" every night and day And I know that our flame burns true today Aw honey you…

Words & music: Andy Temte · Produced, engineered & mastered by Nick Temte; additional engineering by Michael Von Muchow. Performed by Andy Temte (vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar), Nick Temte (bass, drums, keys), John Nielsen (lead guitar).

Hear it for yourself.

New music lands on Spotify first. Some songs have videos on YouTube, not all of them, yet.