Q: I love the upbeat feel of “On and On!” It also has such a nostalgic old-school rock vibe to it that I haven’t heard in ages! What was your favorite part in creating this track?
DREW WILSON: I wanted it to sound like music I enjoy listening to and be something that no-one else is doing. I grew up in the 80’s so it reflects the records my older brothers and I listened to during that time. I really love the little extra “behind the scenes” things too that Craig Ross (Producer/Engineer) added to give the track moments of interest and intrigue. Having Steve Brewster (drums) and Mark Hill (bass) play on the record too is a thrill. They are two highly sort after Nashville session musicians and definitely bought an added quality to the song. This is the first single off my new album “Happy Mess “(October 28) and is a great reflection of what’s to come. I’m very excited about the record and the reception this first single has received (including commercial airplay and syncing opportunities).
Q: I read that in 2013 you took a break from writing & releasing music. What has that almost decade-long break done for your creativity?
DREW WILSON: I focused on living and raising a family so that gives some added perspective and moments to creating. I never stopped jotting ideas down and recording demos but I got to do it for myself, not for someone else which was a relief and gave me the space to explore my sound and the stories I wanted to tell.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve received about the music industry?
DREW WILSON: I think early on I was trying to write songs that I thought others wanted to hear and I was holding on too tightly to creative control. I was given advice to just get back to basics and write songs I wanted to listen to. This time around I have let go of some of the reigns and I have an amazing team behind me helping me to just focus on the songs. The proof is in the pudding.
Q: Listening to “On and On” instantly put me in a good mood! Is that what you are hoping for from this track? What do you hope listeners take from “On and On”?
DREW WILSON: Spot on. It’s an open love letter to my wife and I hope the listener can take the messages and make a link to their life and special loved one.
Q: If you could collaborate with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
DREW WILSON: That’s a real tough one and I don’t think I could nail it down to just one. I’d love to sit in a room with Paul and John (Beatles) and just see what happens. I’d love to sit with Tom Petty and see him turn 3 chords into something special. Bruce Springsteen would be great to learn from and John Mayer during his Continuum phase was at the top of his game.
Q: I’m interested in your musical journey! Do you remember who or what first made you fall in love with music?
DREW WILSON: I learnt the violin early on and was just immersed in Music. My brothers listened to a lot of different records and I enjoyed listening to songs with headphones and trying to identify all the different instruments and harmonies and parts that made the songs what they were. My appreciation just grew from there and I picked up a guitar and I’ve never looked back.
Q: In your own words, how would you describe the music that you typically create?
DREW WILSON: It’s music I like to listen to. My current Publicist has coined it modern yacht rock.
Q: What would you like to tell your fans who have waited for a comeback all these years?
DREW WILSON: It will be worth the wait!
Q: Obviously you have a lot of fun stuff coming up for you! Tell everyone what’s next for you (new music, shows, etc.)
DREW WILSON: Single 2 “Break from everything” comes out on August 19 with an accompanying film clip and the Album “Happy Mess” drops on October 28. There will be a string of shows associated with both so keep an eye out on the socials etc.
Interviewed by Melissa Cusano
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