We recently connected with Andrew Harris and have shared our conversation below.
Andrew, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
One of my biggest issues with this career path was and is the lack of finding dedicated people to form a team with. This was unexpected in my eyes because I did and do my very best with helping every artist I come across with something.
From a young age I have always been known as a facilitator for the musical arts. I was the first person in my neighborhood that had recording equipment with a strong enough computer to process everything. I thought by being that guy everyone would naturally look to stick around and be apart of building something together.
Through the years I have been met with the complete opposite. Here in Charlotte and in other states I’ve been to. I have been treated as the help instead of someone that can lead. This is frustrating because I have the business acumen and the resources for a solid group of individuals to succeed.
Unfortunately, it seems in my craft, knowing a lot and having the ability to do it very well has been a detriment to me forming a team around me. It’s almost like people would rather want me to be weaker and weak minded because their egos won’t let them work for or with one of their peers.
I set out on this journey about 17 years ago, to date I have worked with over 500 musical artists that have either fallen off the face of the planet or chosen to try to do it themselves. While I have no problem with someone wanting to build something for themselves, it is very baffling to me that those same people wouldn’t want to team up and use each others momentum to excel us all.
At the moment I am sitting in my studio that is easily valued at over $10,000. I’ve always wanted to be a guiding light for myself and others. Showing the proper way of investing in yourself to prove to on lookers that what your doing isn’t just a hobby.
In this business, I am constantly hearing the phrase “If you want to go fast go alone, If you want to go far build a team” I want to go to the edge of the galaxy. I wanted to be able to share highs and lows with a team of people that I could call family.
This was unexpected because I thought by being a great solo artist, having knowledge and physical resources and being a genuine human being this would have been a no brainer. So these days Im just doing what I can as a one man army.
Andrew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello, I go by the name of Dru Billions Xtraordinaire. My friends call me Dru, Druski, Dru Billies, or whatever variation they come up with at the time, which I’ve grown to like because it makes it easier for me when I want to get creative in a new song. Ok cool, let’s get into this. I was born in Miami, FL. I am Jamaican/Haitian, and I spent a lot of my younger years in the Bahamas until we moved to Concord, NC.
My musical journey began at the age of 10, and as I entered my teenage years, I formed a high school group with classmates. When I went to college I studied Digital Audio Production. My passion for music was truly ignited during those times. Fueled by a relentless ambition, I established my first company over 10 years ago, A.P.E.Head Entertainment, standing for “Always Pursue Excellence.” Now rebranded as Uptown Inde, we maintain the same commitment to excellence.
Balancing my roles as a performer and the head of an entertainment company, I strive to provide family-friendly entertainment. To date, I’ve released 13 projects, ranging from mixtapes to albums. Drawing from my extensive experience, I’ve expanded my mission to uplift my peers in the independent artist community. Whether it’s imparting performance skills or sharing insights on business control and ownership, my aim is to empower fellow artists.
As an artist, authenticity is paramount to me. I aim to create an authentic sound, producing music that genuinely moves me as a person, rather than relying on gimmicks to achieve views. This commitment to genuine expression is what sets me apart from others in my field. Every musical encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow, and I approach it with passion, seeking to gain a tool from every experience.
One project I’m particularly proud of is my most recent album, “No Traffic.” It’s a wonderful body of work that spans from HIP-HOP to Reggae, with touches of Alternative R&B, showcasing the diversity of my musical influences.
Over the last two years, I’ve been actively involved in hosting and curating shows in the Charlotte area. By collaborating with various venues, I’ve organized Open Mics, Showcases, Rap Battles, and even a 20-artist festival, among other events. The experience gained from these endeavors has provided valuable insights and knowledge that I am now applying to my first upcoming tour, scheduled to kick off in the spring. This tour represents the next chapter in my journey, allowing me to bring my music and the vibrant independent artist community to new audiences across different cities.
The most important thing I want people to know about me and my musical quest is that I absolutely love what I do. I believe we all have something special inside of us that is yearning to break free. Despite life’s ups and downs, I’ve found solace and strength in my music, overcoming hardships. Through my lens, I invite you to take part in this journey. The motto for my company and my life encapsulates my ethos: Never Give Up. Never Lose Hope. Always Pursue Excellence.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve experienced homelessness, a consequence of my unyielding obsession with achieving goals that I couldn’t see my life without. I’ve invested no less than $80,000 in pursuing my dreams, often at the expense of life’s basic necessities.
These challenging times, however, became profound teachers, giving invaluable lessons about life and instilling discipline in me. During that period, I lacked a car and was unemployed, but I refused to let these circumstances impede my progress. I walked where I could and took the bus when possible, all while dedicating each day to honing and perfecting my craft.
In an ironic twist, it seemed as though the universe was signaling, “You’re talented, but you need to distance yourself from distractions and focus.” And focus I did! I traversed through that journey without letting adversity deter me, growing stronger with each step. It was a period of profound personal growth and resilience, where I learned to overcome obstacles and remain steadfast in my pursuit of artistic excellence.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As someone deeply entrenched in the musical arts, it’s disheartening to witness the misconception that creatives are merely chasing delusions or aspiring for fame. There’s a nuanced understanding that’s often overlooked – creatives, especially in music, have a profound need to create. It goes beyond the labels like “just another rapper” or assumptions about seeking fame.
For me, music is more than a passion; it’s a soul-empowering, scientific exploration. I delve into it on a profound level, even working with higher frequencies to enhance the positive vibrations that connect us. This isn’t a fleeting desire; it’s a deeply rooted commitment that transcends the pursuit of money. My journey into music was sparked by a genuine connection to its transformative power, a belief in its impact on all of us.
On the flip side, there’s a pressing need for better understanding in non-creative spaces, especially the workplace. Often, those immersed in creative careers face challenges when unable to express their creativity. From personal experience, some of my worst jobs were in environments where I couldn’t connect with people or engage in music. It underscores the importance of acknowledging the creative process and creating spaces that nurture rather than stifle it.
The societal tendency to belittle those who didn’t pursue their dreams further perpetuates this cycle. There’s a need for more empathy and grace, particularly from those in positions where creativity might not be a primary focus. Recognizing the intrinsic drive of creatives to create, and the potential toll of suppressing that creativity, is crucial for fostering a more supportive and understanding environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uptowninde.com
- Instagram: @drubillionsmusic
- Facebook: @drubillionsmusic
- Twitter: @drubillionsmus1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drubillionsmusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/drubillionsmusic
Image Credits
PoeticLee RF20xx Photography