Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dreux Gerard . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dreux, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I had an interest in drums and rhythm since I was very young. I started out like a lot of drummers, banging on pots and pans until one day my grandpa bought me my first proper set of drums. I pretty much taught myself how to play. I played every day, mainly to three records my parents bought me; Songs about Jane by Maroon 5, American Idiot by Green-day, and The Shrek 2 soundtrack. Believe it or not, the Shrek 2 soundtrack had so many bangers on it. Being self taught, I had to learn rudiments later in life from other drummer friends or the internet. I still continue that journey today of being the simple yet solid drummer I’d hope to be. I started Songwriting when I was around 14. Having not a ton of life experience, I wrote about my parents, my peers at school, and whatever I was learning in class. I think I even wrote a song about WWII haha. Just like with drums, I practiced guitar and bass and got good enough so I could produce melodies and get song ideas across to whatever band I was in at the time. It’s definitely been an on going journey of self connection. As the connection gets stronger, the lyrics get a little better, the chords get sharper, and the product as a whole gets more sophisticated. Songwriting is almost like a muscle that requires a workout.
Dreux, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I moved to New Orleans with my band at the time to pursue music. I involved myself into the community heavily; writing songs for people, playing drums/bass/guitar for others (live and in studio), hosting local showcases, anything to keep me busy but also helping the scene in any way I could. I still do all that stuff today. Artists are some of the best most real people in the world and I’ve felt this responsibility to keep them inspired and make them feel like their work doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s no secret that New Orleans doesn’t have the hugest industry as far as original music goes, but I’ve seen the scene grow so much in the past 10 years so I feel like someone’s got to stay on the pulse and create opportunities that weren’t there before, in whatever capacity. It’s been a tough challenge but I’m trying to put together a collective these days. I already host a yearly Showcase called “VIBEY FEST” at Siberia, but my goal is to do more showcases yearly, and create a YouTube channel that showcases singer/songwriters.
It’s a-lot of work, and meditation helps. Feeling like you’re being pulled in a lot of different directions can be insanely stressful, and at times it can feel like I’m doing this for nothing. Looking back on all of the opportunities I’ve had and continue to get just from pursuing what I care about is enough proof that my time isn’t actually wasted. I just try to remain grateful and do my best. No one’s making me do this but me, and I can stop at any point, but while I still have this passion within, I might as well go with it and respect it.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Go to shows! Share their music! Go up to them and tell them you appreciate what they’re doing. Artists aren’t just there for your entertainment. Artists are very emotional beings that work their butts off on the hope they’d make even just the slightest connection with someone who may be having a similar human experience. Money helps too haha, but Artists crave connection, so make them feel like they’re not alone or this world.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Developing a connection. This words is bonkers crazy and to find at least one person who you can share ideas with is really all it takes to feel like you can rule the world. Connection is happiness in my eyes. Make friends and laugh, everything else will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/DreuxGerard?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=1f9dff9a-8d4c-4fba-8a28-e847eb1a5a88
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreuxgerard/?hl=en