Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Drew Keys. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Drew thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I initially developed my passion and foundational skills in music through a combination of self-teaching, hands-on experience, and formal education. In high school, my mom got me started with piano lessons with the intention of playing at our church. Although I didn’t start playing for the church right away, I quickly joined a GoGo band in my neighborhood and have been playing for bands ever since. Additionally, in high school, I took a music production class, which piqued my interest in producing music and introduced me to the technical aspects of the craft. While I continued to immerse myself in the local music scene, collaborate with other musicians, and practice and experiment with different techniques, the music production class sparked my curiosity and laid the groundwork for my journey in music production. Over the years, I’ve also taken advantage of workshops, online courses, and mentorship opportunities to further refine my skills and knowledge.

Drew, 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?

I’m Drew Keys, a Wammie-nominated musician and producer based in the Washington DC area, specializing in GoGo music. My journey into the music industry began in high school when my mom introduced me to piano lessons with the goal of playing at our church. Although I didn’t start playing for the church right away, I quickly found my passion for music by joining a GoGo band in my neighborhood. This early exposure to music sparked my interest in producing and led me to take a music production class in high school, further fueling my desire to pursue a career in music.

Over the past 19 years, I’ve honed my skills and built a diverse portfolio as a musician, producer, and influencer of DMV GoGo culture. I’ve had the privilege of performing locally with renowned bands and artists such as UCB, TCB, Wale, Ari Lennox, Noochie, and Alex Vaughn, among others.

What type of products/services/creative works I provide:
I provide live piano performances, including solo acts for all occasions such as parties, weddings, church, and funerals. Additionally, I DJ at these same types of events and perform with GoGo bands as a keyboardist. As a versatile musician and educator, I offer piano and music production lessons to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians. Furthermore, I produce instrumentals for recording artists, podcasts, and soundtracks. My studio services include recording vocals as an engineer, as well as mixing and mastering tracks to perfection.

My music production spans across various genres, including R&B, Hip Hop, Reggae, and Afrobeats, with notable industry collaborations such as Kodak Black’s song “Gleerious” from the Happy Birthday Kodak EP.

As a musician and producer, I aim to create captivating and authentic music that resonates with audiences and captures the essence of DMV GoGo culture. My mission is to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, collaborating with talented artists, and preserving and elevating the rich heritage of GoGo music.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unique blend of traditional GoGo music influences with contemporary sounds and styles. I pride myself on my versatility, adaptability, and commitment to excellence in every project I undertake.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made with fellow musicians, artists, and fans throughout my career and the impact my music has had on people’s lives. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that when they work with me or listen to my music, they’re experiencing a genuine reflection of my love for music, dedication to my craft, and commitment to creating memorable and meaningful experiences through music.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist transcends beyond the music itself; it’s the profound connection and emotional resonance I establish with those who engage with my work. Music has the power to evoke strong emotions, memories, and experiences, and knowing that my compositions can touch people’s lives in meaningful ways is incredibly fulfilling.

One of the highlights of my career is witnessing the creative responses from my audience. It’s exhilarating to see dancers and listeners from diverse backgrounds interpret and connect with my music, creating their own unique expressions through dance and video content. Seeing my songs inspire creativity and become a part of people’s personal stories and shared experiences on social media platforms is both humbling and inspiring.

Furthermore, knowing that my journey and music serve as sources of inspiration for other artists and musicians is deeply gratifying. Encouraging and motivating others to pursue their passions, stay committed to their craft, and explore their creative potential is a responsibility I cherish. Being a catalyst for creativity and contributing to the growth and development of the artistic community brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to my work.

Another rewarding aspect of my career is teaching piano and music production to kids. Sharing my knowledge, skills, and passion for music with the next generation and witnessing their growth, enthusiasm, and creativity is immensely rewarding. Knowing that I’m making a positive impact on their musical journey, fostering their love for music, and inspiring them to explore their creative potential brings me great joy and fulfillment.

Lastly, hearing my music played on the radio is a surreal and validating experience. It serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance required to succeed in the competitive music industry. Each radio play represents a milestone in my career and serves as a reminder of the impact and reach of my artistry, fueling my passion and motivation to continue creating and sharing my music with the world.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been an evolving journey filled with learning, experimentation, and adaptation. Years ago, I had a pivotal moment that significantly influenced my approach to social media. I had the opportunity to meet DJ Drama at a show with one of my bands at UMES, and when I asked him for advice as an up-and-coming producer, the only thing he said was “Social Media.” That simple yet impactful advice prompted me to take social media much more seriously and strategically.

I began intentionally recording myself playing piano, making beats, and finding creative ways to make and share content that resonated with my audience. By consistently posting and engaging with my followers, I was able to identify what content they enjoyed the most and reproduce this content to cater to their preferences. One of the turning points in growing my social media presence was when I made a GoGo remix of a popular TikTok challenge. The overwhelming response to my remix, including shares, new videos, and comments, validated the effectiveness of this approach and inspired me to continue creating content that tapped into current trends and popular dance challenges.

In addition to creating content based on trending topics and challenges, I actively engage with my followers by taking suggestions from them. Whether it’s using funny dance videos that they send me to add my music to or considering songs that they think I should remix, involving my audience in the creative process has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and collaboration on my social media platforms.

Consistency has also been key in building and maintaining my social media presence. I made a conscious decision to post at least once a day, sometimes as many as three times a day, to keep my audience engaged, informed, and entertained. This consistent presence has helped me stay connected with my followers, attract new followers, and build a loyal and supportive community around my music and creative works.

Advice for those just starting to build their social media presence:

Be Authentic: Authenticity resonates with audiences. Share your journey, passion, and personality genuinely and authentically to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Consistency is Key: Establish a consistent posting schedule and stick to it. Consistency helps build trust, keeps your audience engaged, and encourages them to interact with your content regularly.

Engage with Your Audience: Actively engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and involving them in your creative process. This fosters a sense of community and strengthens the connection between you and your audience.

Adapt and Evolve: Pay attention to what content resonates with your audience and be willing to adapt and evolve your content strategy based on their preferences and feedback.

Utilize Trends and Challenges: Keep an eye on current trends, challenges, and popular topics in your industry or niche. Incorporate these into your content creatively and authentically to tap into broader conversations and attract new followers.

By implementing these strategies and staying true to my passion for music and creativity, I’ve been able to build and grow my social media presence, connect with a wider audience, and create meaningful and memorable experiences for my followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: drewonthekeys.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/drewonthekeys
• Facebook: facebook.com/drew.keys.1
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andrewhillocks/
• Twitter: twitter.com/drewonthekeys
• Youtube: youtube.com/@drewonthekeys

Image Credits
Moments By Mango and Thriii Shots