We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Drew Stevens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Drew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Being an Independent Artist in any space is taking Massive risk. You bet on yourself 24/7. Not only as an artist, but as a content creator/digital marketer/advertiser/promoter/web designer. The list goes on and on. Social media has certainly removed certain gatekeepers from the equation but the flip side of that is the expectation that all the aforementioned skill sets be handled in house. Ultimately this is a win if you’re dedicated to the pursuit. I can meet and work with the world through social media platforms and the saying “your network is your net worth” is an undeniable fact in my line of work.
Drew, 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’ll set aside the more subjective parts of what I do and focus on the vocal production element. It’s a newer facet of my work that I have entered into through the quality of my vocal lines and arrangement choices in my own music. An artist may not hear what I hear melodically or harmonically and call me into help strengthen that area of a production. I lead by listening and offering ideas without any expectation they’ll be used. I simply offer sonic options for the artist to capitalize on or not. Not every part of every song’s melody needs a 4 part harmony. I’m here to hear ideas, bring them to the table, help execute them, and ultimately support the best ideas rising to the top. Whether or not any of my ideas are used isn’t up to me. It’s up to the artist. To hear what I do vocally, both as a lead singer and BGV(background vocalist) go stream my most recent releases!
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Social media and digital streaming platforms are amazing for finding and listening to new music. However, If an artist really speaks to you, head to their website and add your email to their contact list so you find out when they’re playing a show close to you. Buy concert tickets. Buy merchandise. Join their patreon. Independent artists can’t sustain themselves on streams alone, and if you want them to keep creating, this is the best way to insure that happens.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
All of it. I adore catching a vibe in the studio and having it come to life. I relish in helping someone else across that same finish line. I love collaborating with other artists. I live to perform my songs live. You either live and breathe this world or it won’t work out. It’s a battle everyday but it’s also more rewarding than I can put into words.
Contact Info:
- Website: Iamdrewstevens.com
- Instagram: @Iamdrewstevens
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063255067098&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: YouTube.com/stevensdwa
- Other: TikTok @iamdrewstevens
Image Credits
All “headshot” photographs taken/edited by Jay Begay. B reel/action shots by Kathryn Metsker. Show Poster designed by JoeyNE