We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Drey Skonie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Drey below.

Drey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.

Back in 2007, I auditioned for Making The Band 4. For me, it was a chance to see if I have what it takes to compete in the industry. I quit my job to go to the auditions because they wouldn’t give me the day off. My daughter’s mom, at that time, told me if I leave don’t come back.

but I believe in myself so much, I took the risk. And I really haven’t stopped taking them. They are a tad more calculated and less spontaneous. But even now, I don’t work a weekly scheduled Job to have time for music. I have to hustle up money for my real life in order to maintain my music life. If I were to quit music, I’m sure I’d be living way more comfortably, taking vacations and stuff. But I choose to wait til I’m where I want to be musically.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Drey got his start in the music industry/reality TV on MTV’s “Making The Band 4”. After he became a member of a Chicago-based group called Kwiet Storm. They signed with Usher’s mom, Jonetta Patton on Jpat Records during that time. He received artist development and vocal training with Aj Alexander and his team as well as Jan Smith or ” Momma Jan”.
​
He’s been completing his 10,000 hours and has been releasing music throughout this time. In 2014 he released his first EP. Executive produced by one of my mentors, & mega-producer Prolyfic. Also received his first placement with another one of my mentors the infamous producer, Soundtrakk. Song on Maybach Music’s Selfmade 3 -Stalley “Paris” (Feat Omarion & Rockie Fresh). Drey has released approximately 111 songs, 80 of those being features.

2022 He received his first sync placement song entitled “All Of Us/Memphis” on Queen Latifah’s film “End Of The Road” airing on Netflix.
In the past few years, Drey has been shaking up the Detroit Music Scene making the industry take notice. In 2023 Drey Skonie won “Artist Of The Year” at Motown Museum’s Hitsville Next Amplify Sound Of Detroit singing competition, with his soulful version of Miracles’ “Ooo Baby Baby”.
Drey is lead singer in a band called, Skonie and The kLOUDS who were also crowned winners of Masterpiece Sound Studios’ Cover Song Contest in honor of the late, legendary Motown songwriter and producer Sylvia Moy with their captivating rendition of Moy’s classic Stevie Wonder Motown hit, “I Was Made To Love Her”.
During the competition, Drey met Jackie Wilson’s daughter Brenda Wilson, who was a judge for the competition. Brenda then knew from Drey’s showmanship, that she wanted Drey to play her Dad. Fast forward Drey now plays Jackie Wilson in a TV series entitled “Higher And Higher” coming soon. He’s appeared on stages from The D to Los Angeles rocking crowds with his multifaceted soul, funk, and techno sound.
​

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes! I chose to go to school to get my bachelor’s in Audio. At that time I chose to pivot to school because I felt like I needed something to show for my music career.

Another way I made a pivot was by changing my style to more vintage. The main reason why was first, being from Detroit, I felt like it was an essence we have that’s not captured often. Especially with the newer generations. I also wanted to separate myself from the majority of RnB singers all looking and sounding the same. And I went back home with it.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

I like things I can physically touch. I’m not sold on NFT’s yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dreyskonie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreyskonie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drey.skonie
• Twitter: https://x.com/Dreyskonie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DreySkonie
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dreyskonie

Image Credits

@therealjimel

@apollyon23

@studiomustache

@latoyacolts