Drew Elliott
Before writing this article, I studied Drew Elliott’s music on Spotify and I wish I had discovered him before, but it’s never too late, right? :) One of my favorite things about his music is his productions. They’re modern, nostalgic, and refreshing at the same time. His visuals are also incredible so that’s a big win. His new single “CANYOUFEELIT” is out now and it is an anthem. I already imagine this live in front of a huge crowd - that would be crazy, right? Insane production, insane vocals, amazing guitars, brilliant melodies and a massive hook. “CANYOUFEELIT” is a huge record.
The Nashville-based artist will be releasing his debut album Slow Devotion on October 29th. You can pre-order the album here.
“CANYOUFEELIT” is now available worldwide :)
Photo credit: Destiny Keller
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Drew, I’m an indie/alternative recording artist based in Nashville, TN. I moved here from Pittsburgh, PA where I grew up to attend college. After graduating in 2018, I decided to work as a guitarist for various artists around town both in studio and live shows. It was shortly thereafter I decided to dive headfirst into being a recording artist of my own design.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to what my parents had playing through the speakers in the house, which was mostly 80s music. Anywhere from Prince and Hall & Oates to Journey & Def Leppard, it was mostly upbeat, rock n roll music from that decade. However, it was my brother giving me the AC/DC record High Voltage that inspired me to beg my parents for a guitar and some lessons. I learned that album front to back as soon as my fingers would let me.
When did you start making music?
I originally started writing songs in high school with a close friend who shared the same passion as I did. I went to a large public high school that centered mostly on sports, so it was very much a “teach yourself” situation with the two of us. We attempted to figure out how to record ourselves and worked our way through figuring out how to write songs. Those were interesting times where everything seemed out of reach creatively yet finding a good reverb for a vocal track was enough to celebrate. I took a break from writing in college when I caught myself mimicking others just to try and release something. It was very inauthentic and felt like a game of “catch-up” with social media, so I put down the pen and stuck to what I knew most, which was the guitar. I performed around town for country, pop, & indie artists. It wasn’t until after graduation I decided to give it a try, which ultimately led to what is now the From Bonfires EP.
At what point did you realize you were good at what you were doing?
Through most of the creation of From Bonfires, I would say I was very insecure in my writing, vocals, and live performance. If I’ve learned anything about this art so far, it would be that in every session, every performance, and every recording that there are lessons to be learned. And to approach those lessons with excitement & curiosity. So to bend this question a bit, I guess the moment I realized my insecurities were falsely manifested was when I opened up for the duo Tall Heights at the High Watt in Nashville, TN. They were a band I’ve listened to for years, so to open their show and have their fans embrace me the way they did was a moment of confidence in communicating this art that I’ve been struggling to be appreciative of due to so many insecurities and fear.
When did you decide to become an artist and release your original music?
It was during the making of From Bonfires when Jason Wozniak and I finished writing the song “A World, Stood Still” that I realized this artistry could be something worth pursuing. I could honestly give credit to that whole process of making that record with Jason. I felt like this record was something that could be of service to its listeners, and if that’s a service I can provide then there’s no reason to not pursue it.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My Mom. She’s always been the biggest supporter. In a tough love way though, I don’t think she’s ever falsified her opinion of a song or a performance or an interview (Hi Mom). She’s been the first to say “Vocals don’t sound good here, try again” as well as “This is your best song yet”.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
That in pursuing music, you’ll accidentally find some of the most interesting, loving people in the world to create with & discover a community that gives you more reason to get out of bed every morning. I tried going at it alone in my home studio once and I thank the universe daily that I had the guts to reach out to creative strangers for advice & collaboration.
"CANYOUFEELIT" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
CANYOUFEELIT was written in one day, unexpectedly, in the studio with Jason Wozniak. We were writing an “instrumental interlude” that I wanted in the record when all of a sudden this song exploded out of it. To me, CANYOUFEELIT is a song that summarizes that feeling when you’ve had enough of your insecurities, fears, doubts. Lyrics like “To hell with inner peace, a way to blame it on tomorrow” highlight that idea of pushing off your problems to tomorrow for a moment of inner peace today. That’s a dangerous cycle, and one I’ve been in time and time again. That chorus felt like such a release during recording that day that we actually kept the demo vocals for the masters. The vocal in the chorus you hear in the recording was the first time I sang that melody/lyric into the mic.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
CANYOUFEELIT was co-written and produced by Jason Wozniak. Besides drums & percussion, Jason and I perform every instrument in his home studio. Depending on the vibe and who gets hit by inspiration first usually determines who’s playing what, and in most cases for this record Jason found himself with the bass and I found myself with the guitars. It’s a very collaborative process.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
There’s this moment after verse 2 where I screamed as high and loud as I could. I just remember the feel of the release it gave me. Like this weighted blanket of anger and stress has been lifted. It’s a moment I can’t wait to replicate live.
What made you want to release "CANYOUFEELIT" as a single?
The energy & passion that was captured in the recording still shines through to me after hearing it 100+ times, so if a song holds up after that many listens I consider it single worthy. It also gets to the chorus fairly quickly.
What can you tell us about your upcoming album?
My debut album Slow Devotion comes out October 29th. I can confidently say I’ve never been more proud of something and that I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. It will include every single since “August Sun” was released back in November 2020, totaling 11 songs.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part for me has been the business side of things. I disagree with a lot of ways the industry is going about promoting & exploiting art/artists, so it’s been difficult to find ways to be authentic & passive in marketing while also trying to fight through so much noise. On the other side of things, this new-ish model of the industry is what has allowed me to be an unsigned artist who releases and records albums in a bedroom for thousands of people to hear. And that’s always the best part. Seeing fans get something out of a new song or hearing that a song has helped someone along the way. It’s a feeling I relate so closely to.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
If I could change anything, it would be for the model to be more geared towards making quality records instead of the quantity of content. Especially with TikTok as of late, there’s been a “spray and pray” mentality of posting content on an app to help you “break” as an artist. And don’t get me wrong, there are some accounts that post incredible content that many fans enjoy watching and even look forward to. But I’d be lying if I haven’t seen marketing companies, labels, and more in this industry pushing and pressuring artists to quite literally beg for fans on this app. It’s disheartening to watch. Let the music allow the fans to decide if they want to follow or not. I’ve never followed an artist because they posted videos asking me to. It’s always been the music first.
What advice would you give to artists?
Collaborate. Find your team and build your community from the ground up. There are so many producers, instrumentalists, managers & more that are new in this industry and hungry to build. Find those who bring the best out of you and your art!
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