NO. 20 — NEW BEGINNINGS
Meet Drew Macdonald: the Los Angeles based music artist popularly known as Drumaq, and the cover star of our January issue: New Beginnings. You may know him from his singles, "Neverland", "Baby Blue", and "Peach Arizona", or recognized his face from his previous YouTube videos. Today, we had the opportunity to talk to Drew about his new beginnings--in singing, songwriting, and finding his passion in making music. Read our interview with Drew to learn more about his upcoming album, inspirations in the music industry, and the reason why he's an artist to watch (and listen to) in 2017.
HI DREW, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TALK TO US HERE AT MAD SOUNDS! TO START OFF, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE DAY IN THE LIFE FOR @DRUMAQ?
song is an anthem to celebrate escaping that.
I’m a singer/songwriter and student so the majority of my days are spent writing songs or writing essays. But, when I’m not working I usually spend my time eating sushi with my friends, dancing in our living room or playing with Dexter (our dog). I love that little guy.
I don’t think there really was an exact time when I discovered my love for music. It’s always been instilled in me and kinda just felt right, even from a young age. I’ve always been relatively shy growing up but performing was the one space that allowed me to open up and really be myself. I think that feeling is how you know you love something. It’s special and I can’t even really put my love for it into words.
YOU’RE CURRENTLY BASED IN LOS ANGELES. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT L.A.? ANY FAVORITE SPOTS? My favorite thing about in LA is definitely the sunsets, and my favorite spot would probably be my roof. I try to take that time for myself everyday and just sit up there as the sky changes colors. It’s like my special little place that no one else can get too. YOU’RE A SINGER/SONGWRITER WHO HAS JUST COME OUT WITH A NEW SINGLE, “NEVERLAND”. WHAT INSPIRED THE MESSAGE BEHIND THE SONG? Neverland is about escaping the bullshit. I’ve always walked a thin line between reality and fantasy and wanted to share that part of me with my audience. I think it’s easy as a teenager or young adult to get caught up in so many things and this
HOW DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR SINGING AND SONGWRITING?
CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR PROCESS FOR WRITING MUSIC AND FULLY CREATING A SONG? WHAT ARE THE MOST CHALLENGING PARTS? I like to write in my bedroom cause thats where I’m most comfortable. Lately I’ve been going to sessions where I write in studios, but my favorite songs are always written on my bedroom floor with my keyboard. I usually just light a few candles, practice a new chord progression and then the melodies and lyrics follow. I think the hardest part of writing my own music is finding inspiration. You can’t just write about something that you aren’t feeling. Because of that, I only write when I really have something to say.
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