Getting To Know... Dreuw

Having remained largely silent since the latter half of 2018, Leeds-based singer and songwriter Andrew Burke aka Dreuw has now reintroduced himself to the world of music as he unveils his wonderfully uplifting new single 'Heavy'.

Taking on the bold and atmospheric feel of acts like Bon Iver, this bright and blissful new offering sees him return in stellar form. With its light yet captivating production, we hope that he never waits nearly two years to release a new song again.

So with the frontman back on the scene, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Towards my late teens, one of my friends gave me her family's nylon string guitar, as they were looking to make more space in their household and no one really played it. I wasn’t particularly musical at this point, but there was something peaceful and fulfilling in learning and playing that guitar. Ever since then I’ve always been a bit curious. My uncle has a never-ending book of guitars he’s previously owned, so could be a family trait.

What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?

When I look back on beginning to write music, it was very therapeutic for me and allowed me to address some demons I guess (don’t get me wrong, they still come around here and there). It certainly helped me stay true and honest as an artist. More so than often they all come from a subconscious place. Those experiences and thoughts seem to just pour out organically; very much a reflective process.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

So much different music was played at home, so there were all kinds of songs that I loved from the Motown era to the likes of Bowie and Coldplay growing up. But I think what most excited me was the prospect of going to my first Glastonbury back in 2010; where Two Door Cinema Club and Bombay Bicycle Club were on repeat beforehand. So that early Indie wave had me when I was in my late teens. Yet Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s Acoustic Stage performance and hearing Eva Cassidy in the kitchen has always stayed with me; which is not really a coincidence with the music I’m making now.

Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?

Matt Corby’s Live Triple J session with his track ‘Brother’. I was speechless. It really took me back watching that video on Youtube. It certainly showed me what emotion I could put into my songs and that it’s okay to let go.

When you wake up in the morning, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

To be honest, I listen to more music mainly on the move than first thing in the morning. Right now, there’s so many great albums and tracks I’m getting into during lockdown from Tom Misch to Laura Marling’s latest collections. Though these 3 tracks have been on repeat:

Dizzy - Sunflower
Will Killen - The Outside
Madeleine Mayi - Love Me

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Probably too many.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

As a massive fan of Glastonbury festival, being selected for their Talent Longlist back in 2017 was huge for me. But most recently I had the pleasure of supporting ‘Wildes’ for her London show in June 2019. She has a way captivating you with her tone, a phenomenal artist.

Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?

As a child football was my obsession. These days I’ll catch a game when I can, but I owe a lot to those times. I made so many friendships that I still have today, and some really great memories.

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

I actually have a Bachelor’s Honours degree in Sports Coaching. I’ve worked at a Football Academy, held a Performance Analysis position, and taught P.E at Primary and Secondary Schools. So I think a path away from music would be something along those lines.

And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to stay productive through the coronavirus lockdown?

Create what you love.

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Dreuw's new single 'Heavy' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.