Brooklyn-based producer and artist DrewsThatDude has spent years developing an impressive creative résumé. A Berklee-trained, two-time Grammy-nominated producer, his credits stretch from Lil Wayne and Mac Miller to EARTHGANG, Jeezy and T-Pain, while his own catalogue has accumulated more than 20 million streams.
His latest single ‘Greed’ brings that production experience into a particularly vibrant world. Blending R&B, electronic music and late-70s and early-80s disco-funk, the track builds from a driving groove into an increasingly cinematic arrangement of strings, synths and wah-wah guitars.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I played was piano. I started when I was 5. But bass guitar was the one I really fell in love with. I picked it up at 13 and it stuck with me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A lot of hip hop and rock. My grandparents also put me on to a lot of soul and R&B from the 70s and 80s, and I was really into that too.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Harlem World by Mase. I think I got it at Barnes & Noble, haha.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
"Jumper" by Third Eye Blind. There's so much feeling in it, it still hits every time.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I really like to take in other art mediums that fit the theme of whatever project I'm making, like films, anime, and books. I usually end up binging whatever I feel lines up with where the project is going.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to a lot of Herbie Hancock, Thundercat and Yuji Ohno. On the newer side I like kwn, Cortex and REMI.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Gorillaz. Artistically, I feel like it would be a really cool visual and musical experience. They mix music and visuals better than almost anyone.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to put what's on your mind and heart into something you can always listen back to. And being able to connect with people all over the world through it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The business side, and people not keeping their word.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
”Practice like you play." Whatever energy you want to bring on stage or in the session, bring it to practice too.
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DrewsThatDude's new single 'Greed' is out now. Check it out in the player below.