Reviews

Jeremy Drury – Interview


Jeremy Drury – Interview

Interview with Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: What type of artist are you?

JD: I suppose technically, I’m a multi-instrumentalist singer / songwriter.  I sometimes battle with the term “artist”…, “entertainer” feels more apt.  That could just be the imposter syndrome talking, though.  I’ve still got a long way to go on my journey.

 

PD: Tell us the brief history of yourself.

JD: Drumming in and out of bands for over 20 years, music has always been the driving force in my life.  I’ve been a member of The Strumbellas since 2010, my experiences with the group have fulfilled many of my childhood dreams.  One of those dreams was to also record and release my own album, “Company Store” is that dream realized.

 

PD: Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

JD: My bio states my musical influences range from The Travelling Wilburys to Propagandhi and Fred Eaglesmith to Pink Floyd.  I can enjoy a playlist based on Sly and the Family Stone, then put on Pantera.  I’m not one to focus on one genre specifically, great songs can be found everywhere.  My non-musical influences would be those looking to break molds and challenge norms; George Carlin, Noam Chomsky, Bill and Melinda Gates.

 

PD: What are your dreams and goals?

JD: I’ve accomplished a lot of what I set out to do musically and professionally with The Strumbellas.  While I’d love to have similar experiences with my solo project, with many of those itches scratched already, I’m thinking a bit bigger.  I’d love to see myself push even harder to become a positive role model for anyone who cares to pay attention.  Being the change I want to see and encouraging others to do the same.

 

PD: Who writes your songs, what are they about?

JD: I write my songs, they tend to revolve around my own experiences, often reflections of relationships I have with people, systems or institutions.  They are often tied together by a theme of self-betterment.  

 

PD: How do you promote your band and shows?

JD: Well, the shows aren’t happening at the moment, so I’m trying to use social media to raise awareness of my project until I can get back on stage.  I’m a pretty firm believer that the live show is really where bands make those connections with audiences, so I’m hopeful the online campaign will draw enough interest to get people out to my performances.  Live music venues are my place of worship.  Nothing beats the feeling of a room full of people, all connected despite the differences we have.   

 

PD: What do you think about downloading music online?

JD: As a fan of music, having the world’s catalog at the tip of my fingers is such an amazing concept.  We’re truly fortunate to be able to share so much music without the physical or monetary barriers previously in place.  As a musician, the ability to have a global reach is such an amazing feeling.  Sure, it hasn’t been great for bottom lines, but that’s never really been a great motivator for me anyways.  Instead of thinking I’ve lost out on anything, or that my earning potential has diminished, I tend to be thankful that even more people than ever are able to share in the love of recorded music.  

 

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

JD: Sir Duke, by Stevie Wonder.  Right from the opening horn line, the track always puts a smile on my face.  Positive lyrics about the shared love of music, and one of the best uses of a toy whistle in recorded history, in my opinion.  Deee-Lite’s “Groove is in the Heart” gets a close second, though.

 

PD: What are some of your pet peeves?

JD: Drummers who can’t keep quiet between songs.  Guitarists who can’t keep quiet between songs.  Synth players who can’t play the opening riff of Van Halen’s “Jump”.

 

PD: What is your proudest moment in music?

JD: The Strumbellas earned a Juno Award (Canada’s Grammy’s) for our second full length.  Winning one of these was a goal I’d set myself at a very young age.  While it might have taken me 20 years to get to that point, it was a great reminder that my pursuit of my musical goals wasn’t just a fantasy.  Feeling like the industry was recognizing the hard work and dedication we put into the band and the recording gave me a sense of pride not only in myself, but in my bandmates as well.

 

PD: So what are you working on at the moment?

JD: Working on new material is always a constant, whether it be for myself or Strums.  I’ve been keeping quite busy working on promoting my record, “Company Store” and trying to spread the word.  I’ve pledged 100% of my first month’s proceeds to a handful of charities here in Canada, so I’m trying to encourage people to listen or purchase the record to generate some solid funds.

 

PD: What music have you available online and where can we buy it from?

JD: You can find “Company Store” on all your favourite retailers of digital music in Canada.  Bandcamp, SoundCloud, YouTube and through my website jeremydrury.com everywhere else.

Jeremy Drury links:
Band/Artist location – Hamilton Ontario Canada
Website – Facebook – You Tube – Soundcloud – Bandcamp –
Merch – 
Twitter – Instagram – Apple – Spotify – Deezer
Check our oage for Jeremy Drury


PETE'S ROCK NEWS AND VIEWS.COM