DREW'S CASTLE

A STORY OF DETERMINATION

Written & Interviewed By: Jewels Alexandria

(6 Minute Read)

It gives me chills knowing Drew Castle will go beyond our wildest imagination. Drew’s enthusiastic approach to music is instantly charged once he begins to talk. He does not talk at you he talks with you, a perfect recipe for conversation. His passion and devotion for the art form goes beyond the chords, the lyrics, and the people. It’s in his blood. And as the interview progressed this passion poured out of him like a stream of notes. Starting at the young age of three he received his first drum set. One of his first memories for music. He also displays great gratitude to gospel artist, Tonex (pronounced Toné) who inspired him at the age of eleven to sing. Drew’s Castle is a tower of music with each brick bringing him closer to the top. Each layer, a story of determination. And each crack, a discovery of himself or challenges he has overcome. “It wasn’t until I was eleven or twelve that I started to understand this feeling that I would have when I listened to music versus doing anything else.” And he took that understanding and built his own castle.

Seventeen years later, that castle continues to grow. Drew has just completed a twenty-four-city tour with Dreamville MC, Bas with help from Ron Gilmore. A tour that allowed him to see other sides of touring and even learn more about himself. “It pushed me as musician and song writer that I did know it was going to push me.” Being surrounded by genuine people can bring out the best in us. And the according to Drew, the Dreamville crew “are some of the most genuine people I have ever met in my life. A brotherhood.” And he wants to ensure people understand his authenticity when speaking highly of the people who have placed another brick in the tower. “I don’t think people understand how musical these dudes are.” Drew gives thanks to the team for teaching him a deeper appreciation for music. However, there are some setbacks to touring. Like set up from city to city and most importantly, pooping. “We got a rule we don’t take #2 on the bus.” So, each person had to wait until the next city to go. I can understand that.

Bas is not his first go around with touring. When Drew decided to pack his things and head for Nashville in 2015, it was to collaborate with Florida Georgia Line. A country music group that had been admiring his work and wanted the Cleveland native to join their team. It was what he called, “a blessing in disguise.” Touring with FGL, gave him insight of the tour life. “It is a lifestyle. It taught me to be patient and how to work with other people.” Three weeks after moving to Nashville, he would hit the road and begin his new journey. It was also with them that he completed his first EP, Remember My name. A project he feels was “a different vision from what the label (Tree Vodge Music) wanted than I had for myself.” Remember My Name- EP, is no longer found on streaming platforms. For reasons he does not understand. But he also sees that as a blessing because the music did not represent him in the way he thought was best for him. With plans to release music his way this year he finally can display himself, independently, how he wants the world to see him. “A song writer, artist and musician.”

Just this year Drew received his first Gold record for the song, Slow by R&B sensation Tank featuring J. Valentine. A record that was written through facetime with friends/writers AJ The Voice and Will. “I did not expect it to go gold.” He laughs at the thought of saying what so many writers before him have said about not expecting their song to reach such levels. None-the-less, Castle has stamped his name is the writer’s room and it is just a matter of time before his skills are called upon for another hit. He has also written commercial jingles amongst other things.

One of the most beautiful things I have taken with me from my time with Drew is his outlook on life. His love and passion for God and family, I feel, is the foundation for his castle. “I have allowed Him (God) to navigate my career/life.” Something he believes strongly is the reason he has come as far as he has and will go. But he understands he must put the work in to achieve all his goals but careful to not overdo it. “I used to force myself to write. Grind is not running yourself into the dirt.” He now writes as it comes or knows he cannot lock himself in a closet to make magic happen. The support from his family is something that drives him to tread on and he firm believer in family orientation.

There is more to him than music. He enjoys basketball to stay in shape and sometimes just relaxing at home with friends playing games is all he needs to end his day. Can't forget Chris Brown who Drew is a huge fan of and would love to check out his list of people to work with.

Drew is not done. His castle is still growing, and he will continue to use all the gifts God has given him to reach the sky.

JULY 14, 2024