SIMPLY SIX: Drew Schwartz

Drew is a singer/songwriter from California. 

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?

-I have always been a singer.  I wrote my first song in 3rd grade about the first girlfriend I ever had, Kate.  I was too young to know how to really play an instrument or notate the music, but I wrote the lyrics and had the melody and full arrangement playing in my head.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites? 

- I listen to just about everything.  I'm influenced by jazz greats like The Dave Brubeck Quartet, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, but I also listen to classic rock, indie-rock, DJs, blues, country....everything.  Right now my iPod has been on repeat with The Black Keys, Jay-Z, The Fugees, Sam Cooke, and Keb' Mo'.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

- The best moment for me has to be my EP release show back in my home town of Buffalo, NY this past September.  It was my first real show back home in about 4 years, and I tied it in to raise money for Brain Cancer Research at Buffalo's local cancer research/treatment center Roswell Park.  My Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and was forced to have 2 very dangerous brain tumor removal surgeries in the past 6 months.  It really hit home for me when I came out on stage and there were over 300 people cheering for me, and at the end of the night collectively we had raised over $20,000 for Roswell. 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

- I think music has the ability to influence the world, and influence lives, but to actually change things is up to the individual.  Music is a very powerful art form, and has the ability to touch people in a way no other form of communication can.  It crosses cultural barriers, political lines, religious views, racial divides, and ultimately brings a commonality to people that may feel they have nothing in common.  That is the true power of music.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

-Technology has always played a role in the way the music is treated as a product.  I have always supported the use of technology as a means of making music more accessible to the consumer.  We often get lost in the idea that music is a commodity, but it is so much more than that.  As an independent musician, technology has made life MUCH easier.  The recording process has become easier, cheaper, and more refined.  As an entrepreneur, sending emails and mp3's to radio, press, managers, agents, and record labels saves time and money.  As a consumer of music, technology has made music available to me that even 10 years ago, I would have never have even had the chance of being exposed to.

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

- I would be my black Reef flip-flops.  Although I'm a bit of a sneaker fanatic, I must admit the thought of being in flip-flops invokes thoughts of warmth, sunshine, beach, and comfort, and that's my favorite setting for life.