Having already spent the last few years delivering a wealth of warm and inviting releases, US singer-songwriter Drew A. Will returns once again to deliver his mesmerising new single 'Rainbows Coalesce'.
Lifted from his newly released EP '12/12', which is available to stream now, 'Rainbows Coalesce' makes for a beautifully rich and tender listen. With his spellbinding vocals spread across a vibrant folk-pop production throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more alluring names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano and acoustic guitar both captivated me equally at an early age.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I became very obsessed with Bob Dylan at a young age, starting maybe around 5th or 6th grade. I also listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young from my parents’ small vinyl/CD collection.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember cherishing the much overlooked Dylan 1973 self-titled collection of covers. It was the only Dylan vinyl in my parents’ collection that I inherited. It holds a special place in my heart and is such a warm and unique Dylan LP.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
So many, but Here Comes The River by Patrick Watson is a masterpiece and was on super heavy rotation last year.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I wish I did! I tend to have the opposite mindset when writing and try to never rely on the same workflow/methods twice. When I at least aim to keep my approach fresh and hold onto a beginner’s mindset, usually more exciting sounds take shape.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
There are so many incredible artists, past and present. Some that I always find myself returning to are Justin Vernon, Blake Mills, John Martyn, Fleet Foxes, Adrianne Lenker, Nick Murphy, Hiss Golden Messenger, Paul Spring, Amen Dunes, Randy Newman, Louis Armstrong, Ry Cooder, Karen Dalton, Dijon, Matt Corby, Nick Hakim, Mk.gee, and, of course, Bob Dylan.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Bon Iver.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Music can be so powerfully therapeutic. It can transform pain and struggle into lasting records of beauty. It can heal and save.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Trying to make any living from music or pursuing only capitalistic goals with it. The state of the music industry is comically bleak right now. It’s the Wild West. So, unless your heart and soul are fully invested in it for other reasons, it’s probably best you take up a different path.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Just that every single project you touch is a major learning opportunity and you can choose to take those lessons with you and improve on the next thing. There is no failure if you follow your truth, keep an open mind/heart, and trust your creative instincts. Also, don't take it all too seriously.
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Drew A. Will's new single 'Rainbows Coalesce' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.