Recently, Drew Thomas released his latest single All My Friends, which had its first radio play on BBC Introducing, and he will be releasing further songs in the lead-up to his EP release early next year. Since releasing his first solo single Soho in 2019 and having his first solo show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Drew toured his headline shows this year, including a London date in February. Previously, Drew has been a member of bands, and supported artists such as Kaiser Chiefs, and last year, Drew was a contestant on The Voice UK. We found out from Drew about his recent release All My Friends, touring his headline shows and his upcoming music.
Can you tell us about your recent release All My Friends and who do you think the single will appeal to?
All My Friends is a song about watching your mates settle down but feeling a bit left out of the social normalities of life. I’ve been playing it at some of my latest shows and it’s been a huge live favourite for a while so I’m buzzing to finally have it out in the world! This song will appeal to anyone who feels the pressure of settling down before they feel ready but also anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who feels like they don’t fit in. It took me years to accept who I was as a person and come to terms with my sexuality so I hope it means something to people in the same situation.
Where did you get the inspiration from for it and how has it been seeing the response to the release?
The response has been really overwhelming and great. I was actually very nervous about releasing it and telling a wider audience my thought process behind the release so knowing it’s resonated in the right way is amazing. I can’t wait to play it to bigger and bigger audiences live.
How long was the single in the making and how was it hearing the song’s first radio play on BBC Introducing?
Most of my songs begin as very simple ideas. All My Friends especially began as a short melody idea and I thought “Wow, I really can’t release a song that says this…” but soon enough, I was in the studio screaming the lyrics into a studio microphone and the song is now out!
BBC Introducing have always been so wonderful in supporting my artistry so I can’t thank them enough for getting involved with this one as much as they already have.
What is your songwriting process and how rewarding is it seeing a song come together?
All songs begin on a guitar or piano in my room. Usually, if a song takes too long to form and I know the vibe isn’t there, I get a gut feeling it isn’t right and try to move on. The most rewarding part is taking a song to the studio and hearing all the parts I’ve written come to life though – I’ve always been adamant in co-producing most of the songs I write and All My Friends was such a quick process, writing it feels like a blur.
Having released music for a number of years, how has your music changed over time and do you remember how you felt releasing your debut solo music?
Growing up and throughout my teenage years, I’d ALWAYS been in bands. I loved the camaraderie of working with other passionate people, so going solo was terrifying to say the least. My first official single Soho came out in late 2019 and ever since, it’s felt more and more natural with each release. I’ve definitely found my sound with my latest songs and I can’t wait to show the world what’s coming next.
Having previously been a band member, how different do you find releasing your own music and do you have any favourite memories from your time in a band?
When I was in bands, I loved having a very collaborative environment and wanted everyone involved to feel like they were a part of something, however, when I went solo, I was my own boss and I realised I didn’t have to rely on anyone except myself. There are definitely pros and cons but generally I can be quite impatient and urgent when it comes to decision-making, so only needing my own approval works quite well.
My favourite memory of being in a band was probably playing Reading and Leeds. Nothing compares to playing a festival like that – NOTHING.
What do you enjoy most about touring with your headline shows and interacting with the audience?
The thing that has blown my mind the most with the shows I’ve played this year is seeing how much people are connecting with these songs I’ve written. Every time I play songs like Trying to Be You, Soho and Lying on the Concrete live, the whole crowd seems to sing – it’s such a mad feeling to know my music connects with people so much!
How do you find the experience performing at music festivals and supporting artists such as Kaiser Chiefs?
Support shows are always nerve-racking because you never know how the main artist’s fans will respond to your set. Luckily, I must have said all the right things because I got them all singing and dancing quite early on!
Last year, you were a contestant on The Voice UK, how was this?
Being a contestant on The Voice UK was definitely a mixed experience. I was approached to join the program during lockdown and learned a lot about singing and how talent shows worked. If I’m totally honest, there were aspects of the program that I didn’t enjoy – some of which I still haven’t fully spoken about, but realistically, it’s a television show created to attract viewers and to ultimately make money so I try not to think about it too much in depth.
Where does your love of music come from and had you always wanted to be a music artist?
My mum was a huge music fan when she was growing up so that love was definitely passed on to me during my younger years. She’s probably the reason I have such a love for bands like T. Rex, Fleetwood Mac and ELO. I remember writing songs since I was about 13 years old and once I had realised that you could actually be a songwriter or an artist full time, I’m pretty sure it’s all I wanted to do.
What are some of your stand-out highlights from your music career so far?
My favourite moment was hearing my London crowd all sing along every word to me at my headline show in February but my stand-out highlight was playing my first solo show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire. It was such a crazy venue to play at such an early stage of my solo career and I won’t ever forget it!
Have you been given any advice over your career that has stuck with you and what advice would you give a music artist starting out?
‘Keep writing’ has always been a phrase that I’ve heard on occasions throughout the years I’ve been an artist. I used to resent it because I felt like it meant my songs weren’t good enough, but recently I just see it as more of a challenge to continue writing the best songs I possibly can.
Who are some of your favourite musicians to listen to and do you have a favourite genre of music?
My favourite bands and artists, in no favourite order, are probably: The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, The Maine and Bon Iver. I do, however, love putting my headphones in and getting lost in nu-metal and rock albums. To me, music is all about expression and if it can help you express yourself too, its job is done!
How do you like to spend your time away from the music industry?
Unfortunately, I have a very addictive personality so having any hobby or interest outside of music feels a bit impossible. I do have a partner that I tend to travel around the world with on occasions and a great circle of friends. It’s always worth having some form of escape, even if it’s just a physical one.
What upcoming plans and releases do you have that you can tell us about and what are you hoping the upcoming year brings for your career?
I’m releasing my next EP at the start of next year so I’ll be releasing songs from it very soon – I promise. I’ve set myself a five-year plan to sell out a UK worldwide tour of some of my biggest, favourite venues – so I better get started on making sure that happens!
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