Neon Owl Interview with talented DJ Producer D.R.U.

I wanted to feature D.R.U. because although he was someone that took a little bit of time for me to get to know, he grew on me just as his music did. He has truly been discovering his sound, as I have become a much bigger fan of his recent tracks that have released, along with those that are to release soon. Andrew has a special talent of being able in blend genres and making them work. Through his tracks, you’ll hear melodies of classical music mixed with dubstep, and the occasional hip hip. Make sure you check out his recent guestmix on Neon Owl Radio along with his new EP!

Positive focus. Something you are grateful for or excited about?

I am grateful for each and every day that I get to make music. This past year I was lucky enough to work on many different songs for a rather diverse group of artists. I am really excited to see how their releases turn out. A great part about producing or engineering is getting to see artists develop, many of whom become longtime friends.

Take us back to the moment you first started making music.

I have had many different phases of making music, and it all began long long ago. I started with piano then gravitated towards guitar. Guitar led me many places but ultimately to joining bands. I formed my own band, Pivotal Motion, which was reggae/blues influenced. The lineup changed for many years, and ultimately ended up with Counterpoint Culture. My band days provided my introduction into the world of recording, ultimately how I ended up living the studio life.

You have a super unique sound. I hear dubstep mixed with classical, and even a bit of rock elements in your latest tracks. Tell us about how you cultivated your sound and how you would describe it to others.

With my electronic music, I have always been focused on making my own stuff and sticking to my own path. The heavier spectrum of dance music- dubstep, drum n bass, trap, etc- was my inspiration for even getting into making my own. I had always been into rock n roll and making that kind of music. When I first discovered bass music, I heard so much rock n roll. I went to Hard DOTD in 2012 (i think?), and saw Justice for the first and only time. I was having a great time, and I had this moment of realization that what I loved about Rock n Roll could easily be translated into the electronic medium. As I developed my production chops, I got my B.F.A. in music- specifically classical composition. Classical music has always fascinated me, and that fascination peaked in college. I remember hearing Bach’s Brandenberg Concerto, and thinking that it sounded like Metallica unplugged. The solo section, in guitar player terminology, is complete shredding. Anyway, I have been into classical music ever since. I think that the technology and versatility of VST’s (digital instruments), allows me to reference certain classical music elements. Also, I should mention that hearing the black magic EP from Kill the Noise ( with the epic choir intro ), also made me more curious about blending the two worlds.

I know that you’re involved with music in multiple ways. Outside of your own production and DJing, can you tell us a little bit more about what you do?

I run a recording and production studio out of San Diego. We record many different artists, and specialize in vocals, guitars, and production. In addition to recording and mixing, I provide production and song-writing help to many of my clients. On a lot of projects I also arrange the music for different accompanying instruments. Because recording can be expensive, especially for someone who wants to record and or hire a whole band, virtual instruments provide them with a sound they would have trouble affording elsewhere. On my own I obviously write the electronic stuff as D.R.U., but I also write a lot of “cue music” for a few different libraries. “Cue Music” is used in media (tv, film, ads). Most of the time these are custom productions created based on the music supervisors requests. As far as DJing, I have sort of put that on the back burner. For me, the only reason I want to DJ is because it is a platform for me to play/perform my own music. For various reasons, the club world isn’t conducive to that, unless you are a headliner.

What’s been the most difficult thing about being a producer and a DJ?

The hardest thing about being a producer, in the context of working with artists, is the personal nature of it all. Everyone is different, and figuring them out first is the trick to everything. For instance, how they like to record, what their influences are, where their music lives, etc. As far as DJing, I think the hardest part is getting the right shows. The shows that are attainable many times aren’t the right setting to debut your music. For those reasons I chose to focus more on my own music and production. I still would love to play more shows, its just about using my releases to get the right ones.

What inspires you to continue to make music?

For me, I don’t feel like I have a choice. A long time ago, I just learned that this is who I am, and making music is what I do. I am, and always will be, inspired by the magic of music. I just want to keep exploring that magic and pushing the envelope.

How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music or go experience your sets at events?

I want to take people on an unexpected journey. I want to give people something different and real to grab onto. There are so many people out there making and developing brands that they see as “what the scene wants”. For me I could care less, I just want to be true to myself, and if I can find people the music helps or who enjoy it- then its a home run.

Your music is being featured in a BIG commercial. Tell us about how that came about. Would you say that has been one of the highlights in your career so far?

I wish I could talk more about it. If it happens, its sure to be a big thing for me. Most of my licensing and the placements of my music have been a result of face to face networking and a little luck.

Favorite track you’ve produced so far and why?

To this day it still has to be “Sway” feat. Stevie Harris. Stevie is a local legend to me, and working with him was definitely a milestone for me. Its no wonder he’s a legend too, because the session was probably the smoothest and shortest I have ever had. He literally just free-styled over the song 5 times and we were done. The talent and artistry of someone like that is truly magical to watch. After I had the vocals, the rest of the tune came about with ease.

What kind of music do you listen to outside of dance? Favorite track of all time?

I listen to all sorts of stuff. I really am just obsessed with everything music. I listen to my favorites (mostly rock stuff and some hip hop), as well as experimental stuff, and a lot of undiscovered new music. There will always be something special about the songs I heard before I understood music. When you listen just as a fan, its a different sort of experience. For me, “Over the Hills and Far Away” by Led Zeppelin, is my all time favorite. It really was the tune that launched me onto the path that I’m on, and I have found it so therapeutic in challenging times. That recording never ceases to amaze me!

Who are some artists in the industry you feel is doing some cool stuff right now? Ones to watch for?

To me, everyone who is looking beyond cdjs or typical dj sets are the exciting ones. Lido is amazing, as well as Disclosure or Black Tiger Sex Machine. For me I love seeing or hearing something different, and the live element has always been magical to me. I enjoy a good DJ set, but there is something magical about live musicians. Youngr is someone who definitely is pushing the envelop of a live performance.

One word to describe yourself.

Tenacious

At Neon Owl, we are all about connecting fans and artists to be able to give back to the world. Is there a specific charity or cause out there that you are passionate about or feel that people should pay more attention to?

I am very passionate about cancer research and patient care. I lost my Dad to pancreatic cancer almost 4 years ago, and ever since we have remained in touch with his doctors. My Dad was in the Rotary Club, as well as a passionate cyclist, so we started a bike ride fundraiser. The Rotary Club, along with many different members of the community, help to throw an awesome day of bike riding and fundraising. All of the proceeds go to benefit Moores’ Cancer Center (USCD), where my father was treated. So far they have been able to help fund research headed by my Dad’s former oncologist, Dr. Tony Reid.

What’s in store for DRU in the near future?

I have some cool collaborations in the works, as well as some official remixes. The next remix is out Aug 26, and is my take on a single, “Rumors”, by Honey Ribar. I am also actively working to develop my live show rig, something I hope that will allow me to not only arrange on the fly, but to improvise.